Do You Need PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live to Play Minecraft Online in 2024? Answered

Minecraft’s massive popularity cannot be stopped, whatever year it currently is. While mining, crafting, and survivaling with friends and strangers is fun, online multiplayer requirements can vary depending on your platform. Because of that, knowing what subscriptions are there on consoles is crucial. So do you need to have a PlayStation Plus, Xbox Live, and Nintendo Switch subscription to play Minecraft online in this day and age?

If you’re playing on PlayStation, unfortunately, you’ll need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to access Minecraft multiplayer through public servers. Similarly, Xbox users require Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass Ultimate, while Nintendo Switch players must have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. These are needed whether you play with players on the same platform or using the cross-play feature.

As stated in each storefront, without these services, console players are limited to offline modes or local play for Nintendo Switch.

Related: How to Play Modded Minecraft With Friends (2024)

• PlayStation Store description: “PS Plus required for online play.”
• Xbox.com description: “Online multiplayer on console requires Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Game Pass Core.”
• Nintendo eShop description: “Any Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features.”

PC and mobile Minecraft owners, on the other hand, have it easier for online play. Both Java and Bedrock Edition allow free online play without the need for any subscription. This makes those platforms ideal for people looking to avoid extra costs for some multiplayer fun.

Speaking of subscriptions, Minecraft Realms offers a way for those interested in more private multiplayer options. Minecraft Realms is a subscription-based service by Mojang that allows players to host private servers.

These servers are customizable, always active and accessible to invited players. Even when the host is offline, all the bells and whistles of a self-hosting server without the hassle! Nevertheless, you’ll still need PlayStation Plus and other console subscriptions if you intend to make and join a Minecraft Realm server.