How Much Do Realms Cost in Minecraft?

Minecraft Realms provide an incredibly easy way to host private multiplayer servers, but a common question players ask is: how much do Realms cost in Minecraft? Whether you’re playing on Java or Bedrock Edition, Realms offer various subscription plans, each with its own features and pricing.

This article explains everything you need to know about Minecraft Realms, including costs, features, player limits, subscription plans, and how they compare to other hosting options. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated builder, understanding the prices and benefits of Realms will help you decide if they’re the right choice for your multiplayer gaming experience.

How Much Do Realms Cost in Minecraft?

Minecraft Realms costs range from $3.99 to $7.99 per month, offering a simple, secure way to enjoy private multiplayer games.

Minecraft Realms (Basic)

The basic Realms plan for Bedrock Edition costs $3.99 per month. This plan is designed for smaller groups, allowing up to 2 players to join the server at the same time.

This option is great for players who only want to play with one other friend or family member. However, if you’re looking for larger multiplayer sessions, the Realms Plus plan is a better fit.

Minecraft Realms Plus

Realms Plus costs $7.99 per month and includes up to 10 simultaneous players. It also offers exclusive access to over 150 Marketplace items, such as maps, skins, and resource packs.

Realms Plus is the most popular option for Bedrock players because of its larger player slots and added value. With the included content bundles, you can experiment with new worlds or customize your gameplay experience without extra purchases.

Java Edition Realms Cost

For players using the Java Edition, the cost is $7.99 per month, supporting up to 10 players. While it doesn’t include the bonus content found in Realms Plus, Java Realms offer more flexibility with mod support and custom plugins.

This makes Java Realms a great choice for players who enjoy modifying their Minecraft experience but still want the convenience of a Mojang-hosted server.

Currency & Regional Variations

Minecraft Realms pricing varies based on your location. For example, while the US price for Realms Plus is $7.99 per month, players in other countries may see different costs due to currency conversion and regional taxes.

In some regions, additional taxes may increase the overall subscription cost. Always check your local pricing in the Minecraft Launcher or your platform’s store to confirm the total amount.

According to GameSpot, when Minecraft Realms was first introduced, its pricing was projected to range between $10 and $15 per month. This service allows players to create private, always-online worlds that friends can join without additional costs, provided they own the game. The subscription was designed to cater to families and casual players looking for a simple way to play together.

On AppSliced, the current pricing for Minecraft Realms is more specific. A subscription for a realm that supports up to 2 additional players (3 total) costs $3.99 per month, while a subscription for a realm that supports up to 10 additional players (11 total) costs $7.99 per month. Both options include a 30-day free trial for new users. These prices reflect the flexibility offered by Mojang to accommodate different group sizes.

What Are Minecraft Realms?

Definition and Purpose

Minecraft Realms are private, cloud-hosted servers managed by Mojang Studios, designed to make multiplayer gaming simple and secure. Unlike open servers, Realms allow you to play with friends in a private world where you control access. These servers are available 24/7, meaning your friends can join anytime, even if you’re offline.

Realms are ideal for players who want an easy way to enjoy Minecraft with friends without worrying about server maintenance, hosting, or technical setup. All the heavy lifting is done by Mojang, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience.

Java vs. Bedrock Realms

Minecraft Realms are available for both the Java Edition and the Bedrock Edition of the game, but there are key differences:

• Java Edition Realms allow up to 10 players and support mods and custom plugins. However, they lack the extra content bundles available in Bedrock Realms Plus.
• Bedrock Edition Realms come in two tiers: a basic plan for $3.99/month (2-player limit) and Realms Plus for $7.99/month (10-player limit). Bedrock Realms also include access to more than 150 worlds, skins, and resource packs through the Minecraft Marketplace.

Your choice depends on your preferred version of Minecraft, the number of players you want to include, and whether you value additional content.

What’s Included in a Realm Subscription?

Player Slots & Access

• The Basic Bedrock Realms plan allows 2 simultaneous players.
• Realms Plus and Java Realms allow up to 10 players at the same time.

