Playing Minecraft with friends is an adventure that knows no bounds, and the ability to do so across different platforms makes it even more exciting. This guide aims to simplify the process of setting up Minecraft for cross-platform play, ensuring that no matter where you or your friends are playing from – be it PC, console, or mobile – you can all join in on the fun together. By following a few straightforward steps, you’ll be ready to explore, build, and survive in Minecraft’s expansive worlds as a unified team.
How to Set Up Minecraft for Cross-Platform Gameplay
Playing Minecraft with friends makes everything more fun, and the good news? You can enjoy the game together, no matter which platform you're on—thanks to cross-platform support. Whether you're on a PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or mobile device, follow these simple steps to set up Minecraft for cross-platform play.
Step 1: Create or Sign Into a Microsoft Account
Before anything else, you need a Microsoft account. This account enables you to connect with friends across different platforms.
If you already have an account, just sign in.
If not, go to the Microsoft website and create one. It's quick and free.
Step 2: Get the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft
For cross-platform play to work, ensure you have the Minecraft Bedrock Edition. If you own another version, like Java or Xbox One Edition, head over to your device's app store and download the Bedrock Edition.
Step 3: Sign In With Your Microsoft Account in Minecraft
Startup Minecraft. On the title screen, look for the option to sign in or sign in with a Microsoft account. Use your account details to log in. This step is crucial for cross-platform gameplay.
Step 4: Add Friends
Next, you want to add the friends you'll be playing with.
Go to the 'Friends' tab in the game.
Select 'Add Friend' or 'Find Cross Platform Friends'.
Type in your friend's gamer tag or Microsoft account details. Once they accept, you're ready to go.
Step 5: Join or Invite Friends to Play
Finally, decide if you'll join a friend's server or if they'll join yours.
To join a friend, select their world under 'Joinable Friends'.
To invite a friend to your game, hit 'Invite to Game' on the pause menu.
Remember to set your game to multiplayer mode and adjust settings to either 'invite-only', 'friends-only', or 'friends of friends'.
Note on Minecraft Realms
Minecraft Realms are private, always-online servers provided by Mojang, allowing you and your friends to play together seamlessly across platforms. If you prefer a more persistent world that your friends can access any time (even if you're offline), consider subscribing to Minecraft Realms.
Now go ahead, craft, explore, and build worlds together!
Joining a Friend’s Game
With your Microsoft account linked, the Bedrock Edition downloaded, and your friends list set up, let's dive into ensuring a smooth multiplayer Minecraft session across different platforms. Minecraft's cross-platform capabilities allow you to explore, build, and survive in the game's vast landscapes together, whether you're on a PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, or mobile device.
Steps to Adjusting Multiplayer Settings
Load Up Your World: Select "Play" from the Minecraft title screen, and either create a new world or load an existing one where you want your friends to join.
Tweak Game Settings: Before inviting friends, adjust your game settings for the multiplayer experience. Hit the "Edit" button next to your world list and navigate to "Game Settings". Ensure that "Multiplayer Game" is toggled on. Here, you can also decide who can join your game—friends, friends of friends, or by invitation only.
Engaging in Multiplayer Gameplay
Invite to Your World: With your world loaded and settings adjusted, press the "Pause" button to bring up the game menu. Select "Invite to Game", visible on the right side of the screen.
Choose Your Friends: A list of your friends will appear. Those available for cross-platform play will be indicated as such. Select the friends you wish to invite; you can pick multiple friends.
Sending Invites: After selecting friends, hit "Send Invites". Your friends will receive an invitation to join your Minecraft world.
Accepting Invitations
Look Out for Invites: When a friend invites you to their game, you'll get an invitation that you can accept straight away and jump into their world seamlessly.
Using Minecraft Codes
Realm Invite Codes: For joining Minecraft Realms, a unique invite code might be shared by the Realm owner. If you've received such a code, simply enter it in Minecraft's "Join Realm" menu to gain access.
