To play multiplayer in Minecraft, the method depends on whether you are using Minecraft: Java Edition or Bedrock Edition.

Minecraft: Java Edition Multiplayer

Ways to play multiplayer:

• Join a public server:
  1. Launch Minecraft and select Multiplayer.
  2. Click Add Server.
  3. Enter the server's IP address or URL and click Done.
  4. Select the server and click Join Server to play with others on that server

• Create your own server:
  1. Download the Minecraft server software from minecraft.net/download (Java Edition Server).
  2. Place the .jar file in a new folder.
  3. Create a start script (start.bat) with the appropriate Java command to run the server.
  4. Run the server and accept the EULA by editing eula.txt.
  5. Set up port forwarding on your router to allow friends outside your network to connect.
  6. Share your IP address with friends so they can join your server

• Play on a LAN (Local Area Network):
  1. One player opens a singleplayer world, presses Esc, and selects Open to LAN.
  2. Choose game mode and cheats settings, then click Start LAN World.
  3. Other players on the same network go to Multiplayer ; the LAN game should appear automatically.
  4. If not, use Direct Connection and enter the host’s IP address plus port number shown when opening LAN

• Use mods like Essential mod:
  This allows friends to join your singleplayer world even if not on the same network, but both need the mod installed

Minecraft: Bedrock Edition Multiplayer

• Join an online server:
  1. Launch Minecraft and select Play.
  2. Go to the Servers tab.
  3. Select a server from the list or add a new one by entering its address.
  4. Join the server to play with others online

• Play with friends on the same network:
  Similar to Java Edition, you can create or join a local multiplayer game if on the same Wi-Fi or LAN

Summary

Method| Description| Requirements
---|---|---
Public Server| Join existing servers with many players| Server IP address, same Minecraft version
Own Server| Host your own Minecraft server| Good PC, internet, port forwarding setup
LAN| Play locally on same network| Same Wi-Fi or LAN connection
Minecraft Realms (paid)| Official hosted private server| Subscription required
Mods (Java only)| Use mods like Essential for remote play| Both players need the mod installed

You must ensure all players use the same Minecraft edition and version to play together

. This covers the main ways to play multiplayer in Minecraft across editions.