The Party System is an exciting new multiplayer feature for Minecraft Bedrock Edition. It allows players to form groups of up to 15 friends who automatically follow the party leader into any world, server, or Realm. This eliminates the need for repeated invites and makes seamless group play possible, even if members are browsing menus or other worlds while waiting.

Requirements

Before using the Party System, ensure you meet these prerequisites:

  • Minecraft Bedrock Edition Preview or Beta version 1.26.0.25 or later.
  • Signed in with a Microsoft account (required for cross-play and friends).
  • Friends added to your in-game friends list via the Social menu (Xbox Live integration).
  • All party members must be online and running a compatible preview version.

How to Join the Bedrock Preview or Beta

To access the Party System:

  1. Visit the official Minecraft Previews page at minecraft.net/en-us/previews.
  2. Select your platform:
    • Android: Join the Beta via Google Play Store.
    • iOS/iPadOS: Join the Preview via TestFlight (download from the link provided).
    • Xbox/PlayStation/Windows: Enable previews in the Minecraft Launcher or store settings.
  3. Download and launch the preview version.
  4. Once updated, the Party System will appear in the Social drawer.

Note: Previews may include bugs, so back up your worlds.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Party

  1. Launch Minecraft Bedrock Edition and go to the main menu.
  2. Click the Social button (or drawer) in the top-right corner.
  3. Select the Party tab or click the party icon to open the Party screen.
  4. Click Create Party on the new Create Party screen.
  5. Choose your privacy setting:
    SettingDescription
    Invited OnlyLeader must send invites to specific in-game friends.
    OpenAny of your friends can see and join the party.
  6. Confirm creation. You are now the party leader.

Inviting Friends to Your Party

  • For Invited Only: From the party screen, select friends from your list and send invites. They will receive a notification to accept.
  • For Open: Friends can browse available parties in their Social drawer and join directly.
  • Leaders can allow members to send invites via party settings (toggle in the new Party Settings tab).

Invites appear in the recipient's Social menu. Up to 15 total members (including the leader).

Joining a Party as a Member

  1. Open the Social drawer from the main menu.
  2. Go to the Party tab.
  3. Accept an incoming invite, or select an Open party from available friends' parties.
  4. Once joined, you will see the party roster and leader status.

Using the Party System

  1. As the party leader, select and join any world, server, or Realm from the Play menu.
  2. All party members automatically join you in that world - no manual invites needed!
  3. Members remain in the party even if switching menus or worlds temporarily.

Key Features:

  • Auto-Join: Follows leader seamlessly across sessions.
  • Co-Leaders: Leader can promote members to share leadership (right-click or select promote).
  • Party Settings Tab: Customize invite notifications, member invite permissions, and default privacy.
  • Cross-Platform: Works across supported devices.
  • Party Chat: Integrated chat for the group (visible in the Social drawer).

Managing and Leaving a Party

  • Promote Co-Leader: Select a member and promote.
  • Change Settings: Access the Party Settings tab from the Social drawer.
  • Leave Party: From the party screen, select "Leave" (members can leave anytime; leader disbanding kicks all).
  • Disband as Leader: Close the party from the management screen.

The Party System revolutionizes group play in Bedrock Edition. Keep an eye on official changelogs for the full 1.26.0 release, expected soon! Happy mining with your crew.