How To Play Minecraft with Friends (Java Edition 2026), by Shulkercraft on YouTube. 6 min 30 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 30 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Decide how you want to play: a public server with strangers, a LAN world, the Friends List, or your own server. Each option trades control against setup work.
For public servers, open a server listing site like minecraftservers.org and pick a game mode such as Bedwars or Skyblock. Copy the server address, then in Minecraft click Multiplayer, Add Server, paste the address and click Join Server.
For a LAN party, connect every PC to the same router. Open a singleplayer world, press Esc, click Open to LAN, choose the game mode and click Start LAN World. Friends then click Multiplayer and the world shows in their list.
On the 26.2 snapshot, use the built-in Friends List instead. Add friends by username, then open your singleplayer world to them. It is free, but the world is only online while you are playing.
To self-host, download the vanilla, modded, modpack or plugin server file, run it, accept the EULA in the text file, and start the server. Set up port forwarding on your router so friends outside your network can connect.
Rent a third-party host if you want a server that stays online 24/7 without port forwarding. Choose a plan and Minecraft version, then install mods or plugins with one click from the control panel.
Turn on the whitelist in your server console or hosting panel and add your friends' usernames, so only invited players can join. Then send everyone the server IP address.
Look for players in Minecraft Discord servers, subreddits and community forums if you do not have a group yet. Share your server address privately rather than posting it publicly.
Tips and common mistakes
A LAN world only appears for players on the same network, so it will not work for a friend in another house.
Port forwarding exposes your home IP address, so keep the whitelist on and never post your address in public chats.
The Friends List lives in the 26.2 snapshot, so copy your world save before opening it in a snapshot version.
Write down your server IP and whitelist names somewhere safe, since you will need them every time someone new joins.
Questions
Does every player need to own Minecraft Java Edition?
Yes. Each person needs Java Edition installed and signed in with their own Microsoft account. A single copy cannot be shared between players.
Can I play with friends who use Bedrock Edition?
Java and Bedrock are separate editions and cannot connect directly. You need a cross-play server or plugin that supports both editions.
Is the free option good enough?
For casual sessions, yes. LAN works well at home and the Friends List works for distant friends, but the world shuts down as soon as you quit the game.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
