Minecraft Java finally gets easy multiplayer after 15 years with massive Friends List update

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Okay, so this is HUGE for Minecraft Java Edition! Finally, we’re getting a real friends list built right into the game, and it’s going to let us join each other’s worlds super easily. No more messing around with servers, Realms subscriptions, or complicated third-party stuff – we can just jump into our friends’ games directly. It’s a game-changer, honestly!

Mojang introduced a new feature in Minecraft Java Edition with the release of Snapshot 26.2.7 on May 12, 2026. They say it will make connecting with friends and starting games much simpler. This snapshot is a test version of the game, available through the Minecraft Launcher.

For years, players on Minecraft Bedrock Edition and consoles have easily joined friends’ games. However, playing multiplayer on the Java version usually meant a bit more work. Players typically needed to set up their own server, pay for Minecraft Realms, or be on the same local network.

Friends List for Java Edition
byu/Luutamo inMinecraft

It’s now easier to connect with friends in Minecraft: Java Edition! A new Friends List feature lets you send and accept friend requests using Minecraft usernames. You can find the Friends List in the main menu and pause screen, and it shows whether your friends are currently online, playing a world, or available to join a game.

Minecraft Java adds peer-to-peer friend joining

I’m so excited about the latest update! Now, in Snapshot 26.2 Snapshot 7, you can finally play with friends in your single-player worlds! There’s a new Multiplayer Options screen where you can open up your world and invite people directly, or they can ask to join if you’re okay with it. It’s awesome!

We’ve updated how you connect with others! The old Open to LAN screen is now the Multiplayer Options screen, giving you three choices: Off, Local, and Online. Selecting ‘Off’ keeps your world private. ‘Local’ works the same way the old LAN system did. And ‘Online’ lets friends join your game from any location.

The system uses your Xbox profile, so your chat and privacy settings determine how you connect with friends on the Friends List. You can also choose how visible you are to friends – you can be fully online, show limited activity, or appear offline.

Mark your calendars! #MinecraftLIVE is happening on May 30th! Join us for the latest Minecraft news, exclusive previews, and a behind-the-scenes look from the developers. We can’t wait to see you there!

— Minecraft (@Minecraft) May 12, 2026

This update is significant because players have recently embraced mods that make it simple to join multiplayer games. Now, Mojang is adding that same easy-to-use system directly into the game, which should make playing multiplayer with friends much easier and less daunting for casual Java players.

Since this is a test version, Mojang recommends players save a copy of their game worlds before trying it out.

Testing versions of the game, often called ‘snapshot’ builds, can be buggy. Opening a world you’ve already been playing in a testing version might cause problems when you try to load it in the regular, stable version of the game. Mojang warns that testing versions can sometimes damage your worlds, so they suggest making a backup copy or keeping test worlds in a separate folder.

To test out the new feature, open the Minecraft Launcher and choose Java Edition. Then, navigate to the ‘Installations’ tab, turn on ‘Snapshots’, and launch the most recent snapshot.

Update 7 introduces a new music disc, “Bounce” by fingerspit, plus five additional background music tracks and further adjustments to Chaos Cubed.

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2026-05-12 19:49