Only invited players can access your Realm, ensuring a private and secure environment. Realms also support cross-platform play, so friends on PC, mobile, and consoles can join the same server.

Marketplace Content (Bedrock Only)

Realms Plus subscribers gain access to over 150 premium content packs from the Minecraft Marketplace. These packs include:

• Custom worlds with unique gameplay mechanics.
• Skins for character customization.
• Resource packs that change the look and feel of your game.

This feature adds significant value to the Realms Plus subscription, especially for players who enjoy experimenting with different styles of gameplay.

Server Uptime and Cloud Saves

All Realms include 24/7 server uptime, meaning your world is always online. Additionally, Realms automatically back up your world data to the cloud, protecting your progress from accidental loss or corruption.

These features make Realms a reliable choice for long-term projects or collaborative builds.

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Realms vs Alternatives

Hosting Your Own Server

Hosting your own Minecraft server can be cheaper than using Realms, but it requires technical knowledge and ongoing maintenance.

• Hardware Costs: A dedicated server may cost $100 to $500 upfront, depending on its specifications.
• Electricity Costs: Running a server at home can add $10 to $50 to your monthly electricity bill.
• Software/Hosting Fees: If you use a hosting service, expect to pay $5 to $50 per month, depending on the provider and player slots.

While self-hosting offers more control, Realms simplify the process, making them more appealing for casual players.

Third-Party Hosting Services

Platforms like Apex Hosting and Shockbyte provide professional Minecraft server hosting with prices starting at $5 per month. These services often support more players and mods than Realms but may require more technical setup.

If you need advanced customization or larger player limits, third-party hosting might be worth exploring.

Free Multiplayer Options

Minecraft also offers free multiplayer options, such as:

• Local LAN: Play on the same Wi-Fi network without additional costs.
• Open Servers: Join public servers hosted by other players.
• Peer-to-Peer: Host a game session directly on your device.

While these options are free, they lack the security and persistence of Realms, making them less suitable for long-term projects.

Managing Your Realms Subscription

How to Subscribe or Cancel

To subscribe to Realms, you can purchase a plan through the Minecraft Launcher or your platform’s store (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation). Canceling is just as simple—log in to your Mojang or Microsoft account and manage your subscription settings.

Payment Methods and Billing Cycles

Minecraft Realms supports various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, and gift cards. Subscriptions renew automatically every month, so you’ll need to cancel if you no longer wish to be billed.

Trial Periods and Promotions

New players can often access a 30-day free trial for Realms or Realms Plus. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers may receive free Realms benefits as part of their plan.

Expert Tips

Choose the Right Plan

Dr. Sylas Renwick, a gaming analyst at Pixel Insights, recommends selecting a plan based on your group size. “If you’re hosting a small server for two players, the basic plan is more cost-effective. For larger groups, Realms Plus offers better value with its 10-player limit.”

Take Advantage of Free Trials

Aurelia Finch, a game subscription strategist at PlaySphere Consulting, advises players to use free trials. “The 30-day trial is a great way to test Realms without committing to a full subscription. This gives you time to decide if the features meet your needs.”

Explore Marketplace Content

Callum Drexler, a creative director at BuildCraft Studios, highlights the value of Realms Plus Marketplace content. “The included worlds and resource packs can save you money in the long run, especially if you frequently purchase items from the Marketplace.”

Final Words

Minecraft Realms offer a simple, secure way to enjoy private multiplayer games. While prices range from $3.99 to $7.99 per month, the added convenience, uptime, and cloud backups make Realms a great choice for casual and dedicated players alike.

Answers to Common Questions

What happens if you don’t pay for your Minecraft realm?

If you stop paying for your subscription, your Realm will be suspended. However, Mojang saves your world data for a limited time, allowing you to reactivate your subscription and regain access.

How do you manage Minecraft realms?

You can manage your Realm settings through the Minecraft Launcher or the in-game menu. Options include inviting friends, adjusting player limits, and activating backups.

How many people can play Minecraft realms?

Realms Plus and Java Realms support up to 10 simultaneous players, while the Basic Bedrock Plan is limited to 2 players.