Minecraft Realms is a paid, private online server for a shared world. The owner invites players, and they can join the active world even when that owner is offline. Choose a Bedrock Realm for a Bedrock group or a Java Realm for a Java group; standard Realms does not connect the two editions.
What a Minecraft Realm does
A Realm gives a group a persistent place to play together without requiring the host to keep a local game or server running. Minecraft describes Realms as a subscription to a personal server for shared online worlds; its Realms page explains the current plans and features.
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The owner controls access by inviting players. Realms includes three stored world slots, but only one world is active and playable at a time. The owner can switch which world is active, and the service includes backups. [Minecraft Realms; Realms FAQ]
Java and Bedrock players need matching editions
Realms supports cross-play among supported devices within the same edition family, not between Java and Bedrock. A Java player cannot join a Bedrock Realm through standard Realms, and a Bedrock player cannot join a Java Realm. Bedrock Realms serves supported Bedrock devices; Java Realms is for Java Edition on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Confirm your edition before subscribing or sending invitations. Minecraft’s official Realms FAQ covers compatibility.
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Who pays, and how many can play?
The host pays for the Realm subscription. Invited friends do not need to buy their own Realms subscription to join, though the plan limits how many people can play simultaneously. The following recurring prices and capacities are those displayed on Minecraft’s US page when checked October 8, 2026; local storefront prices and purchase-platform terms may differ.
| Plan | Displayed US price | Simultaneous players | Edition and extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedrock Realms | $3.99/month | Owner plus 2 players | Bedrock; no Marketplace Pass catalog included |
| Bedrock Realms Plus | $7.99/month | Owner plus 10 players | Bedrock; includes the rotating Marketplace Pass content catalog |
| Java Realms | $7.99/month | Owner plus 10 players | Java Edition; no Marketplace Pass catalog included |
These figures and plan details are from the Minecraft US Realms page, checked October 8, 2026. Invitations are not the same as available player slots: the plan’s simultaneous-player limit determines how many can be in the Realm at once. Marketplace Pass titles rotate, so check the current catalog rather than assuming a particular item remains available.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happens if the subscription expires?
When a subscription expires, the Realm is no longer available for normal online play under that subscription. Minecraft says owners can download their worlds for up to 18 months after expiration. Download a copy if you want to keep playing or preserve a world locally; see the official Realms page for the stated download window.
What Realms does not include
- Java-to-Bedrock cross-play: players must use the same edition family.
- A subscription for every friend: invited players do not need their own Realms subscription, but the host’s plan limits simultaneous play.
- Every platform’s online multiplayer fee: console multiplayer may require a separate subscription from the console platform. Check the platform’s current rules; Minecraft notes this separately in its Realms FAQ.
Realms is a separate subscription add-on, not something included simply by owning Minecraft. Minecraft’s End User License Agreement describes Realms as its hosted online service for playing with others on dedicated servers.
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