Is a 2 Player Minecraft Realm Free? Unveiling the Truth Behind Minecraft Multiplayer
The short answer is no, a 2-player Minecraft Realm is not free. To host a private, persistent Minecraft world for you and one friend, you will need a paid subscription. However, your friend can join your Realm and play with you at no cost to them. Only the Realm owner needs to pay. Let’s dive into the details of Minecraft Realms and explore all the options for playing multiplayer Minecraft.
Understanding Minecraft Realms and Multiplayer Options
Minecraft offers several ways to play with friends, and it’s crucial to understand the distinctions to choose the option that best suits your needs and budget. Realms are personal multiplayer servers hosted by Mojang, the developers of Minecraft. This means you don’t have to worry about setting up and maintaining your own server.
Here’s a breakdown of the common multiplayer options:
- Realms: As mentioned, these are subscription-based servers offering a simplified multiplayer experience.
- Realms Plus: An upgraded version of Realms, supporting more players and including access to a catalog of Minecraft Marketplace content.
- Public Servers: Open to anyone and often free to join, these servers can host hundreds or even thousands of players. However, they can be less controlled and may have specific rules or communities.
- Self-Hosted Servers: You can create your own server on your computer or rent a server from a hosting provider. This offers the most control but requires more technical expertise.
- LAN (Local Area Network) Games: A free option for playing with friends on the same network.
- Splitscreen: Available on consoles for local multiplayer.
The convenience and accessibility of Realms come at a price. The ease of use and the fact that the world is always online, even when you’re not playing, are the main benefits.
Minecraft Realms Pricing and What You Get
The price of a Minecraft Realm varies depending on the version of Minecraft you’re playing (Java Edition or Bedrock Edition) and the number of players you want to support.
- Minecraft: Bedrock Edition Realms: The base 2-player Realm typically costs around $3.99 USD per month. This allows you and two other players (you and two friends) to access your private world.
- Minecraft: Bedrock Edition Realms Plus: For around $7.99 USD per month, Realms Plus supports up to 10 additional players and includes access to a library of skins, worlds, and resource packs from the Minecraft Marketplace.
- Minecraft: Java Edition Realms: Java Edition Realms generally cost around $7.99 USD per month. This supports up to 10 players.
It’s essential to remember that only the owner of the Realm needs to pay for the subscription. Invited players can join and play for free, accessing all the content within that Realm.
Alternatives to Paid Realms
If you’re looking for free ways to play Minecraft with friends, consider these alternatives:
- LAN Games: If your friends are physically close, setting up a LAN game is a simple and free way to play together. One player hosts the game, and others connect to their network.
- Public Servers: Numerous public Minecraft servers offer diverse gameplay experiences, from survival to creative to mini-games. While free, these servers may have limitations or require donations for certain perks.
- Self-Hosted Servers: If you’re technically inclined, you can create your own Minecraft server on your computer. This requires some technical knowledge and might strain your computer’s resources, but it’s a free option in terms of server fees. You may also need to forward some ports on your router.
- Third-party Server Hosting: There are various free and paid third-party server hosting services that offer greater flexibility than Realms. Free options typically have limitations such as fewer player slots or less processing power.
Choosing the Right Option for You
The best way to play Minecraft with friends depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value simplicity, ease of use, and a persistent world that’s always online, a Realm is a great option. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a bit of setup, exploring free alternatives like LAN games or public servers might be better.
Minecraft’s vibrant community also fosters learning and collaboration. To deepen your understanding of game-based learning and its applications, explore resources available at the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Minecraft Realms
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Minecraft Realms to further clarify how they work and what they offer:
1. How many people can play on a 2-player Realm?
A “2-player Realm” actually allows three people to play: you (the owner) and two additional friends.
2. Do my friends need to pay to join my Realm?
No, your friends do not need to pay to join and play on your Realm. Only the Realm owner needs an active subscription.
3. What happens if I stop paying for my Realm?
Your Realm will be taken offline. You’ll have a grace period (usually around 18 months) to download your world data before it’s permanently deleted.
4. Can I switch between different worlds on my Realm?
Yes, you can upload and switch between different worlds on your Realm. However, only one world can be active at a time.
5. Can I play on my Realm from any device?
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition Realms can be accessed from any device that supports the Bedrock Edition, including Windows 10/11, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. Java Edition Realms can only be accessed through the Java Edition on PC, Mac, and Linux.
6. Can I get a refund for my Realm subscription?
Realm subscriptions are generally non-refundable, especially for one-time purchases. Recurring subscriptions can be cancelled to prevent future charges.
7. How do I invite friends to my Realm?
You can invite friends to your Realm through the Minecraft interface. You’ll typically find an “Invite” or “Members” section within the Realm settings where you can add players by their Minecraft username.
8. Is there a trial period for Minecraft Realms?
Trial periods can be made available from time to time so its best to check on Minecrafts website if there is currently a promotional free trial period running.
9. How do I join a Realm with an invite code?
In Minecraft, navigate to the “Play” menu, select the “Friends” tab, and choose “Join Realm.” Enter the 6-digit invite code provided by the Realm owner.
10. What’s the difference between a Realm and a server?
Realms are simplified, Mojang-hosted servers designed for ease of use. They offer less customization than traditional servers but are easier to set up and manage. Servers provide more control and flexibility, but require more technical knowledge.
11. Can I use mods on Minecraft Realms?
Minecraft: Java Edition Realms allow for limited mod support, using “mini-games” and “experiences” offered by Minecraft. Minecraft: Bedrock Edition Realms don’t directly support mods but offer customization through resource packs and behavior packs.
12. How do I cancel my Minecraft Realm subscription?
You can cancel your Realm subscription through your Microsoft account (for Bedrock Edition) or your Mojang account (for Java Edition). Navigate to the subscriptions section and follow the cancellation instructions.
13. Can I change my 2-player Realm to a 10-player Realm?
Yes, but you typically need to cancel your existing subscription, wait for it to expire, and then subscribe to the larger Realm.
14. Can I have more than one Realm at a time?
No, you can only have one active Realm subscription per account at a time.
15. How do I back up my Realm world?
You can download a copy of your Realm world from the Realm settings. This is a good practice to ensure you don’t lose your progress if something goes wrong.