Can You Share a Minecraft Realm? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, you absolutely can share a Minecraft Realm! In fact, sharing is the core purpose of having a Realm. Minecraft Realms are designed as personal, multiplayer servers, allowing you to play with your friends and family in a persistent world, even when you’re not online. This guide will delve into how you can share a Realm, who can join, what the rules are, and address common questions you may have.
How to Share Your Minecraft Realm
Sharing your Minecraft Realm is a straightforward process. The game itself provides easy-to-use tools that allow you to invite friends to your world. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
Inviting Friends Through Xbox Friends List
- Launch Minecraft: Begin by opening the Minecraft game on your device.
- Navigate to Play: From the main menu, select the “Play” button.
- Access Realms: Go to the “Realms” tab within the play menu.
- Select Your Realm: Choose the specific Realm you wish to share, and then click the pencil icon (edit button) next to the Realm’s name.
- Open Members Menu: Select the “Members” button.
- Invite From Friends List: Your Xbox friends list will automatically appear. If the friend you want to invite is on your list, simply select the “Invite” option next to their name.
Sharing Through an Invite Link
If you want to invite someone who isn’t on your Xbox friends list, you can utilize a shareable invite link:
- Repeat steps 1-5 as listed above.
- Share Link: Once you’re in the “Members” section, select the “Share Link” button.
- Share the Link: Copy the link and share it with your friend through messaging, email, or any other way. They can then use the link to join your realm.
Key Considerations When Sharing a Realm
It’s essential to understand a few key points when sharing your Minecraft Realm:
- Realm Owner is the Host: The individual who created the realm is the owner and has administrative controls.
- Invited Players Can Join Anytime: Once invited, players can join your Realm anytime, even if you’re not online.
- Subscription is Required: Realms require an active subscription to remain accessible. If you let your subscription expire, the Realm will be offline until you renew.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Realms are compatible across various platforms (Bedrock Edition), meaning friends on different devices (Windows, Xbox, Switch, Mobile, PlayStation) can join the same realm.
- Limited Number of Players: Depending on the type of realm (2-player or more), there are limits to the number of simultaneous players allowed.
- Account Types: Keep in mind that children accounts may have issues with invites. This means, you might run into the “Could not invite the provided name” Minecraft Realms error.
Realms vs. Servers
While both Realms and servers allow you to play multiplayer Minecraft, they’re different in setup and maintenance:
- Realms: These are hosted by Mojang, the creator of Minecraft. They’re easier to set up, requiring no technical knowledge, and are designed for private, friend-based gameplay.
- Servers: These are hosted by third parties, or can be hosted by you. They require more setup and maintenance but offer much more control and customization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to sharing and using Minecraft Realms:
1. Do both people need to buy realms?
No, only the owner of the realm needs to have an active Realms subscription. Your friends can join your Realm for free, without needing their own subscription.
2. Do my friends need Realms Plus to play on my Realm?
No, your friends don’t need Realms Plus to join your Realm. The basic Realm subscription is sufficient for them to play in your world.
3. Does a 2-person realm include the owner?
Yes, a 2-person realm allows the owner/host plus one additional person to be online playing at the same time. You may invite more than just one person, but only two can be online at any one time.
4. Can my friends download my realm world?
No, only the realm owner can download the world from a Realm, and they must have an active Realms subscription.
5. Can I give my Minecraft world to someone else?
You can share a world from a Realm using a download by the owner, or by inviting them to the realm.
6. Can my friends play on my Minecraft realm without me?
Yes, once your friends have been invited to your Realm, they can play anytime, even when you, the owner, are not online.
7. Can you join realms for free?
You can join a realm for free if you are invited by a realm owner. Minecraft also offers a 30-day free trial for first-time users of Realms Plus.
8. Can you have 2 realms at once?
No, you cannot have multiple realms active at the same time under one subscription. You can switch between different worlds but only one can be active.
9. Is it better to buy a realm or server Minecraft?
It depends on your needs. Realms are easier and hassle-free for casual play with friends. Servers offer more customization and control, but they require more technical expertise.
10. Is Realm split screen?
Realms support split-screen for local multiplayer. However, external servers do not support split-screen functionality.
11. Can console players join realms?
Yes, players on consoles (such as Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch), along with players on Windows, and mobile devices can join the same Realms, provided that they’re using the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft.
12. Can you invite someone to someone else’s realm?
No, only the Realm owner can invite other players to the Realm. However, you can uninvite an existing player, generating an invite code, in order to share your spot with another player.
13. Why can’t I invite my friend on Minecraft realms?
The “Could not invite the provided name” Minecraft Realms error may occur if the friend is using a child account, which can cause issues with invite functionality. This will require changing your account settings.
14. How do you share a Minecraft realm code?
You do not share a code directly. Instead, you share a generated invite link that you can find in the “Members” area of your Realm settings.
15. What happens if you don’t pay for your Minecraft realm?
If your subscription lapses, your Realm becomes inaccessible, but you can export the map for up to 18 months after the expiration. After 18 months, your world will be permanently deleted.
Conclusion
Sharing a Minecraft Realm is a simple way to enjoy the game with friends and family. It provides a private space where you can build, explore, and create together. Understanding the basics of sharing, who can join, and the limitations will help you make the most of your Minecraft Realm experience.