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.

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.

While some Minecraft players may remember the days when playing multiplayer took some legwork, Mojang has made playing with friends incredibly simple and accessible since the beta days.

You can play Minecraft solo, but it's much more fun with friends. Here's how to play multiplayer in Minecraft: Java Edition.

The best Minecraft servers on Java and Bedrock can be hard to find, so we've dug them out for you, alongside instructions on how to host your own if you prefer to.

This Minecraft guide will help you decide whether this feature is for you, and if so, how to set up the Minecraft Realms server for you and your friends.

But if they’re only playing Minecraft in single-player mode, they’re missing out—not just on a ton of fun game options, but also on the chance to socialize with their friends.