Upgrading Your Minecraft Realm: A Comprehensive Guide
Upgrading your Minecraft Realm depends on what you mean by “upgrade.” Do you want more player slots, a newer version of Minecraft, or the enhanced features of Realms Plus? Each requires a different approach. To increase the number of player slots (from 2 to 10, or vice-versa), you need to cancel your current subscription and then renew it with the desired player limit once the existing subscription expires. To update to the latest version of Minecraft, simply ensure your game is updated, and your Realm will update automatically. Finally, to upgrade to Realms Plus, you can often do so directly through the Minecraft Marketplace or by upgrading your existing realm. Read on to find out how to upgrade your Minecraft Realm, and what that actually means.
Understanding Minecraft Realms: A Foundation
Before diving into the upgrade process, let’s clarify what a Minecraft Realm is. Essentially, it’s a private Minecraft server hosted by Mojang, the developers of Minecraft. This allows you and your friends to play together in a persistent world without needing to set up and manage your own server. Minecraft Realms come in two main flavors:
- Realms: A basic server allowing you and up to two additional players to play together.
- Realms Plus: An enhanced server that supports up to ten additional players and includes access to a library of Minecraft Marketplace content, like skin packs, adventure maps, and more.
Both versions offer a seamless and relatively hassle-free multiplayer experience.
Upgrading Your Realm’s Player Capacity
The most common “upgrade” request involves increasing the number of players who can join your Realm. Minecraft offers two Realm tiers, with capacities for two or ten players. Unfortunately, you cannot directly upgrade from the 2-player tier to the 10-player tier mid-subscription. Here’s the process:
- Cancel Your Current Subscription: Access your Microsoft account page. Locate the Minecraft Realms subscription you wish to upgrade. Select “Manage Subscription” and then “Cancel.”
- Wait for Expiration: Your Realm will remain active until the end of your current subscription period. You will not be charged again.
- Renew with Desired Size: Once your subscription has expired, you can renew your Realm. During the renewal process, you’ll be presented with the option to choose either the 2-player or 10-player Realm. Select the option that suits your needs.
Important Note: Cancelling your subscription does not immediately delete your world. You have an 18-month grace period to download your world before it’s permanently removed from Mojang’s servers.
Upgrading to the Latest Version of Minecraft
Keeping your Realm updated to the latest version of Minecraft is generally an automatic process. Mojang handles the server-side updates, ensuring compatibility with the latest game client. Here’s what you need to do:
- Update Your Game Client: Ensure that you have the latest version of Minecraft installed on your device. This is typically done through the app store or game launcher associated with your platform (PC, Xbox, Switch, Mobile).
- Realm Updates Automatically: Once your game client is updated, your Realm will automatically update to the corresponding version. This process may take a little time, but usually happens relatively quickly.
If you experience any issues, try restarting your game client and checking your internet connection.
Upgrading to Realms Plus
Realms Plus offers a richer multiplayer experience, with support for more players and access to a curated catalog of content from the Minecraft Marketplace. If you’re currently subscribed to a regular Realm (2-player), upgrading to Realms Plus is a great way to expand your gameplay options. Upgrading depends on your platform (Java or Bedrock), and whether you have the 2-player or 10-player option.
For those who already have the 10-player Realms subscription, you may be upgraded to Realms Plus for free.
- Access the Minecraft Marketplace: Open Minecraft on your platform (Bedrock Edition).
- Navigate to Realms: Look for the “Realms” section in the main menu.
- Choose Realms Plus: You should see an option to “Upgrade to Realms Plus” or “Get Realms Plus”.
- Follow the prompts: Complete the purchase through the Marketplace.
Once you’ve upgraded, you’ll gain access to the Realms Plus content library, which includes a rotating selection of maps, skin packs, texture packs, and other goodies.
Adding Data Packs and Add-ons to Your Realm
Minecraft Realms also support customization through data packs and add-ons, allowing you to modify gameplay and add new features. The process differs slightly depending on whether you’re using the Java Edition or Bedrock Edition.
Data Packs (Java Edition)
- Access Your World: In Minecraft, select the Realm world you want to modify.
- Download the World: Download a local copy of the Realm world.
- Open the World Folder: Edit the world, then select “Open world folder.”
- Locate the Datapacks Folder: Find the “datapacks” folder within the world’s directory.
