How to Play Minecraft with Friends from Afar

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by Clara Johnson
Updated: June 17, 2021
Originally Published: Feb. 25, 2021

Minecraft, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2021, remains one of the top games today. What’s the secret behind its enduring popularity? The reasons are numerous. Primarily, Minecraft is accessible and user-friendly, particularly in single-player mode. Even young children can navigate its vast world, construct their own shelters, and enjoy endless adventures. However, the game truly excels when shared with friends. This guide will help you connect with others in the Minecraft universe.

Its simplicity has made Minecraft a favorite among parents, allowing younger players to engage without worry, especially in single-player mode, which provides a safer experience. The game’s meteoric rise has led to an explosion of merchandise, evident in toy aisles everywhere. And you don’t have to be a child to appreciate it; many adults first encountered Minecraft through friends or family. Its availability across diverse platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and tablets, ensures that everyone can join in.

While kids revel in the building aspects of Minecraft, older players often seek out more complex challenges and social interactions. This is where multiplayer options come into play. In today’s world, finding ways to connect through online gaming is more important than ever. With limited opportunities for in-person gatherings, engaging in a Minecraft session or other multiplayer games can be vital for maintaining social bonds and boosting mental well-being. So, how can you play Minecraft with friends? It’s simpler than you might think.

Playing Minecraft with Friends Across Platforms

In the past, gamers on different platforms faced challenges connecting. Fortunately, advancements have made cross-platform play much easier. As long as you and your friends are on the same version of Minecraft (like Java or Bedrock), you can play together. Here’s how:

Confirm you’re using the same version of Minecraft.
Create or log into your Microsoft account.
Add your friends by requesting their gamer tags and sending them a friend invite.
Join their game by finding them in the “Joinable Cross-Platform Friends” section under the “Friends” tab. Remember, they need to be hosting the session for you to join.

Alternatively, you can initiate your own game session and invite friends. After starting a game, open the Start menu to access the invitation option. Depending on the permissions you set, your friends may only be able to view your world or have full building privileges, so choose wisely who you invite.

Exploring Realms

Another option for multiplayer is joining a Realm. Realms operate on dedicated servers that are always online, meaning your friends can join anytime, even if the original host is not present. Once you join a Realm, it will consistently show up in your “Joinable Realms” list, as long as it remains active.

You can invite friends, but note that there’s a limit of eleven active players.
When you invite someone, the Realm will also appear in their list for easy access.

If you’re feeling nostalgic, you could organize a LAN party, but that requires everyone to be physically present and connected to the same network. Given current circumstances, many prefer the convenience of socially distanced gaming.

Enabling Multiplayer

If you encounter issues with multiplayer, it could be due to settings. To enable multiplayer, launch Minecraft, select the “World” tab, and click on the world you want to edit. There, you’ll find a toggle to turn on multiplayer mode.

Tips for Enjoying Minecraft

To maximize your enjoyment of Minecraft, consider these tips:

Familiarize yourself with the controls to avoid frustrations during gameplay.
Gather essential resources like wood and stone to build a shelter for nighttime safety.
Keep your shelter illuminated with torches to deter enemies.
Exercise caution when digging to prevent falls into lava; use staircase mines for safer exploration.

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Summary

Playing Minecraft with friends from a distance has become increasingly accessible with cross-platform capabilities and the option of Realms. Whether you’re joining an existing game or creating your own session, the key is to ensure everyone is on the same version and has the right settings enabled. By staying connected through multiplayer gaming, you can maintain friendships and enjoy fun experiences together, even when separated by distance.

How to Play Minecraft with Friends from Afar