Does Everyone Need to Pay for Realms to Play? The Definitive Minecraft Realms Guide
Absolutely not! Only the person who creates and owns the Minecraft Realm needs to pay the subscription fee. All their friends can join and play for free, making it a fantastic and affordable way to enjoy Minecraft together. Let’s dive into the details of Minecraft Realms and answer all your burning questions.
Understanding Minecraft Realms: A Cooperative Digital Playground
Minecraft Realms offers a straightforward way to enjoy the game with friends in a persistent, online world. Think of it as a private club where only the owner pays the membership fee, and all invited guests get to enjoy the facilities. This makes Realms particularly attractive for families and groups of friends who want a safe, moderated, and always-available Minecraft experience.
Unlike setting up a traditional Minecraft server, Realms are hosted by Mojang, the creators of Minecraft. This means less technical hassle for the owner. There’s no need to worry about port forwarding, server configuration, or keeping the server software up-to-date. Mojang handles all the backend work, allowing you to focus on the fun part: playing Minecraft!
However, there are trade-offs. While private servers offer unparalleled customization and control, Realms prioritize simplicity and ease of use. Customization options are more limited, but the peace of mind knowing the server is always up and running, even when the owner isn’t online, is a significant advantage.
Minecraft Realms vs. Realms Plus: What’s the Difference?
Minecraft offers two tiers of Realms: Realms and Realms Plus. The basic Realms subscription is cheaper and supports fewer players, while Realms Plus is a premium option with more features.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
- Realms: This is the more affordable option, designed for smaller groups. It typically supports the owner and up to two additional players simultaneously (Bedrock Edition).
- Realms Plus: This subscription allows the owner and up to 10 additional players to play simultaneously (Bedrock Edition). It also includes access to a curated catalog of Minecraft Marketplace content, such as texture packs, mini-games, and world templates.
Choosing between the two depends on the size of your group and whether you value the extra content offered by Realms Plus. If you have a large group of friends or family members who want to play together, Realms Plus is the better option. If you only want to play with a few close friends, the basic Realms subscription might be sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Minecraft Realms
Here are some common questions and answers to help you navigate the world of Minecraft Realms:
1. Do my friends need a Realms Plus subscription to play on my Realm?
No, your friends do not need a Realms Plus subscription to join your Realm. You can invite anyone to join your Realm for free, regardless of whether you have a Realms or Realms Plus subscription.
2. Does everyone have to pay for Minecraft Realms?
No, only the Realm owner has to pay the monthly subscription fee. This covers the cost of hosting the server and providing a persistent online world for you and your friends.
3. Can you play on Realms for free?
You can join Minecraft Realms without a subscription, but you need a subscription if you want to create and host your own Minecraft Realm.
4. Does only one person need to buy Realms?
Yes, only one person needs to purchase a Realms subscription for all their friends to join and play. This makes it an economical option for younger players and groups of friends.
5. Can my friends play on my Minecraft Realm without me being online?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of Realms is that your friends can play on the Realm even when you’re not online. The world is persistent and always accessible, allowing for continuous gameplay.
6. What happens if I don’t pay for Realms?
If you stop paying for your Realms subscription, your Realm will be suspended. However, you have 18 months to export your world before it is permanently deleted from Minecraft servers.
7. How many people have to pay for Minecraft Realms?
Just one person, the Realm owner, is responsible for paying the subscription fee. Everyone else plays for free.
8. Do Realms get deleted if I stop paying?
Yes, after your subscription has been inactive for more than 18 months, your world will be permanently deleted from Minecraft servers. Remember to export your world before then if you want to keep it.
9. Does a 2-player Realm cost money?
Yes, even the basic 2-player Minecraft Realm requires a monthly subscription fee. The basic Minecraft Realms for Bedrock Edition costs $3.99/£3.29 a month and allows you to invite two more players to gain access to your private online world.
10. Are 2-player Realms free?
No, Minecraft Realms is a subscription-based service. While only the host pays the monthly fee, the service itself is not free.
11. Does a 2-player Realm include the host?
Yes, a 2-player Realm can accommodate a maximum of three players, including the host.
12. What’s the difference between multiplayer and Realms?
Multiplayer often refers to playing on public servers hosted by other players, while Realms are private, personal servers hosted by Mojang specifically for you and your invited friends. Realms offer a more controlled and reliable environment.
13. What is the difference between Realms and Realms Plus?
Realms allow you to play with up to two additional players, while Realms Plus allows you to play with up to 10 additional players and includes access to a catalog of Minecraft Marketplace content.
14. How many players can play on Realms?
The number of players depends on your subscription tier. Basic Realms support the owner plus two additional players, while Realms Plus supports the owner plus ten additional players.
15. Why can’t I play on Realms?
There could be several reasons:
- Subscription Status: Make sure the Realm owner’s subscription is active.
- Internet Connection: Check your internet connection and ensure it is stable.
- Minecraft Account: Verify that you are logged into your Minecraft account correctly.
- Parental Controls: If you are under 13, ensure your parent has granted permission for you to access Realms. As per legal requirements, parental consent is needed for children to access certain online features. The process might involve a small, refundable charge to validate payment information for consent purposes.
- Router Issues: Try resetting your router.
- Firewall/Antivirus: Check if your firewall or antivirus software is blocking Minecraft’s connection.
- You can learn more about the role games play in education on the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.