Conquering the Blocks Together: A Detailed Guide to Playing Minecraft Online on PS4

Minecraft, the iconic sandbox game that has captivated millions, offers endless possibilities for creativity and adventure. While solo play is fulfilling, the real magic often happens when you team up with friends or join a vibrant online community. If you’re a PlayStation 4 owner eager to explore the blocky world with others, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about playing Minecraft online. From basic setup to tackling common issues, we’ve got you covered. Prepare to embark on epic builds, daring explorations, and unforgettable cooperative experiences!

Understanding the Different Ways to Play Minecraft Online on PS4

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand the various online multiplayer options available in Minecraft on PS4. Each method has its own requirements, advantages, and limitations, so choosing the right one is key to a smooth and enjoyable experience.

1. Playing Locally with Split-Screen

This is the most straightforward method for enjoying Minecraft with others on the same console. It doesn’t require an internet connection, but it’s limited to players in the same physical location. Up to four players can participate in split-screen mode, sharing the same TV or monitor. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Start Minecraft: Launch the game on your PS4.
2. Load a World: Either load an existing world or create a new one.
3. Connect Controllers: Ensure that all desired controllers are connected and turned on. If you are not using the profile on your primary controller, press the PS button on all additional controller(s), then select the user profile you would like to use for Minecraft.
4. Press Options: On one of the connected controllers, press the Options button.
5. Invite Players: In the pause menu, you will now see the option to ‘Invite To Game’. Select that option. You will be presented with a list of the additional player accounts linked to the console. Select all of the players that you wish to join.

Advantages:

• No Internet Required: Play instantly without needing an online connection.
• Easy Setup: Quick and simple process to get everyone playing.
• Local Fun: Perfect for casual gatherings and family play.

Limitations:

• Limited Players: Maximum of four players on one screen.
• Same Location: All players must be in the same physical space.

2. Playing Online with Friends through PlayStation Network

This is the most common way to play online Minecraft with friends on the PS4. You’ll need a PlayStation Plus subscription to access online features. This method allows you to play with friends regardless of their location. You will use your friends list on Playstation Network to invite or join games.

Before you start, ensure:

• PlayStation Plus Subscription: You and all your friends who wish to play online need an active PlayStation Plus membership.
• Minecraft Account: Everyone needs a purchased copy of Minecraft on their PS4.
• PlayStation Network Account: Each player will need an account for Playstation Network.
• Friends List: Add each other to your friends list. You will need to know the PSN names of your friends.

How to Host a Game:

1. Start Minecraft: Launch the game on your PS4.
2. Load a World: Choose an existing world or create a new one.
3. Pause the Game: Press the Options button on your controller to pause the game.
4. Invite Friends: In the pause menu, you will see an ‘Invite To Game’ option. Select this.
5. Choose Friends: A list of your online PSN friends will appear. Select the friends you want to invite to your game.
6. Friends join: Your invited friends will receive a notification. Once they accept, they will join your world.

How to Join a Friend’s Game:

1. Start Minecraft: Launch the game on your PS4.
2. Accept Invitation: If a friend has invited you, accept the invitation when the notification appears.
3. Join Through Friends List: Alternatively, you can view your friends list on the PS4, and you can see if any of your friends are in a Minecraft world. You will be able to use an option on their profile to join their session.
4. Loading: Minecraft will begin to load the world of the host.

Advantages:

• Play with Friends: Connect with friends regardless of their location.
• Cooperative Fun: Build, explore, and adventure together.
• Simple to Join: Easy to invite friends and join their games.

Limitations:

• PlayStation Plus Required: Active subscription needed for online play.
• Stable Internet: Requires a reliable internet connection for all players.

3. Playing Online with Realms

Minecraft Realms is a subscription service hosted by Mojang, the creators of Minecraft. It provides a private, dedicated server where you and your invited friends can play online anytime, even when the host isn’t online. This is particularly useful for ongoing projects and persistent worlds.

