Minecraft, with its staggering player base of over 166 million monthly active users and 300 million copies sold, offers a unique multiplayer experience through Realms. If you’re looking to create your own private Minecraft world for you and your friends, understanding the cost and features of Minecraft Realms is essential. This guide will cover everything you need to know about “How Much Is A Minecraft Realm,” including pricing for different editions, subscription options, and what you get for your money.
What are Minecraft Realms?
Minecraft Realms are essentially private servers hosted by Mojang, the creators of Minecraft, designed for you and your friends. They offer a simplified, always-online multiplayer experience, meaning your world is accessible even when the host isn’t online. Only invited players can join, ensuring a safe and controlled environment.
Minecraft Realms menu screenshot showing options to create or join a Realm.
With a Realms subscription, you typically gain access to three world slots, allowing you to switch between different game modes like survival, creative, or adventure. Only one world slot can be active at a time. Depending on the Minecraft edition (Bedrock or Java), you also gain access to Marketplace content or free community content. Realm Plus subscribers on Bedrock Edition enjoy over 100+ Minecraft worlds and various texture and skin packs.
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition vs. Java Edition: Why Two Versions Matter for Realms Pricing
It’s crucial to understand the two main versions of Minecraft because they have separate Realms services and pricing structures. Mojang developed these versions to optimize performance across different platforms.
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is designed for mobile devices, Chromebooks, consoles, and Windows 10 and above.
Minecraft: Java Edition is for PC, Mac, and Linux.
These two versions are built on different codebases and are incompatible with each other. This means players on Java Edition cannot join Bedrock Edition Realms and vice versa. Keep this in mind when considering “how much is a Minecraft Realm” for your specific needs.
Minecraft Bedrock and Java Edition cover art emphasizing the differences between the game versions.
What Devices Can You Play Realms On?
Realms are available on different devices depending on the Minecraft edition:
- Minecraft: Bedrock Edition Realms are accessible on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, and iOS.
- Minecraft: Java Edition Realms are exclusively available on PC.
Cross-play is supported within the same edition of Realms. However, there is no cross-play between Bedrock and Java Edition Realms.
How to Create a Minecraft Realm
Before diving into “how much is a Minecraft Realm,” let’s quickly cover how to set one up:
- Microsoft Account: You’ll need a Microsoft account, regardless of the edition you’re playing. If you don’t have one, you can create one on the Microsoft website.
- For Minecraft: Bedrock Edition:
- Log in to your Microsoft account.
- Select ‘Play’ from the Minecraft menu.
- Choose ‘Create New.’
- Select ‘New Realm’ and configure your Realm settings.
- For Minecraft: Java Edition:
- Open the Minecraft Launcher.
- Click on the ‘Minecraft Realms’ button
- Select ‘Subscribe Now’.
- Load Minecraft.
- Select ‘Create’ and adjust your Realm settings.
Minecraft menu screenshot showing options for creating a new Realm.
For Java Edition, there is only one price plan available. Bedrock Edition offers two options with varying features.
How Much Does a Minecraft Realms Subscription Cost?
Now, let’s get to the core question: “How much is a Minecraft Realm?” The cost varies depending on the Minecraft edition:
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition offers two subscription tiers:
- Realms: $3.99/£3.29 per month (recurring)
- Realms Plus: $7.99/£6.69 per month (recurring) or $37.99 for 6 months (non-recurring)
Minecraft: Java Edition has a single subscription option:
- Realms: $7.99/£6.69 per month (recurring)
Minecraft menu options for Realms displaying the available subscription plans.
Subscription Duration and Realm Availability
Most devices offer a one-month recurring subscription. Some also provide the option to pay for six months upfront as a single purchase.
If your device doesn’t support recurring subscriptions, you’ll need to manually renew your subscription at the end of each period. Minecraft saves your Realms for up to 18 months after your subscription ends. During this period, you can download your worlds.
Upgrading Your Realms Subscription
If you want to upgrade from a standard Realms subscription to Realms Plus (Bedrock Edition only), you’ll typically need to wait until your current subscription expires before subscribing to Realms Plus. Upgrading mid-billing cycle might not be possible.
Add-ons and Mods Support
The availability of add-ons and mods also differs between the two Minecraft editions:
- Minecraft: Bedrock Edition: Supports add-ons through the Marketplace. You can add Marketplace add-ons as behavior packs to your Realms.
- Minecraft: Java Edition: Does not support add-ons or mods on Realms.
Minecraft screenshot showing add-ons available in the in-game marketplace.
Do Your Friends Need a Realms Subscription?
Fortunately, your friends do not need their own Realms subscription to play on your Realm. As long as you invite them, they can join your world at no additional cost.
Minecraft menu options for Realms, highlighting the ability to invite friends to the Realm.
What are Clubs?
Clubs are built-in social spaces for you and your Realm friends. They are automatically created when you create a Realm for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. Clubs are not available for Minecraft: Java Edition.
Within a Club, you can share posts with text and screenshots, and other members can like and comment. Realm Clubs can be accessed through the Xbox App on PC, console, or mobile, or from your Realms menu in Minecraft.
Minecraft menu options for Realms, indicating the presence of Clubs for social interaction.
Choosing the Right Minecraft Realm Subscription
Understanding “how much is a Minecraft Realm” is just the first step. You also need to consider which edition and subscription tier best suits your needs. If you’re on Bedrock Edition and want access to a wider range of content, Realms Plus is worth considering. If you’re on Java Edition or prefer a more basic experience, the standard Realms subscription is a great choice. No matter your choice, a Minecraft Realm offers a fantastic way to enjoy the game with friends in a private and persistent world.
