Do You Need Xbox Live or Microsoft Points for Minecraft?

No. You do not need an Xbox Live Gold subscription or the discontinued Microsoft Points currency to play Minecraft.

Breakdown by Play Style

Mode	Requirement
Single-Player (Offline)	Just the game license. No internet, no subscription, no account linking required after initial setup.
Multiplayer (Online)	A free Microsoft Account (Xbox profile). Xbox Live Gold is not required for Minecraft on any platform (Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, mobile).
Realms / Marketplace	Microsoft Account + payment method for subscriptions or Minecoins. Gold still not required.

About Microsoft Points

Microsoft Points were retired in 2013. All purchases on the Microsoft Store, Xbox Store, and Minecraft Marketplace now use local currency (credit/debit card, PayPal, gift cards, or account balance).

Platform Nuances

Java Edition (PC/Mac/Linux): Uses a Mojang/Microsoft account. No console subscription ever involved.
Bedrock Edition (Consoles/Windows 10/11/Mobile): Requires a Microsoft Account for cross-play and Realms. PlayStation Plus is required for online multiplayer on PS4/PS5 (Sony's policy), but Xbox Live Gold is not on Xbox, and Nintendo Switch Online is not required on Switch.

Summary: Buy the game, sign in with a free Microsoft Account for online features, and pay with real money. No Gold, no Points, no extra fees.

Xbox Live