Use the in-game settings to add friends in Minecraft Java (Image via Mojang Studios) The second and free method to play Minecraft with a friend involves hosting your own LAN server.

How to host a Minecraft server Our comprehensive guide will tell you all you need to know about Minecraft server hosting so you can jump into MC multiplayer with friends.

For Minecraft players interested in playing with a smaller group of friends, Mojang offers Realms, servers that’ll be online, even when you’re not.