Quick Tips for Smooth Play
Communication is Key: Use Minecraft's chat feature or utilize third-party voice chat platforms to coordinate and enhance your gameplay experience.
Set Objectives: Decide on goals with your friends. Having a common goal makes for a more thrilling adventure, whether it's building a fortress, exploring dungeons, or crafting complex machinery.
Respect Player Boundaries: Discuss and establish ground rules. Respecting each other's space and contributions will ensure everyone's time in Minecraft is enjoyable.
By following these steps and keeping these tips in mind, joining and hosting friends in Minecraft across different platforms should be a breeze, offering endless hours of collaborative fun. The essence of Minecraft multiplayer lies in creativity, teamwork, and shared experiences in a virtually boundless world.
Hosting a Multiplayer Game
Hosting Your Own Minecraft Multiplayer Game
Once you've got the basics down, it's time to dive into the world of hosting your very own Minecraft multiplayer game. Let's break it down into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
Starting Your Multiplayer World
Choose a World: Start Minecraft and from the main menu, select "Play." You can either create a new world for your multiplayer adventure or choose an existing one.
Setting Up Your World for Multiplay: After selecting or creating your world, make sure to hit the "Edit" button next to the world name. Here, you'll see options like making the world survival or creative, enabling cheats, and more. The crucial step is to ensure 'Multiplayer' is enabled within the 'Settings' so others can join.
Privacy Settings: Decide who you want to be able to join your game. Minecraft offers you options – "Friends Only," "Friends of Friends," or "Invite Only." Choose the setting that suits your privacy preferences best.
Inviting Friends: Once you're in your world, press 'Pause,' and look for the "Invite to Game" option on the right-hand side. Clicking this will bring up your friends list. Here, select the friends you want to invite and send out those invitations.
Join Codes: If you're playing on a platform that supports them, you can use join codes as well. Share the join code with your friends, and they can enter it to join your world without a direct invitation.
Wait for Your Friends: After sending the invites, all that's left is waiting for your friends to join. Meanwhile, you can start planning what amazing creations or adventures you'll embark on together.
Enhancing Your Multiplayer Experience
To ensure you and your friends have the best time playing together, consider a few extra steps:
Assign Roles: If you're embarking on a big project or adventure, assigning roles based on your friends' strengths can make the play more organized and enjoyable.
Communication is Key: Whether it's strategizing over voice chat or setting up a group chat for your Minecraft session, effective communication will enhance the multiplayer experience significantly.
Establish Basic Rules: To keep things fun and fair, establish some basic rules beforehand, like no griefing or stealing from each other unless it's part of a pre-agreed upon game.
Hosting your own Minecraft multiplayer game is about bringing friends together for unforgettable adventures. The shared experience is what truly makes it special, whether you're building grand structures, exploring new worlds, or fighting off mobs in survival mode.
"Minecraft is one of the greatest games ever made, largely because of the community that has sprung up around it, modders and YouTubers and teachers and developers all pitching in and making it the best possible place to play and learn." – Derek Yu, Game designer and artist1
So bring your creativity, your friends, and your sense of adventure – a world of endless possibilities awaits in Minecraft multiplayer.
As we’ve seen, setting up Minecraft for cross-platform play is not just about getting everyone on the same page; it’s about creating memorable experiences with friends regardless of the platform they use. With these steps and tips in mind, players can easily host or join multiplayer games, embark on collective adventures, and make each session unique. So grab your tools and let your creativity flow because when it comes to playing Minecraft with friends across various platforms, the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.
Yu, Derek. "I'm Leaving Spelunky, but I'll Be Back to Games Soon." TinySubversions, 31 Mar. 2021, tinysubversions.com/blog/leaving-spelunky/.
My name is Ashley Newby and I want to put integrity back into esports and get the hype surrounding them paramount once more. During my teenage years, I happened to stumble across a Street Fighter tournament online and I was hooked.
From that day, I have kept up with and watched many tournaments including Valorant, Super Smash Bros, and League of Legends. I even got to compete in my first one earlier this year!
