Can You Upgrade a 2-Person Realm to 10 in Minecraft? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you can upgrade your 2-person Minecraft Realm to a 10-person Realm, but not in the way you might expect with a simple “upgrade” button. The process involves canceling your existing 2-person Realm subscription and then subscribing to the Realms Plus option, which accommodates up to 10 players. It’s essentially a switch to a different service tier rather than a direct upgrade. Let’s delve into the specifics and address some frequently asked questions to clarify the process.

Understanding Minecraft Realms and Realms Plus

Before diving into the upgrade procedure, it’s crucial to understand the two Minecraft subscription services available: Realms and Realms Plus.

• Realms (2-Player Realm): This is the basic subscription, designed for smaller groups. It allows you, the host, to invite two additional players to join your private online world.

• Realms Plus (10-Player Realm): This is the enhanced subscription offering a wider range of features. Key benefits include the ability to play online with up to 10 friends simultaneously and access to a rotating catalog of over 150 Minecraft Marketplace packs, providing fresh content regularly.

The significant difference between the two lies not only in the number of players allowed but also in the extra perks provided by Realms Plus, like access to Marketplace content. This makes the upgrade appealing for those seeking more than just increased player capacity.

How to “Upgrade” from a 2-Person Realm to a 10-Person Realm

As mentioned, the process is not a direct upgrade. You’ll need to take a few steps to transition to Realms Plus. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Cancel Your Existing 2-Player Realm Subscription: You’ll need to go into your Minecraft account settings or the platform through which you subscribed (e.g., Microsoft Store, App Store, Google Play Store) and cancel your current Realm subscription. It’s important to note the cancellation policy for your specific platform to avoid unwanted charges.

2. Backup Your World (Optional but Recommended): Before canceling, it’s highly advisable to download a backup of your current Realm world. This ensures you don’t lose your progress and can restore your world to the new Realms Plus server. To do this, go to the Realm settings, select “World Backups,” and then “Download Latest.”

3. Subscribe to Realms Plus: Once your 2-player Realm subscription is canceled (or has expired), you can subscribe to Realms Plus through the Minecraft Marketplace or your platform’s subscription service.

4. Create a New Realm or Upload Your Existing World: After subscribing to Realms Plus, you have two options:

   • Create a New Realm: Start a fresh world with all the benefits of Realms Plus.
   • Upload Your Existing World: If you backed up your previous Realm world, you can upload it to your new Realms Plus server, allowing you and your friends to continue your adventure without starting from scratch. To do this, go to the Realm settings and select “Replace World.” Choose the backed-up world file from your device.

5. Invite Your Friends: Invite up to 10 friends to join your new Realms Plus server.

Important Considerations

• Subscription Timing: Be mindful of when your current subscription ends and when your new one begins to avoid any gaps in service.
• Backup Integrity: Always verify the integrity of your world backup before canceling your old subscription.
• Marketplace Content: Remember to explore the Minecraft Marketplace content included with Realms Plus. The offerings rotate monthly, providing a continuous stream of new experiences.

FAQs about Minecraft Realms and Realms Plus

1. How much does Realms Plus cost?

The cost of Realms Plus varies depending on your region and platform. You’ll find the exact pricing in the Minecraft Marketplace or through your platform’s subscription settings. It is generally more expensive than the standard 2-player Realm subscription, reflecting the increased player capacity and additional content.

2. Does a Realms Plus subscription include the host?

Yes, the player count for Realms Plus (10 players) includes the host. So, the host and nine other players can simultaneously join the Realm.

3. Can I switch between different worlds on my Realms Plus server?

Yes, you can switch between different worlds on your Realms Plus server, but only one world can be active at a time. You can upload multiple worlds and switch between them as needed.

4. What happens if I cancel my Realms Plus subscription?

If you cancel your Realms Plus subscription, your Realm will be deactivated, and your world will no longer be accessible to you or your friends. However, you can download a backup of your world before canceling to preserve your progress.

5. Can I give someone else ownership of my Realms Plus server?

While there isn’t a direct “ownership transfer” feature, you can download your world and then upload it to another player’s Realm server. This effectively transfers the world and allows them to become the new host.

6. Is there a free trial for Realms Plus?

Yes, new subscribers often have the option to start a free trial for Realms Plus, typically for 30 days. This allows you to test the service and its features before committing to a paid subscription.

7. How do I invite friends to my Realms Plus server?

To invite friends to your Realms Plus server, go to the Realm settings and select “Members.” From there, you can generate a shareable invite link or invite players directly by their Minecraft username.

8. Can I access my Realms Plus server on different devices?

Yes, as long as you’re using the same Minecraft account, you can access your Realms Plus server on any device that supports Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.

9. What kind of content is included in the Realms Plus Marketplace catalog?

The Realms Plus Marketplace catalog includes a wide variety of content, such as adventure maps, texture packs, skins, and mini-games. The content rotates monthly, so there’s always something new to discover. Games Learning Society highlights the educational potential of such content in fostering creativity and problem-solving skills in gaming environments, which aligns with the rotating marketplace content providing fresh opportunities for learning and engagement. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

10. Are there any restrictions on the type of content I can upload to my Realms Plus server?

Yes, you are responsible for ensuring that any content you upload to your Realms Plus server complies with Minecraft’s Terms of Service and Community Standards. Content that is offensive, illegal, or violates these guidelines is prohibited.

11. Can I play with players on different platforms using Realms Plus?

Yes, Minecraft Realms and Realms Plus support cross-platform play between different devices running Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, including Windows 10, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and mobile devices.

12. How often does the Minecraft Marketplace content rotate in Realms Plus?

The Minecraft Marketplace content in Realms Plus typically rotates monthly, providing a continuous stream of new maps, texture packs, skins, and other content to enhance your gameplay experience.

13. Can I increase the player limit beyond 10 players in Realms Plus?

No, the player limit for Realms Plus is capped at 10 players (including the host). There is no official way to increase the player limit beyond this number.

14. What is the difference between Realms and a dedicated Minecraft server?

Realms are officially hosted servers provided by Mojang, offering a simplified multiplayer experience with easy setup and management. Dedicated Minecraft servers, on the other hand, are self-hosted and require more technical expertise to set up and maintain, but they offer greater customization options and control.

15. Can I transfer my progress from a single-player world to Realms Plus?

Yes, you can transfer your progress from a single-player world to Realms Plus. You can upload your single-player world to your Realms Plus server, allowing you and your friends to continue playing in your existing world. This offers a convenient way to transition from solo play to a collaborative multiplayer experience.

Conclusion

While upgrading from a 2-person Realm to a 10-person Realm requires canceling your existing subscription and subscribing to Realms Plus, the process is relatively straightforward. By following the steps outlined above and considering the FAQs, you can seamlessly transition to a larger Realm and enjoy playing with more friends while also accessing a wealth of new content through the Minecraft Marketplace. Remember to back up your world before making any changes to preserve your progress and ensure a smooth transition. Enjoy your expanded Minecraft adventures!