- Add Data Packs: Place the data pack files into the “datapacks” folder.
- Upload the World: Replace the current Realm world with the modified local version.
Add-Ons (Bedrock Edition)
- Realm Settings: Go to your Realm settings.
- Resource/Behavior Packs: Navigate to the “Resource Packs” or “Behavior Packs” tab.
- Add Add-Ons: Choose from available add-ons and activate them on your Realm. You may be able to upload a new add-on from your device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does it cost to upgrade from a 2-player Realm to a 10-player Realm?
The price difference between a 2-player and a 10-player Realm is the difference in the subscription cost. Generally, the 2-player Realm costs around $3.99 USD per month, while the 10-player Realm costs around $7.99 USD per month. The actual pricing may vary slightly depending on your region and platform.
2. Can I switch back from Realms Plus to a regular Realm?
Yes, you can downgrade from Realms Plus to a regular Realm. The process is the same as upgrading player capacity: cancel your Realms Plus subscription and then resubscribe to the standard Realms tier once your current subscription expires.
3. What happens to my Realms Plus content when I downgrade?
When you downgrade from Realms Plus, you’ll lose access to the Realms Plus content library. Any content you’ve downloaded from the library will no longer be accessible in your Realm. However, your world itself will remain intact.
4. Can I have more than one Realm at a time?
Yes, you can own multiple Realms simultaneously. Each Realm requires a separate subscription. This can be useful if you want to maintain different worlds for different groups of friends or for different purposes.
5. Is there a free trial for Realms Plus?
Yes, new users are often eligible for a free trial of Realms Plus. This trial typically lasts for 30 days and gives you full access to all the features of Realms Plus, including the content library.
6. How do I cancel my Minecraft Realms subscription?
You can cancel your Minecraft Realms subscription through your Microsoft account. Go to the “Services & Subscriptions” page, find your Minecraft Realms subscription, and select “Manage” followed by “Cancel.”
7. What happens to my world if my Realm subscription expires?
If your Realm subscription expires, your world will be temporarily stored on Mojang’s servers for 18 months. During this time, you can renew your subscription and regain access to your world, or download a copy of the world to your local device. After 18 months, your world will be permanently deleted.
8. Can I use mods on Minecraft Realms?
While full modding support is not available on Realms for Bedrock Edition, Realms for Java Edition have support for a growing number of minigames and custom maps made by the community. Realms servers on mobile, console, and Windows 10 (and above) support Add-Ons and Marketplace maps, textures, and skins.
9. How do I ensure my friends can join my Realm?
To ensure your friends can join your Realm, make sure they have purchased the full version of Minecraft (Java or Bedrock Edition, depending on your Realm type). Then, invite them to your Realm through the Minecraft interface. They’ll need a Microsoft account to accept the invitation.
10. Can I transfer my single-player world to a Realm?
Yes, you can transfer your single-player world to a Realm. The process involves exporting your world from your local device and then uploading it to your Realm through the Minecraft interface.
11. How do I back up my Minecraft Realm?
Realms are automatically backed up by Mojang. However, it’s a good practice to periodically download a copy of your world as a backup. You can do this through the Realm settings in the Minecraft interface.
12. Why is my Realm lagging?
Lag on a Realm can be caused by several factors, including a slow internet connection, too many players online simultaneously, or complex builds in your world. Try restarting your game client and ensuring you have a stable internet connection.
13. What’s the difference between a Realm and a dedicated Minecraft server?
A Realm is a hosted server managed by Mojang, offering a simplified multiplayer experience. A dedicated Minecraft server is a server that you set up and manage yourself, offering more control over customization and settings but requiring more technical expertise.
14. Can I earn money from my Minecraft Realm?
You are not allowed to monetize your Minecraft Realm. Minecraft’s Terms of Use prohibit commercial activities on Realms, including selling items, services, or access to your Realm.
15. How do I report an issue with my Minecraft Realm?
You can report issues with your Minecraft Realm through the official Minecraft support channels. Visit the Minecraft website and navigate to the “Help” or “Support” section to find resources and contact information.
Minecraft Realms provide a convenient and enjoyable way to play with friends. Understanding the different upgrade options allows you to tailor your Realm to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking to increase player capacity, access premium content, or simply keep your world up-to-date, the steps outlined in this guide will help you navigate the process. Remember, you can always explore additional insights into the educational aspects of gaming at the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.