Many Minecraft players are looking for methods that allow playing Minecraft with friends without needing to subscribe to PS Plus. Here we explore some methods to play multiplayer on Minecraft without PS Plus.
Fortunately, there are alternative ways to enjoy Minecraft multiplayer on PS4 & PS5 without needing PS Plus.
Here are the methods to enjoy Minecraft with your friends, even if you don’t have a PlayStation Plus subscription:
1) LAN (Local Area Network) Play
LAN play is a great way to play Minecraft with your friends.
Just remember that to use this method, you and your friends need to be in the same physical location. Moreover, you all need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as well.
If you think you could satisfy these requirements, then this method might work for you. As a result, no PS Plus subscription or even an internet connection is necessary for this method to work
Here’s how to set up LAN play step-by-step:
Step 1: Before starting, make sure that all players who want to join the LAN session are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 2: On the host PS5/PS4 console, load Minecraft and enter the desired world. From the menu, go to “Settings,” then “Multiplayer,” and ensure that the “Visible to LAN Players” option is enabled.
Step 3: On the other PlayStation consoles, launch Minecraft and go to the “Friends” tab in the multiplayer menu. The host’s LAN game should appear on the list of available games. Select it to join the LAN session.
Step 4: Once all players have successfully joined the LAN game, you can start playing together in the same world and embark on your cooperative Minecraft adventure.
2) Split-Screen Multiplayer
Split-screen multiplayer is another fantastic way to enjoy playing Minecraft with your friends.
You just need a single PS console (PS5 or 4) and a TV for this method.
Here’s how to set up split-screen multiplayer:
Sign in with Multiple Accounts: Ensure that each player has their own PlayStation Network (PSN) account. If they don’t have one, they can easily create a new account on the PlayStation console.
Start Minecraft and Select a World: Load up Minecraft on your PlayStation console. After that, choose an existing world or create a new one for your multiplayer adventure.
Connect Additional Controllers: Make sure you have enough controllers for each player who wants to join the split-screen multiplayer session. Connect the additional controllers to the PlayStation console.
Invite Players to Join: Once you are in the game world, press the “Options” button on the primary controller. From the in-game menu, select “Play Game.” You should now see an option to invite other players.
Accept Invitations: On the other controllers, players will receive invitations to join the game. They need to accept the invitations. Next, they will be added to the split-screen multiplayer session.
Keep in mind that split-screen multiplayer is limited to PS4 or PS5 players sharing the same physical console. In other words, it doesn’t allow for online play with friends on different devices.
To learn more, you could watch this video tutorial on YouTube on how to play Minecraft split screen on PS5:
3) Minecraft Realms
Minecraft Realms is a subscription-based service offered by Mojang that allows players to create and manage their private servers, making it an excellent option for playing Minecraft with your friends without PS Plus. While Minecraft Realms requires a separate subscription, it doesn’t rely on PS Plus to function.
To use Minecraft Realms:
Purchase a Minecraft Realms subscription from the official Minecraft website or the in-game marketplace.
Log in to your Mojang account on the Minecraft website and access the Realms section.
Create a new Realm and configure its settings.
Invite your friends to join your Realm by sending them invitations through their Minecraft accounts.
Using Minecraft Realms ensures a smooth and dedicated multiplayer experience on PlayStation 5 or 4, even if your friends don’t have a PS Plus subscription.
Useful tips when playing multiplayer on Minecraft
1) Effective Communication
Communication is key to successful collaboration in Minecraft. Consider using voice chat platforms like Discord or in-game chat to coordinate actions, share ideas, and plan strategies with your teammates.
Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and facilitates better teamwork.
2) Set Common Goals
Before diving into the game, discuss and set common goals with your friends.
Whether it’s constructing an epic castle, exploring the Nether, or defeating the Ender Dragon, having shared objectives will keep everyone engaged and motivated throughout your multiplayer journey.
3) Establish Rules and Etiquette
To maintain a harmonious multiplayer environment, establish some ground rules and etiquette.
Respect each other’s creations, be mindful of shared resources, and agree on how to handle conflicts, such as accidental block-breaking or item looting.
4) Assign Roles and Specializations
Assigning roles and specializations to each player can boost efficiency and productivity. Some players may enjoy mining and resource gathering, while others might prefer building or farming.
Assigning tasks based on individual preferences and strengths can lead to a more cohesive and well-organized team.
Conclusion
While a PS Plus subscription unlocks additional benefits and features for online multiplayer gaming on PS4 and PS5, it is not a prerequisite to playing Minecraft multiplayer. By exploring options like split-screen play, LAN connections, or investing in Minecraft Realms, players can enjoy the game’s cooperative aspects without a PS Plus subscription. Whether you’re building grand structures, embarking on adventures, or simply exploring the vast world of Minecraft, these methods will enable you to share the excitement with friends and create lasting memories together.
