It's not always easy to join your friends in Minecraft, but we've got all you need to know.

In Minecraft Java Edition, players can either jump into a world on their own and explore it, or they can join their friends in a multiplayer world and play together.

Play with friends using a server in Minecraft's Java Edition (Image via Mojang) However, to play multiplayer without a Realm subscription, you need to join a public server in the game.

Discover various ways to enjoy Minecraft multiplayer with friends, from local LAN play to online servers and Mojang-hosted Minecraft Realms. Explore different setups like free server hosting with ...

Setting up a multiplayer game in Minecraft is a simple process, but it varies slightly based on which platform you're using and the location of other players.

Discover various ways to enjoy Minecraft multiplayer with friends, from local LAN play to online servers and Mojang-hosted Minecraft Realms. Explore different setups like free server hosting with ...

But if they’re only playing Minecraft in single-player mode, they’re missing out—not just on a ton of fun game options, but also on the chance to socialize with their friends.

Minecraft is a great game to play with friends, and you can cross-play with them no matter the platform, as long as you have the same version. This means that if you own the Java Edition of ...

"Minecraft" offers cross-platform play for both versions of the game — Bedrock and Java — but you can only play with users who own the same version.