Key Points
- Minecraft Java Edition now includes a Friends List.
- Peer-to-peer multiplayer functionality has been added.
- The features are available through the Minecraft Snapshot preview system.
- Players can invite friends directly into their single-player worlds.
Minecraft Java Edition is updating its multiplayer features. Mojang Studios is implementing a new friends list system and direct peer-to-peer connectivity. This update allows players to invite friends to their worlds. The Essential Mod, previously essential for multiplayer, may still be useful for those with existing servers. The new social features are currently accessible through the Minecraft Snapshot preview system.
New Social Features
The update, announced in Minecraft Java Edition 26.2 Snapshot 7, allows players to join each other's worlds without needing servers or third-party solutions. The Friends List can be accessed from the title screen and pause menu. Players can search for Minecraft Profile Names to send friend requests and see their friends' online status.
Peer-to-Peer World Joining
The biggest addition is peer-to-peer world joining. Players can open a single-player world to online multiplayer from a new Multiplayer Options screen. From there, hosts can invite friends directly into their world, while friends can also request to join. The old Open to LAN screen has been replaced by the new Multiplayer Options screen, which lets players choose between Off, Local, and Online.
"Players should back up their worlds before testing the snapshot due to potential instability." — Mojang
Additional Details
Mojang notes that chat and privacy settings can affect how players interact through the Friends List. Players can also control whether their activity is shown to friends. Snapshot 26.2 Snapshot 7 also adds a new music disc called Bounce by fingerspit, along with five new background music tracks and more Chaos Cubed changes.