Head the term Minecraft Reams thrown around in passing? There’s a good reason for it since it’s the most important tool for server owners. Furthermore, you might have come across them in the menu or even used them while playing Minecraft, and never even realized. They’re more widespread and come with a lot of benefits, especially when paired with Minecraft Realms Plus, which we’ll also get into. To hype you up, it might be something you never even knew you need, and can start using it after reading the article. So, let’s answer, “what is Minecraft Realms?”
Minecraft Realms: Explained
Minecraft Realms are multiplayer servers for Minecraft, hosted by Mojang. They are always online, backed up to the cloud regularly, and limited to up to 10 simultaneous players. They are not publicly available – only the server owner can invite players to join. Also, only the server owner can change the game mode, but any player has the freedom to do whatever inside the world. Minecraft Realms are only available for the Minecraft Java Edition, so only players with that version of the game can join.
What is Minecraft Realms Plus?
Minecraft Realms Plus is an upgraded version with identical functionality, hosting up to 10 concurrent players by invite-only access. However, it also allows the server owner to make available their Minecraft Marketplace catalogs for everyone who joins. Furthermore, they get access to 100+ curated Minecraft Marketplace Packs, which are updated bi-weekly or monthly. Minecraft Realms Plus is available for Minecraft Bedrock Edition (Windows 10 Store version), on mobile (Android, iOS), and consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch), and VR. It supports cross-platform, so any aforementioned game versions can play together. Also, server owners can generate invite links, instead of being forced to invite players personally.
FAQ
Is Minecraft Realms free?
No, Minecraft Realms isn’t free – it is based on a monthly recurring payment of $7.99. You can also pay a one-time fee every month, which is 20% more expensive. Mojang also offers 3-month and 6-month subscriptions that allow you to get a discount for paying upfront. Minecraft Realms Plus has the same price, but with potential minimal cost adjustment. This is based on the device the server owner is using, and the country they’re from. Mojang also offers a 1-month free trial for both versions. Keep in mind, only the server owner has to pay. Invited players can join for free.
What is Minecraft Realms Clubs?
Realms Clubs is a standalone meeting place for members of a Realms Plus multiplayer server. They are created automatically and allow members to chat, and share videos and photos. This is not available for the Realms servers.
Can I use my Marketplace Packs offline?
Yes, once acquired, you can use the Minecraft Marketplace Packs both on your server and your local device, in single-player mode. You only need to come online every 30 days to “refresh“ the resources. The resources from an expired Minecraft Pack disappear from the server but stay on local storage until deleted.
What happens when my Minecraft Realms subscription expires?
The server owner and the other players can no longer access the multiplayer server. The server owner can download their Minecraft world for up to 18 months from the date the subscription ended. If the world template was part of a Minecraft Marketplace Pack, it will remain unplayable unless purchased separately or the Pack is active, and the owner subscribes again.
Can I upload my map to Minecraft Realms?
Yes, you can upload Minecraft Maps you downloaded or installed to both versions of the Minecraft server. It must be compatible and not exceed 5 GB in size.
Can I install Minecraft mods?
No, full modding support isn’t available for either version.
Can I use Minecraft commands/cheats?
Yes, the server admin can use Minecraft admin commands and cheats. On the Realms Plus subscription, the server owner can promote other players to an Operator rank, allowing them to use certain slash commands.
Do I need an Xbox Live Gold for Minecraft Realms Plus?
Yes, you need an Xbox Live Gold subscription to join the multiplayer server. The same is true for a PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online subscription.