Minecraft Realms is a feature offered by Mojang Studios that allows players to create their own private servers, providing a safe and secure environment for playing Minecraft with friends or family. With Realms, you don’t need to worry about setting up complicated server configurations or dealing with third-party hosting services. Instead, Mojang handles everything for you, allowing you to focus on enjoying the game. However, like any service, Minecraft Realms comes with a cost. This article will explore the different pricing options for Minecraft Realms, what you get for your money, and whether or not it’s worth the investment.
What is Minecraft Realms?
Before diving into the costs, it’s essential to understand what Minecraft Realms is and why you might want to consider using it. Minecraft Realms is a subscription-based service that allows you to create a persistent Minecraft world that is always online, even when you’re not playing. This world can be accessed by anyone you invite, making it a convenient way to play with friends or family without needing to host your own server.
There are two types of Minecraft Realms available:
- Minecraft Realms (Standard): This version is suitable for the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft, which includes platforms like Windows 10/11, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
- Minecraft Realms Plus: This is a more advanced version, offering additional content and is also available for the Bedrock Edition.
For Java Edition players, a separate service called Minecraft: Java Edition Realms is available, which has its own pricing structure.
Minecraft Realms Pricing
The cost of Minecraft Realms varies depending on which version of the game you are playing (Java or Bedrock) and whether you choose the basic Realms service or Realms Plus. Let’s break down the costs for each:
1. Minecraft Realms for Bedrock Edition
For Bedrock Edition players, Minecraft Realms offers two main subscription options:
- Minecraft Realms: This basic version allows up to 2 players to join the world simultaneously, which is perfect for small, private games. The cost is typically around $3.99 per month.
- Minecraft Realms Plus: This version offers more features and allows up to 10 players to join the world at the same time. It also includes access to over 150 pieces of content from the Minecraft Marketplace, such as skins, texture packs, and worlds. The cost for Realms Plus is around $7.99 per month.
Both of these options come with a 30-day free trial, allowing you to test the service before committing to a subscription.
2. Minecraft: Java Edition Realms
For players using the Java Edition of Minecraft, the pricing is slightly different:
- Minecraft: Java Edition Realms: This version allows up to 10 players to join the server. It does not include additional content like the Bedrock Edition’s Realms Plus, but it’s still a great way to maintain a private server. The cost is around $7.99 per month.
Like the Bedrock Edition, the Java Edition also offers a 30-day free trial for new subscribers.
What You Get with Minecraft Realms
Minecraft Realms is more than just a private server; it comes with several benefits that make the cost worthwhile. Here’s what you get:
1. 24/7 Server Availability
One of the most significant advantages of using Minecraft Realms is that your world is always online. This means that your friends can join and play anytime, even if you’re not online. This feature is perfect for groups of friends who have different schedules but still want to share the same Minecraft world.
2. Automatic Backups
Minecraft Realms automatically backs up your world, ensuring that you don’t lose progress if something goes wrong. You can restore your world to a previous state with just a few clicks, which provides peace of mind when building complex structures or exploring dangerous areas.
3. Easy Setup and Maintenance
Setting up a server can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with server management. Minecraft Realms simplifies the process by handling all the technical details for you. You don’t need to worry about configuring server settings, installing plugins, or managing hardware—Mojang takes care of everything.
4. Cross-Platform Play
Minecraft Realms supports cross-platform play, which means that players on different devices can join the same world. This feature is particularly useful for groups of friends who play on different platforms, such as PC, consoles, or mobile devices.
5. Access to Marketplace Content (Realms Plus)
For players who choose Realms Plus, the subscription includes access to a wide range of content from the Minecraft Marketplace. This content includes skin packs, texture packs, worlds, and even minigames, which can be downloaded and used in your Realm at no additional cost.
6. Invite Only Access
Your Minecraft Realm is private, and only people you invite can join. This feature is essential for players who want to maintain a secure and controlled environment, free from griefers and unwanted guests. You can manage your player list directly from within the game, making it easy to add or remove players as needed.
Is Minecraft Realms Worth the Cost?
Whether or not Minecraft Realms is worth the cost depends on your gaming needs and how you play Minecraft. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Group Play
If you regularly play Minecraft with a group of friends or family, the cost of Minecraft Realms can be justified by the convenience it offers. The ability to keep a world online 24/7 and easily manage access for multiple players is a significant advantage.
2. Simplicity
For players who want to avoid the hassle of setting up and maintaining their own server, Minecraft Realms offers a straightforward and reliable solution. The automatic backups, easy setup, and maintenance-free experience are well worth the subscription fee.
3. Content Access (Realms Plus)
If you enjoy exploring new content and using custom skins, texture packs, and worlds, the Realms Plus subscription provides excellent value. The included Marketplace content can enhance your gameplay experience and offer endless hours of fun.
4. Cost Comparison
While the monthly cost of Minecraft Realms might seem high compared to running a free server on your own hardware, it’s important to consider the time and effort saved by using a managed service. Additionally, the cost is comparable to other game subscription services, making it a reasonable investment for dedicated Minecraft players.
Conclusion
Minecraft Realms offers a convenient and secure way to create and manage a private Minecraft server, whether you’re playing on the Java or Bedrock Edition. With different pricing options available, you can choose the plan that best fits your needs, whether you’re playing with just one friend or hosting a large group. The additional features, such as automatic backups, 24/7 server availability, and cross-platform play, make Minecraft Realms a valuable service for players who want a hassle-free gaming experience. While the cost may be a factor to consider, the benefits of Minecraft Realms often outweigh the expense, making it a worthwhile investment for many players.