How Big is a Realm? Unveiling Minecraft’s Play Spaces
The size of a Minecraft Realm is a fundamental aspect of the gameplay experience, determining the space players have to build, explore, and create together. Understanding the dimensions and limitations of a realm is essential for planning adventures and managing resources. So, how big is a realm?
The initial realm size granted upon joining is 300×300 blocks. However, this isn’t a fixed limitation. With each rank achieved within the server (typically meaning in-game progression, usually in the form of a donator rank), the realm expands by 25×25 blocks, or 12.5 blocks in each direction. The maximum size a realm can achieve is 400×400 blocks. This means a realm isn’t a static space; it grows with the player’s progress (with limitations, based on server ranks).
While the playable area of a realm is capped at 400×400 blocks, the underlying Minecraft world generation is virtually limitless. The game’s engine will continue to generate new terrain and landscapes as players explore outward. However, players will eventually reach the world border, which prevents them from venturing into those generated areas beyond the 400×400 limit for their realm.
Understanding the Nuances of Realm Size
It’s important to distinguish between a realm’s playable area and the entire Minecraft world. The realm is essentially a designated area within a much larger, potentially infinite, world. The 400×400 limit is the boundary within which players can build and play together on a specific server.
The size increase per rank is also important to note. Each increment of 25×25 blocks adds a significant amount of additional space. Players are not only granted more horizontal space (represented by the 2D measurements), but also more vertical space, as Minecraft worlds generate both upward and downward from a neutral level. This allows for taller structures and deeper mines.
The growth in size does not affect the world generation as that is generated in all directions around the player location (at a distance and then unloaded).
Realm Storage Size
While the playable area is limited, the storage allocated to a Realm can still hold significant information. Each Realm is provided with up to 4GB of storage. This ensures players have ample space for complex structures, detailed creations, and any custom maps that may be uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions About Realm Size and Functionality
To provide further clarity and address common concerns, here are 15 frequently asked questions about Minecraft Realms:
1. How many people can play on a Realm?
A standard realm allows up to three players (including the host). A Realms Plus subscription can accommodate up to 11 players.
2. Are Realm worlds truly infinite?
While Minecraft worlds generate infinitely and randomly, a realm’s playable area is not. The game creates world content indefinitely, but players are confined within the realm boundaries once they reach the max size of 400×400 blocks.
3. Can I upload my own maps to a Realm?
Yes, you can upload your own maps to a Realm, as long as the file size is less than 4GB.
4. How long do Realm worlds last?
Realm worlds can be exported at any time within 18 months after the subscription ends. After 18 months of inactivity, the world is permanently deleted. However, during an active subscription they remain untouched.
5. Is there a free trial for Minecraft Realms?
Yes, if you have never subscribed to Realms Plus, you can get a free 30-day trial. However, the standard version of Realms does not include a free trial.
6. Do my friends need a subscription to join my Realm?
No, your friends do not need a Realms subscription to join your Realm. They can access it for free, as long as they are invited by the host.
7. Can I have multiple Realms?
One company may have multiple realms, but generally, multiple accounts within a single realm are discouraged due to limitations.
8. Are Minecraft Realms available 24/7?
Yes, Minecraft Realms are always online. Your friends can access the realm at any time, even when you are offline, as long as they are on your approved list.
9. How much data does Minecraft Realms use?
Data usage varies depending on server activity. For example, on a standard multiplayer server, it could be less than 40MB per hour, whereas servers with more players can use up to 200MB per hour.
10. What’s the difference between a Realm and a server?
A Realm is essentially a simpler, easier-to-manage server provided by Mojang. In contrast, a traditional server allows more customization and control for advanced users.
11. How much does a 2-person Realm cost?
A 2-person Realm subscription on Bedrock Edition costs $3.99 per month. The 10-player Realms subscription costs $7.99 per month.
12. Can three people play on a 2-player Realm?
No, a standard realm is capped at three people, including the host. You would need the Realms Plus version to allow more than three players.
13. Can I mod my Minecraft Realm?
Unfortunately, Realms do not support custom modifications or mods. It focuses on a stable and official Minecraft experience.
14. How do I create a free Minecraft server?
Creating a free Minecraft server involves downloading the server.jar file, configuring the server settings, and setting up port forwarding. This is more complex than setting up a Realm.
15. Can I recover an old Minecraft Realm?
Yes, you can usually recover an old Realm if you had a subscription and exported the data within the 18-month grace period. If you have a backup, this can also be used to recover data.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the size of a Minecraft Realm, and how its limits impact gameplay, is crucial for managing expectations and planning adventures with friends. The initial 300×300 block area grows to a maximum of 400×400 blocks by server rank (and usually in-game progression). While the playable area is limited, the potential for creativity and collaborative building is boundless. The ability to upload custom maps, play across multiple devices, and enjoy an always-online server makes Realms a convenient and enjoyable way to play with others. The combination of the 400×400 limit within an almost infinite world gives you the best of both a confined and an open world, allowing for both intimate gameplay with friends and a limitless world for exploration (outside of your base area).