There are three ways to play multiplayer in "Minecraft: Java Edition:" through an online server, a LAN server, or a "Minecraft Realms" server.

Best of all, this multiplayer mode has cross-platform (or crossplay) functionality, meaning that it doesn't matter what system you play "Minecraft" on — you can play with friends on any system.

You can play Minecraft solo, but it's much more fun with friends. Here's how to play multiplayer in Minecraft: Java Edition.

One of the longest-running divides in the Minecraft community is the one between Java and Bedrock. Java is the original version of the game, while Bedrock is the Microsoft-funded rewrite in C++.