Is a Minecraft Realm Worth It? A Deep Dive for 2024
So, you’re pondering the age-old question: Is a Minecraft Realm worth the investment? The short answer? It depends. A Minecraft Realm offers a simple, hassle-free way to play Minecraft with friends. However, it may not be for everyone. Let’s delve into the pros and cons, comparing it to other options like third-party servers, to help you make the right decision.
What is a Minecraft Realm, Exactly?
Think of a Minecraft Realm as your own private, always-online Minecraft world. Hosted directly by Mojang, the creators of Minecraft, a Realm offers a convenient way to play with a select group of friends and family. No need to worry about setting up a server, configuring ports, or dealing with complicated server software. You simply subscribe, invite your friends, and start building.
Minecraft Realms come in two flavors: Realms and Realms Plus. The basic Realms subscription allows for a smaller number of players (usually up to 2 or 10 depending on the version) and offers a vanilla Minecraft experience. Realms Plus, on the other hand, includes a catalog of additional content like skins, worlds, and resource packs, enhancing the customization possibilities.
The Allure of Convenience: Why Realms Shine
The biggest draw of Minecraft Realms is undoubtedly its convenience. Setting up a traditional Minecraft server can be a technical headache, requiring knowledge of server administration, port forwarding, and potentially even command-line interfaces. Realms eliminate all that.
- Simplified Setup: With Realms, everything is managed directly within the Minecraft client. No need to fiddle with external websites or server configurations.
- Always Online: Your Realm is accessible 24/7, even when you’re not playing. This means your friends can continue building and exploring without you needing to host the world.
- Official Support: Because Realms are hosted by Mojang, you can expect a stable and supported experience. Problems are usually addressed quickly, and the service is integrated seamlessly with the game.
The Price of Simplicity: Where Realms Fall Short
While convenience is king, Realms do have their limitations. The trade-off for ease of use is a reduction in control and customization.
- Limited Customization: Unlike third-party servers, Realms offer very limited modding support. You’re essentially stuck with the vanilla Minecraft experience, or the content offered within the Realms Plus subscription.
- Player Cap: The player limit, usually 2 or 10 depending on the subscription, can be restrictive for larger friend groups.
- Potential Lag: While generally stable, Realms can occasionally experience lag, particularly if the owner or nearby players have poor internet connections. The older articles often speak of this being a constant problem, and although it’s improved, it can still occur.
Realms vs. Third-Party Servers: A Head-to-Head
The ultimate decision often comes down to comparing Realms with third-party server hosting. Here’s a quick rundown:
| Feature | Minecraft Realms | Third-Party Servers |
|---|---|---|
| —————– | ——————————————————– | ————————————————————– |
| Setup | Extremely easy, managed within the game. | Requires technical knowledge and server configuration. |
| Customization | Limited to vanilla Minecraft or Realms Plus content. | Highly customizable, with extensive modding possibilities. |
| Player Limit | Limited (2 or 10 players, depending on subscription). | Can support a wide range of players, depending on the plan. |
| Cost | Fixed monthly subscription. | Varies widely depending on the provider and resources. |
| Control | Limited control over server settings. | Full control over server settings and configurations. |
| Stability | Generally stable, but can experience occasional lag. | Stability depends on the hosting provider and server resources. |
If you prioritize ease of use and playing vanilla Minecraft with a small group of friends, Realms is a great choice. However, if you crave customization, want to support a larger community, and are comfortable with server management, a third-party server offers more flexibility.
Who Are Realms Best Suited For?
Minecraft Realms are ideal for:
- Families: A safe and controlled environment for kids to play with friends and family.
- Small Groups: Perfect for close-knit groups of friends who enjoy playing together regularly.
- Beginners: An easy way to get started with online Minecraft without the technical complexities of server management.
- Players who prefer Vanilla Minecraft: If you’re happy with the core Minecraft experience and don’t need mods, Realms is a good fit.
Alternatives to Realms: Exploring Your Options
Don’t feel like Realms or dedicated third-party hosting is your fit? There are other options.
- LAN Worlds: The easiest method, you can open a single-player world to your local network so anyone on the same Wi-Fi can connect. This isn’t always a reliable or long-term solution.
- Free Server Hosting: Many providers offer free server hosting. However, free services usually come with limitations, such as limited resources, advertisements, and potential instability. It may be a good starting point to see if the complexities of server management are for you.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Ultimately, whether a Minecraft Realm is “worth it” depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value simplicity, convenience, and a safe, curated environment for playing with a small group of friends, then yes, a Realm can be a worthwhile investment. However, if you’re seeking extensive customization, modding capabilities, and the ability to host a larger community, a third-party server might be a better option. Consider your priorities, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the solution that best fits your Minecraft journey.
Don’t forget that organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to exploring the educational potential of games like Minecraft. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how gaming can be used for learning and development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does a Minecraft Realm cost?
A basic Minecraft Realms for Bedrock Edition costs $3.99/£3.29 a month and allows you to invite two more players to your private online world. The Realms Plus subscription is more expensive and includes access to a catalog of extra content. Realms: Java Edition subscription costs $7.99 USD per month. You may also purchase a 30-day Realm for $9.99 USD or a 90-day Realm for $26.99 USD; however, these are one-time charges.
2. Can I try Realms for free?
If you’ve never purchased Realms Plus before, you can usually start a free trial for Realms Plus for 30 days.
3. Do my friends need to pay to join my Realm?
No, your friends do not need a Realms Plus subscription to join your Realm. You can invite any friend to join your Realm for free.
4. Is a Minecraft Realm safe?
Minecraft Realms are considered safe because they are hosted and managed by Mojang. Only people you invite can join your world.
5. Can I use mods on a Minecraft Realm?
No, you cannot use mods on a standard Minecraft Realm. This is one of the main limitations compared to third-party servers.
6. What happens if I stop paying for my Realm?
You can export your maps at any time within an 18-month period after your subscription expires. After 18 months, your world is permanently deleted.
7. How many people can play on a Realm at once?
This depends on the Realm subscription. Some subscriptions allow for only 2 players plus the owner, while others allow for up to 10 players plus the owner.
8. Is Minecraft Realms available on both Java and Bedrock Editions?
Yes, Minecraft Realms are available for both Java and Bedrock Editions. However, the features and content may vary slightly between the two versions.
9. Are Minecraft Realms laggy?
While Realms have become more stable over time, they can still experience lag, especially when the owner or nearby players have poor internet connections.
10. Can I change the game mode on my Realm?
Yes, you can change the game mode (e.g., survival, creative) on your Realm through the Realm settings.
11. How long can you be idle in Minecraft realms before getting kicked?
Most servers prevent players from being idle for too long by kicking them off the server after 15 minutes or more.
12. What does closing a Minecraft Realm do?
Closing a Minecraft Realm prevents anyone from joining until you open it again.
13. Why is my Minecraft Realm outdated?
This error message means that you’re using an older game version. To fix this, you must update your game to the latest version of Minecraft.
14. What is the difference between a Minecraft world and a realm?
The host player must be online and have the world loaded for others to join a Minecraft world. If you want a world that is always online and anyone can join at any time without other players being online, you would need to create a Realm.
15. Does Minecraft realms use a lot of data?
Players on multiplayer servers can use anywhere from 40 to 200 MB of mobile data per hour.