Discover the Social Side: How to Join Minecraft's Multiplayer Servers

October 11, 2022

Minecraft, the popular sandbox game, offers an expansive and immersive world for players to explore. While the single-player experience is captivating, joining Minecraft's multiplayer servers opens up a whole new realm of possibilities. Whether you're looking to collaborate with friends, join a community, or engage in exciting player-versus-player battles, venturing into Minecraft's multiplayer servers allows you to discover the social side of the game. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to join Minecraft's multiplayer servers and embark on thrilling adventures with fellow players.

1. Purchasing Minecraft: To access Minecraft's multiplayer features, you need to own a copy of the game. Minecraft is available on various platforms, including PC, Mac, consoles, and mobile devices. Visit the official Minecraft website or your platform's respective app store to acquire the game.

2. Understanding Server Types: Minecraft offers different server options to cater to various multiplayer experiences. It's important to understand the distinctions between each type:

   • Local Area Network (LAN) Server: If you want to play with friends or family members who are on the same network, you can create a LAN server. Simply connect to the same Wi-Fi network and launch a LAN world from the game menu.

   • Player-Hosted Server: Hosting a server on your computer is another option, but it requires technical knowledge and may have limitations like bandwidth and hardware requirements. However, it offers greater control over the server environment.

   • Public Servers: Public servers, also known as third-party servers or realms, are hosted by external entities. These servers are accessible to players worldwide and offer various game modes, communities, and activities.

3. Joining Public Servers: Joining a public server is often the easiest and most convenient way to dive into Minecraft's multiplayer realm. Here's how you can get started:

   • Explore Server Lists: There are several websites dedicated to listing Minecraft servers, such as Minecraft Server List, Planet Minecraft, or Minecraft Forums. These platforms categorize servers based on game mode, community, or theme. Browse through the lists to find a server that aligns with your interests.

   • Copy Server IP: Once you find a server you'd like to join, copy its IP address. In Minecraft, navigate to the multiplayer section of the game menu and click "Add Server." Paste the IP address into the appropriate field and give the server a name.

   • Connect to the Server: After adding the server, click "Join Server" to connect to the multiplayer realm. Note that some servers may have a whitelist, requiring you to register on their website or contact the server administrators for permission to access.

4. Creating or Joining Realms: Realms is a paid subscription service offered by Mojang, the creators of Minecraft. It provides a simple and hassle-free way to create and manage your own private multiplayer server. To create or join a realm:

   • Open Minecraft: Launch the game and navigate to the "Play" menu.

   • Create a Realm: Click "Create New Realm" to create your own private server. Choose a subscription plan, set a name for your realm, and customize the game settings to your liking. You can then invite friends to join your realm by adding their Minecraft usernames or Microsoft account email addresses.

   • Join a Realm: If you have been invited to join someone else's realm, navigate to the "Realms" tab in the "Play" menu. You will see the realms you've been invited to, and you can select the one you wish to join.

5. Modifying Server Settings: If you're hosting your own server or have administrative privileges on a public server, you can modify various settings to tailor the multiplayer experience. These settings include game mode, difficulty level, PvP (player-versus-player) rules, and more. Familiarize yourself with the server's control panel or commands to make the necessary adjustments.

6. Enhancing Multiplayer with Mods and Plugins: Minecraft's multiplayer realm can be further enhanced through the use of mods and plugins. Mods add new features and gameplay mechanics, while plugins offer server customization and management options. However, it's important to note that not all servers allow mods and plugins, so make sure to check the server rules and requirements before installing them.

By joining Minecraft's multiplayer servers, you open yourself up to a world of collaborative adventures, exciting challenges, and interactions with fellow players. Whether you join a public server, create your own realm, or explore LAN options with friends, the multiplayer aspect of Minecraft provides endless opportunities for socializing, creating, and competing. So gather your friends, join a vibrant community, or embark on epic battles—immerse yourself in the social side of Minecraft and let the adventure begin!