There are three ways to play multiplayer in "Minecraft: Java Edition:" through an online server, a LAN server, or a "Minecraft Realms" server.

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.

In the Minecraft Java 1.19 update, players can either play the game alone or with other players in a multiplayer world.

Local LAN play- it’s best for the players in the same Wi-Fi network. No server is required. Online Servers- host or join the dedicated Minecraft server for the persistent multiplayer experience.

Local LAN play- it’s best for the players in the same Wi-Fi network. No server is required. Online Servers- host or join the dedicated Minecraft server for the persistent multiplayer experience.

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.

"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.

We'll cover the prerequisites for joining friends in Minecraft, no matter which version you're playing, as well as troubleshoot some common issues found when trying to play Minecraft multiplayer.

Minecraft Classic is available on the web for free through a supporting web browser. We explain how to play Classic Minecraft and what to expect.

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.