How to play multiplayer on Minecraft Java?

Playing multiplayer on Minecraft Java Edition allows you to connect with friends and other players across various server types, offering diverse experiences from collaborative building to competitive minigames.

There are several common methods to engage in multiplayer gameplay:

Common Ways to Play Multiplayer

Each method offers a unique way to connect, catering to different preferences and scenarios.

1. Connecting to Public Servers

Public servers are often hosted by communities or companies, offering a vast array of game modes, from survival and creative to intricate minigames and role-playing worlds. These servers are typically open to anyone.

Here's how to join one:

1. Launch Minecraft Java Edition and log in.
2. From the main menu, click the Multiplayer button.
3. Click Add Server to manually enter server details, or select from any existing servers listed.
4. In the "Server Address" field, enter the server's IP address or web address (e.g., play.examplemc.com). You can also give the server a name under "Server Name."
5. Click Done. The server will now appear in your multiplayer list.
6. Select the server and click Join Server, or double-click the server entry.

Tip: If you don't know a server's IP address, you can discover thousands of public servers by performing a web search for terms like "Minecraft Java public servers" or "best Minecraft servers Java" to find one that suits your preferred style of play.

2. Using Minecraft Realms

Minecraft Realms is an official, subscription-based service provided by Mojang that allows you to create your own private, persistent world that is always online for you and your friends. It's an excellent option for playing with a select group of friends without the need for complex server setup.

To access Realms:

1. From the main Minecraft menu, click Minecraft Realms.
2. From here, you can create a new Realm (if you have a subscription) or accept an invitation to join a friend's Realm.

3. Direct Connection to a Friend's Server

If a friend is hosting a private server directly from their computer, you can connect to it using their IP address. This method is suitable for playing with a small, trusted group.

Steps to connect directly:

1. Obtain the exact IP address of your friend's hosted server. If they are hosting from their home network, they might need to configure port forwarding on their router.
2. From the main Minecraft menu, click Multiplayer.
3. Click the Direct Connect button.
4. Enter the IP address provided by your friend into the "Server Address" field.
5. Click Join Server.

Note: For this to work, your friend's server must be actively running and accessible from the internet, which might require specific network configurations on their end.

4. Playing on a Local Area Network (LAN)

LAN play allows you to connect with other Minecraft players who are on the same physical local network (e.g., in the same house or office). This method is simple and doesn't require internet access for the connection itself.

For the Host:

1. Start a single-player world you wish to share.
2. Press the Escape (Esc) key to open the game menu.
3. Click Open to LAN.
4. Configure game mode, allow cheats, and other options if desired.
5. Click Start LAN World. A message will appear in your chat box, displaying the port number (e.g., "Local game hosted on port 12345").

For Players Joining the LAN Game:

1. From the main Minecraft menu, click Multiplayer.
2. The game will automatically scan for available LAN worlds. Your friend's hosted world should appear in the list with a name like "LAN World."
3. Select the discovered LAN world and click Join Server.

If the LAN world doesn't appear, you might need to use Direct Connect with the host's local IP address and the displayed port number (e.g., 192.168.1.100:12345).

For more detailed information on Minecraft multiplayer, you can visit the official Minecraft help page.