Minecraft Multiplayer Guide: Local, Realms, Servers, LAN & Cross-Play

Choose Your Multiplayer Type

Step-by-Step: Most Common Setups

Java Edition — LAN (Free, No Account Link Needed)

1. Host: Open world → **Esc → Open to LAN** → Choose mode (Survival/Creative) → **Allow Cheats: ON** → **Start LAN World**.
2. Note port (e.g., `50213`).
3. Others: **Multiplayer → Direct Connect** → `localhost:50213` (same PC) or `192.168.x.x:50213` (other PC).
4. **Firewall:** Allow `javaw.exe` inbound/outbound on port.

Bedrock (Win10/11, Console, Mobile) — LAN

1. Host: **Play → Create New → World Settings → Multiplayer → Visible to LAN Players: ON**.
2. Others: **Friends** tab → World appears under **LAN Games**.
3. **Requirement:** All on same Wi-Fi / subnet. **Xbox Live sign-in required** (free Microsoft account).

Realms (Easiest Persistent World)

1. Buy subscription in **Minecraft Marketplace** or minecraft.net/realms.
2. **Configure:** Settings → World → Backups, Difficulty, Cheats, Whitelist.
3. **Invite:** Friends tab → Invite → sends Xbox Live invite.
4. **Always online** — no host needed.

Public Servers (Java)

1. **Multiplayer → Add Server** → Name: `Hypixel` → Address: `mc.hypixel.net`.
2. **Version:** Match server (usually latest release). Use **ViaVersion** mod if on older.
3. **Resource Pack:** Enable "Server Resource Packs: Prompt" for custom textures.

Cross-Play: Java ↔ Bedrock

• **Not native.** Use **GeyserMC** proxy on a Java server → Bedrock clients connect via `bedrock.:19132`.
• Or **Floodgate** plugin for auth without Microsoft account.
• Best: Host **PaperMC + Geyser + Floodgate** on VPS ($5/mo).

Essential Tips

• Backups: Realms auto-backup. Self-host: script daily `world` folder zip to cloud.
• Permissions: LuckPerms (Java) / OP levels (Bedrock) — don't OP everyone.
• Performance: Paper/Purpur (Java) > Vanilla. Allocate `-Xms4G -Xmx8G` for 10+ players.
• Cheats/Commands: `/gamerule keepInventory true`, `/gamerule mobGriefing false` — set on world creation.

Start Here: **Java LAN** (free, instant) or **Realms** ($8/mo, zero config).