Minecraft Multiplayer Fun: How to Play Maps with Friends without Servers
14-Jun-2023
Minecraft, the beloved sandbox game, becomes even more enjoyable when experienced with friends. While multiplayer servers are a popular choice for playing together, there are alternative methods to enjoy maps with your buddies without the need for dedicated servers. Whether you want to play custom adventure maps or create your unique world, this guide will walk you through two simple ways to have multiplayer fun in Minecraft without the hassle of setting up a server.
- Minecraft Realms: Easy Multiplayer Hosting
Minecraft Realms is an official, user-friendly service offered by Mojang that allows you to create a private multiplayer world to share with your friends. Setting up a Realm is a breeze, making it an excellent option for players who want a hassle-free experience. Here's how you can do it:
Step 1: Access Minecraft Realms: Log in to your Minecraft account and visit the Realms section on the main menu.
Step 2: Start a New Realm: Click on "Create New Realm" and give your world a unique name.
Step 3: Invite Friends: You can invite your friends to join your Realm by entering their Minecraft usernames or sending them an invitation link via email.
Step 4: Customize Your World: You can choose from various pre-generated worlds or upload your own custom map.
Step 5: Start Playing: Once your friends have accepted the invitation, you can all jump into the Realm and explore, build, and adventure together.
Minecraft Realms offers a secure and straightforward way to enjoy multiplayer gameplay without the need to set up and manage a server. Plus, Realms are automatically backed up, ensuring your progress is safe.
- LAN (Local Area Network) Connection: Play Locally with Friends
If you and your friends are in the same physical location, utilizing the LAN feature in Minecraft is an excellent option. It enables you to create a temporary multiplayer session without the requirement of an internet connection or a dedicated server. Here's how to do it:
Step 1: Connect to the Same Network: Ensure all players are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or are physically connected via an Ethernet cable.
Step 2: Start a Single-Player World: One player should create a new single-player world or open an existing one.
Step 3: Open to LAN: While inside the world, press the Escape key (or open the in-game menu) and select "Open to LAN."
Step 4: Configure LAN Settings: You can choose specific game options, such as enabling or disabling cheats, before opening the world to LAN.
Step 5: Invite Friends: Other players on the same network can now see the open LAN game and join by clicking on it.
By following these steps, you and your friends can enjoy Minecraft together in the same world with ease. Just remember that once the host player closes the world or logs out, the LAN session will end.
While multiplayer servers are a fantastic way to enjoy Minecraft with friends, they are not the only option. Minecraft Realms provides a hassle-free, official solution for hosting private multiplayer worlds, while the LAN feature allows for a fun, local multiplayer experience. So, whether you're journeying through custom maps or building your dream world, gather your friends, follow these steps, and start experiencing Minecraft multiplayer fun without the need for servers. Happy crafting and adventuring together!