Setting up a Realm:

1. Access Minecraft: Start Minecraft on your PS4.
2. Select Realms: On the main menu, select the ‘Play’ menu. In the top navigation, navigate to the ‘Realms’ tab.
3. Start a Trial or Purchase Realm: If you do not have a realm, you will be presented with options to either use a free trial, or subscribe. Once you make your selection, you will be able to begin your realm set up.
4. Realm Name: Give your Realm a name.
5. Invite Players: You will now be presented with an option to invite players. Select this option, and then you can add players from your friends list.

Joining a Realm:

1. Access Minecraft: Start Minecraft on your PS4.
2. Select Realms: On the main menu, select the ‘Play’ menu. In the top navigation, navigate to the ‘Realms’ tab.
3. Choose Realm: You will see any realms that you have been invited to. Select the one you wish to join.

Advantages:

• 24/7 Access: Play anytime, even when the owner is offline.
• Persistent Worlds: Changes are saved, ensuring continuity.
• Private Server: Controlled environment for friends only.
• Backups: Regular backups prevent data loss.

Limitations:

• Subscription Fee: Requires a paid monthly subscription to Realms.
• Limited Players: Realms have a player limit (usually 10 players, depending on the subscription type).

4. Joining Public Servers (Limited Availability on PS4)

Unlike the Java version of Minecraft (PC), the PS4 version does not provide an in-game server browser for joining external public servers. However, there is limited availability to join partner servers. The selection of available servers can change without notice.

How to Join:

1. Access Minecraft: Start Minecraft on your PS4.
2. Select Servers: On the main menu, select the ‘Play’ menu. In the top navigation, navigate to the ‘Servers’ tab.
3. Choose Server: You will see available featured servers (if any). Select the server you wish to join.

Advantages:

• Large Communities: Experience massive multiplayer interactions.
• Diverse Gameplay: Access various game modes and custom maps.
• Meet new people: Opportunity to play with other Minecraft players.

Limitations:

• Limited Availability: Not many server options are available for PS4 players.
• Moderation Issues: Some servers may have a lack of moderation or safety measures.
• Server Quality: Server quality can vary.

Detailed Steps to Get Started with Online Multiplayer

Now that you know the different options, let’s dive into the detailed steps you need to take to play Minecraft online on your PS4.

Step 1: Ensure a Stable Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is paramount for a smooth online experience. Lag and disconnects can be frustrating, especially during intense building or combat sessions. Here are some tips to ensure you have a reliable connection:

• Wired Connection (Ethernet): A wired connection is generally more stable than Wi-Fi. If your router is close to your PS4, consider using an Ethernet cable.
• Wi-Fi Signal Strength: If using Wi-Fi, make sure your PS4 is within a good range of your router. Avoid placing your PS4 behind other devices that might block the signal.
• Bandwidth Usage: Avoid downloading large files or streaming video while playing Minecraft online, as this can strain your bandwidth and cause lag.
• Router Settings: Ensure your router’s firmware is up to date, and check your network settings for any potential bottlenecks.
• Restart Your Router: Sometimes simply restarting your router and modem can resolve network issues.

Step 2: Playstation Network and Account Setup

If you haven’t already, you’ll need to set up a PlayStation Network account. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to Settings: On your PS4’s main menu, go to ‘Settings’.
2. Account Management: Select ‘Account Management’.
3. Sign In: Choose ‘Sign In to PlayStation Network’ and follow the prompts to create a new account or sign in to an existing one.
4. Complete Account Details: Ensure you have completed the correct information for the account.

Step 3: Purchase Minecraft

Make sure you have a legitimate copy of Minecraft purchased through the PlayStation Store. You cannot use a disk copy of Minecraft from another console. The game can be purchased by:

1. Open the Playstation Store: Select the Playstation Store icon on your PlayStation home screen.
2. Search Minecraft: Use the search function to locate the ‘Minecraft’ game.
3. Purchase: Purchase and download the game.
4. Install the game: Once purchased, select install. The game will install automatically to your console.

