Minecraft Realms offer a fantastic way to play Minecraft with friends, providing a persistent, always-online world that's easy to manage. But how much do they actually cost? The price of a Minecraft Realm depends on several factors, and this guide will break down the different subscription tiers and what you get for your money.
What are Minecraft Realms?
Before diving into pricing, let's quickly recap what Minecraft Realms are. Essentially, they're private servers hosted by Mojang Studios, allowing you to play Minecraft multiplayer with friends without the hassle of setting up and maintaining your own server. This means consistent uptime, simplified world management, and easy access for your invited players.
How Much Do Minecraft Realms Cost?
Minecraft Realms pricing varies depending on the subscription tier you choose. There are currently two main options:
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Realm Plus: This subscription provides access to a wider selection of marketplace content, including skins, textures, and world templates. This adds a significant value proposition, especially for players who enjoy customizing their gameplay experience. The cost of a Realm Plus subscription is typically higher than a standard Realm.
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Standard Realm: This provides the core functionality of a Minecraft Realm, with a private world for you and your friends to play together. It does not include the added content of Realm Plus.
Pricing (USD): Exact pricing can fluctuate slightly depending on your region and currency conversion rates. Always check the in-game Minecraft store for the most up-to-date pricing. However, you can generally expect to find prices in the following range:
- Standard Realm: Around $7.99 per month (This may change due to market conditions, so check within the game.)
- Realm Plus: Around $12.99 per month (This may change due to market conditions, so check within the game.)
Important Note: These prices are recurring monthly subscriptions. You'll be charged automatically each month until you cancel your subscription.
What's Included in a Minecraft Realms Subscription?
The features included vary based on whether you've opted for a Standard Realm or Realm Plus.
Standard Realm Features:
- Private Server: A persistent world where you and your friends can play together.
- Multiplayer: Up to 10 players can join at once (although the number of invited players is unlimited).
- World Backup: Regular backups of your world are saved, providing a safety net against unexpected issues.
- Easy Management: Simple tools to manage players, settings, and backups.
Realm Plus Additional Features:
- Access to Marketplace Content: You gain access to a rotating selection of marketplace items. These can include world templates (to instantly start playing in an exciting world), texture packs (to customize the visual style), skins (to change the appearance of your character), and more.
- All Standard Realm Features: All the features listed above for a Standard Realm are included.
How Do I Purchase a Minecraft Realm?
You purchase a Minecraft Realm directly through the Minecraft in-game store. This allows you to begin playing your realm immediately after purchasing and setting up the world of your choice.
What Payment Methods are Accepted?
Minecraft uses standard online payment methods, such as credit cards and various payment platforms supported by your device's app store or the Minecraft launcher.
Can I Cancel My Subscription?
Yes, you can cancel your Minecraft Realms subscription at any time. However, you will continue to have access to your realm until the end of your current billing cycle.
Are there any free options?
No, there isn't a free version of Minecraft Realms. However, you can try the free trial offered by some Minecraft Marketplace worlds. These trials will be limited and do not provide access to a fully functional server.
How many players can join a Minecraft Realm at once?
A maximum of 10 players can join a Minecraft Realm concurrently. However, you can invite more than 10 players and they can join whenever other players leave.
This comprehensive guide provides a clear overview of Minecraft Realms pricing and features. Remember to check the in-game store for the most accurate and updated pricing information before making a purchase.
