Peer to peer multiplayer lets you play Minecraft Java Edition with friends without setting up a dedicated server or paying for hosting services. One player hosts the world directly from their game, and everyone else connects straight to it. This method works great for small groups of up to eight or ten players and keeps things simple and free.

There are two popular ways to do this: a direct internet connection that requires port forwarding on the host's router, or an easier virtual network tool like Hamachi that skips port forwarding entirely. Both options use the same core feature in Minecraft called "Open to LAN." This guide covers both methods step by step so you can choose what works best for your group.

What You Need Before Starting

  • Minecraft Java Edition installed on every computer (same exact version for all players)
  • A stable internet connection for everyone
  • The host should have a decent computer and upload speed, since their PC runs the game for the whole group
  • All players should be using the same mods or resource packs if any are involved
  • Basic familiarity with Minecraft menus

Option 1: Direct Connection Using Port Forwarding

This is the purest peer to peer setup. The host opens their world and makes it reachable over the internet by forwarding a port on their router. No extra software is needed beyond Minecraft itself.

Steps for the Host

  1. Launch Minecraft Java Edition and load the singleplayer world you want to play in (or create a new one).
  2. Press the Esc key to open the pause menu.
  3. Click the button labeled "Open to LAN."
  4. Choose your multiplayer settings: select the game mode, decide whether to allow cheats, and set the maximum number of players if desired.
  5. Click "Start LAN World."
  6. Look in the chat window for a message that says something like "Local game hosted on port: 12345." Write down that exact port number. It is usually a five digit number.
  7. Find your public IP address by visiting a site like whatismyipaddress.com in your web browser.
  8. Set up port forwarding on your router for the port number shown in Minecraft. Log into your router settings (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), find the port forwarding section, and forward the Minecraft port to your computer's local IP address. You can find your local IP by opening Command Prompt on Windows and typing "ipconfig" then looking for IPv4 Address under your active network adapter.
  9. Keep Minecraft running and the world loaded. The game must stay open for others to stay connected.

Steps for Other Players

  1. Open Minecraft Java Edition and go to the main menu.
  2. Click "Multiplayer" then "Direct Connection."
  3. In the server address box, type the host's public IP address followed by a colon and the port number (example: 123.456.78.90:12345).
  4. Click "Join Server." If everything is set up correctly, you will connect to the world.

Option 2: Using Hamachi (Recommended for Most Players)

Hamachi creates a virtual private network so everyone appears to be on the same local network. This avoids port forwarding and works even on strict routers or mobile hotspots.

Steps for Everyone

  1. Download and install LogMeIn Hamachi from the official website (logmein.com/products/hamachi). It is free for up to five computers in one network.
  2. Create a free account if prompted and open the Hamachi program.
  3. The host clicks "Create a new network," gives it a name and password, then shares that information with friends.
  4. All other players click "Join an existing network" and enter the exact network name and password provided by the host.

Steps for the Host After Hamachi Is Running

  1. Launch Minecraft and load your singleplayer world.
  2. Press Esc and click "Open to LAN."
  3. Set your game mode and other options, then click "Start LAN World."
  4. Note the port number shown in the chat (same as in Option 1).

Steps for Other Players After Hamachi Is Running

  1. In Hamachi, look at the host's computer name in the network list and note the IPv4 address shown next to it (it looks like 25.123.45.67).
  2. Open Minecraft, go to Multiplayer, and click "Direct Connection."
  3. Enter the Hamachi IPv4 address followed by the port number (example: 25.123.45.67:12345).
  4. Click "Join Server."

Common Troubleshooting Tips

  • Make sure everyone is running the exact same Minecraft version. Even a small difference will prevent connection.
  • If you see a "Connection timed out" message, double check the IP address and port, and confirm the host's game is still open.
  • Antivirus or firewall software sometimes blocks Minecraft. Add an exception for javaw.exe on the host computer.
  • For direct connection, the host may need to restart their router after setting up port forwarding.
  • If the world feels laggy, the host should close other programs that use a lot of internet or CPU power.
  • Hamachi networks sometimes require everyone to be online in Hamachi before launching Minecraft.

Extra Tips for a Smooth Experience

  • The host's computer acts as the server, so performance depends on their hardware and internet upload speed.
  • Save the world regularly in case the host needs to restart the game.
  • For larger groups or 24/7 play, consider switching to a free or paid dedicated server later.
  • You can use voice chat apps like Discord alongside the game for easier communication.

This peer to peer approach makes it quick and easy to jump into a multiplayer world with friends in just a few minutes. Once you try it once or twice, the process becomes second nature. Grab your friends, pick the method that fits your setup, and start building, exploring, and surviving together in Minecraft Java Edition. Happy crafting.