Step 4: Add Friends to Your Friends List

If you’re planning on playing with friends through PSN, make sure you’re connected to them on your PlayStation Network friends list. Here’s how:

1. Go to Your Profile: On your PS4’s home screen, select your profile icon.
2. View Profile: Select “View Profile”.
3. Add Friends: Select the “Friends” tab, and select “Add a Player”.
4. Search for Players: Enter your friend’s PSN ID and send a friend request.

Step 5: Understand in-Game Settings

Minecraft has various in-game settings that can affect your online experience. Here are some you should be aware of:

• Game Mode: Choose between Creative (unlimited resources and flying), Survival (collect resources and fight mobs), or Adventure (pre-designed maps with limited actions).
• Difficulty: Set the game’s difficulty to Peaceful, Easy, Normal, or Hard. This will impact mob spawns and resource scarcity.
• Cheats: Enable or disable cheats. Cheats can provide an advantage by using commands, but may restrict achievements.
• World Settings: Configure world settings, such as world seed, structures generation, or other world settings such as mob spawning.
• Multiplayer Settings: This option allows you to specify who can join your game. Available options are: Invite Only, Friends, Friends of Friends and Everyone.

Step 6: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting steps:

Issue: Unable to Connect to Friends

• Check PSN Status: Ensure that the PlayStation Network is operational. PSN sometimes has scheduled maintenance which can interrupt connections.
• Verify PlayStation Plus: Double-check that you and your friends have active PlayStation Plus subscriptions.
• Check Network Settings: Ensure that the players are connected to the internet and have a strong and reliable connection.
• Restart Consoles and Routers: Restart your PS4, your friend’s PS4, and your internet router/modem.
• Game Version: Make sure that all players are using the most current version of the game. An outdated version can cause connection problems.
• NAT Type: A strict NAT type can limit your ability to connect. This is usually a configuration issue on your router. Check your router’s documentation on how to change the NAT type to Open.

Issue: Lag or Disconnects

• Internet Speed: Check your internet speed. Insufficient bandwidth can cause lag.
• Reduce Online Activity: Avoid other bandwidth-intensive activities (streaming, downloads) while playing.
• Wired Connection: Switch to a wired connection for more reliable stability.
• Distance from Router: Ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal. If using wifi, try to be as close to the router as possible.
• Server Issues: If using a public server, the server itself might be experiencing issues. Try joining a different server.

Issue: Realm Issues

• Check realm status: On your realm menu, check the status of the realm. You may have a lapse in subscription, which may prevent you from entering the game.
• Check realm invites: If you were invited to a realm, but are unable to enter, ensure that you accepted the invitation. If you cannot see a list of available realms, the realm may not have sent you an invitation.

Tips for a Better Online Experience

Here are some additional tips to enhance your online Minecraft adventures:

• Communicate: Use voice chat or messaging to coordinate with your friends. This can make building and exploring much more efficient.
• Set Goals: Having shared goals (e.g., building a specific structure, beating a boss) can keep everyone engaged.
• Be Respectful: Treat other players with respect. Avoid griefing, which involves destroying other players’ creations, and be mindful of their preferences.
• Explore Different Game Modes: Don’t limit yourself to one game mode. Try Creative for massive builds, Survival for a challenge, or Adventure for curated experiences.
• Use Texture Packs and Resource Packs: Enhance your visuals by exploring the variety of available downloadable content.
• Take Breaks: Remember to take breaks. Long gaming sessions can lead to fatigue and a less enjoyable experience.

Conclusion

Playing Minecraft online on PS4 can lead to countless hours of fun and creative collaboration. By understanding the different methods, properly setting up your game, and addressing common issues, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re building magnificent structures, exploring mysterious caves, or simply hanging out with friends, Minecraft online on PS4 provides an endless playground for creativity and adventure. So, grab your controller, gather your friends, and get ready to dive into the blocky world of Minecraft!