There are several ways to play Minecraft with friends, from free LAN to paid Minecraft Realms, and each one has its own strengths and limits. This guide covers all the options so you can pick the one that fits your group best.

Since version 26.2, Java Edition also has a built-in friends list. It shows you which of your friends are online, but it won't take you to their world, so to actually play together you still need one of the methods below.

Method 1: LAN (local network), the easiest free option

LAN is the fastest way to play together. It works when both players are on the same Wi-Fi network or connected to the same router with an Ethernet cable. There's no server to set up and it costs nothing.

How to start a LAN game

The host opens the singleplayer world you want to play on.
The host presses Esc and clicks "Open to LAN".
The host picks the game mode (Survival, Creative, Adventure) and decides whether to allow cheats.
The host clicks "Start LAN World", and a port number appears on the screen (for example 25565).
The other player opens Multiplayer from the main menu. The LAN world should show up in the list automatically.
If the world doesn't show up on its own, the other player clicks "Direct Connection" and enters the host's IP address and port (for example 192.168.1.15:54821).

How to find the host's IP address

On Windows, open Command Prompt (cmd) and type ipconfig. Look for "IPv4 Address" under the active network adapter: it will be something like 192.168.1.X. On macOS, go to System Preferences > Network and click the active connection to see the IP address.

Tip: LAN in Java Edition only works within a single game version. Both players need exactly the same version of Minecraft (for example, both on 1.21.5). If the host is on 1.21.5 and you're on 1.21.4, you won't be able to join.

LAN limitations

It only works on the same local network (one house, apartment or school)
The world is only available while the host is playing: once they close Minecraft, the server is gone
No way to add plugins or server mods
The maximum number of players is limited by the host's computer (realistically 3-5 people)

LAN is perfect for a quick session with your siblings or friends in the same room. If you need something more permanent, read on.

Method 2: Minecraft Realms, Mojang's official server

Minecraft Realms is a paid service from Mojang that gives you a private server running 24/7 with no technical setup. You pay a monthly subscription, create a world and invite your friends. That's all there is to it.

Key facts about Realms

Realms: Java Edition - up to 10 players at a time, about 36 PLN/month
Realms Plus (Bedrock) - up to 10 players + 150 free Marketplace packs, about 36 PLN/month
The server runs non-stop, even when no one is online
Automatic world backups
You can upload your own world or download it to your computer
No plugins (vanilla only)

Realms is the best option if you don't want to deal with setup and you have a few friends you play with regularly. You'll find a full guide with prices and setup in our dedicated Realms article.

Method 3: a free server on Aternos or another free host

Aternos (aternos.org) is the most popular free Minecraft server host. You sign up, create a server, pick a version and you're done. Your friends join with the address you get once the server is running.

How to set up a server on Aternos

Go to aternos.org and create an account.
Click "Create Server" and choose your Minecraft version (Java or Bedrock).
Optional: install plugins (Aternos supports Paper and Spigot) or mods (Forge/Fabric).
Click "Start". The server starts within 1-5 minutes (depending on the queue).
Copy the server address (for example yourname.aternos.me) and send it to your friends.
Your friends add the server in Minecraft and join.

Aternos pros

Completely free, with no costs at all
Supports plugins (Paper, Spigot, Purpur) and mods (Forge, Fabric)
You can install popular modpacks (for example RLCraft, All the Mods)
A browser-based admin panel that makes management easy

Aternos cons

Startup queue - at peak hours you can wait 5-15 minutes for the server to start
The server goes to sleep after a few minutes with no active players, and you have to start it again by hand
Limited performance - about 4 GB of RAM, which is enough for 5-10 players without heavy mods
Ads on the website (the free model relies on ads)

Tip: Alternatives to Aternos include Minehut (also free, with faster startup but fewer modding options) and PloudOS (supports modpacks). All of them have similar performance limits.

Method 4: your own server, full control

If you want plugins, mods, unlimited configuration and a server that's online 24/7 with no queues, you set up your own server. You have two options: host it on your own computer or pay an outside provider for hosting.

A server on your own computer

You download the server software (Vanilla, Paper, Spigot or others), configure the files, open port 25565 on your router and give your public IP to your friends. Our server setup guide walks you through the whole process step by step.

Pros: no cost (apart from electricity), full control, any plugins and mods you like. Cons: it takes basic technical knowledge, your computer has to stay on, and the upload speed of your internet connection affects how the game runs for the other players.

Paid server hosting

Polish Minecraft hosting providers start at around 10-20 PLN/month for a 5-10 player server. Popular options include LVL.GG, McSH.pl, TurboHost.pl and Home.pl. You get an admin panel, automatic backups, DDoS protection and technical support.

If you're curious about the different types of Minecraft servers, from SMP to minigames and roleplay, check out the servers section of our wiki. And if you're looking for a ready-made server to join, visit our server list, our ranking of Polish Minecraft servers.

Comparing the methods: which one to choose

Method	Cost	Players	Plugins/mods	Online 24/7	Best for
LAN	Free	3-5	No	No	A quick session in one home
Realms	~36 PLN/month	10	No	Yes	A regular group that wants no setup
Aternos	Free	5-10	Yes	No (goes to sleep)	A group of friends who want mods
Your own server	0-50+ PLN/month	No limit	Yes	Yes (hosting)	Full control, large communities

Playing with friends on Bedrock Edition

Bedrock Edition (Windows 10/11, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, phones) has a built-in system for inviting friends that's simpler than the one in Java. All the host has to do is open the world, turn on the "Multiplayer Game" option in the world settings and invite friends from their Xbox Live friends list. Friends see the world on the "Friends" tab of the multiplayer menu and join with one click.

Bedrock also has native cross-play: a player on Xbox can play with players on a phone and on PC at the same time. The only requirement is that everyone has a Microsoft account.

Common multiplayer problems

"Can't connect to server" - check that you're entering the correct IP address and port. Make sure your firewall isn't blocking Minecraft. On LAN, check that you're both on the same network.
"Outdated server" - your Minecraft versions don't match. Both players need exactly the same version.
Lag and delays - on LAN, it's a Wi-Fi problem (try a cable). On servers, the server may be overloaded or far away from you.
"Not authenticated with Minecraft.net" - your Minecraft account can't be verified. Check that you're logged in to the launcher and that you have internet access.

If you want to join a server that already exists, go to our guide to joining servers, with step-by-step instructions for both editions. And if you're looking for ideas for game modes to try, see our roundup of the best minigames.