How to Play Multiplayer Minecraft on Switch: A Guide to Building Castles in the Sky

Minecraft, the sandbox game that has captured the hearts of millions, offers endless possibilities for creativity and adventure. Playing multiplayer Minecraft on the Nintendo Switch can be an exhilarating experience, especially when you’re building castles in the sky with friends. This guide will walk you through the steps to set up multiplayer mode, explore the game’s features, and share some tips to enhance your gameplay.

Setting Up Multiplayer Minecraft on Switch

1. Ensure You Have the Right Version

Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition: If you own this version, you can play multiplayer locally or online. However, this version is no longer updated, so consider upgrading to the Bedrock Edition for the latest features.
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition: This is the current version available on the Nintendo Switch. It supports cross-platform play, meaning you can play with friends on other devices like Xbox, PC, and mobile.

2. Nintendo Switch Online Subscription

To play Minecraft multiplayer online, you need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. This service allows you to connect with friends over the internet and access various online features.

3. Creating or Joining a World

Creating a World: When starting a new world, ensure that the “Multiplayer Game” option is enabled. This allows other players to join your game.
Joining a World: If you want to join a friend’s world, you can do so by selecting “Friends” from the main menu and choosing the world you wish to join.

4. Local Multiplayer

Split-Screen Mode: If you’re playing with friends in the same room, you can use the split-screen mode. Simply connect additional controllers to your Switch, and the game will automatically split the screen for each player.
LAN Play: For local multiplayer without an internet connection, you can use LAN play. Ensure all devices are connected to the same network, and the game will detect available worlds.

Exploring Multiplayer Features

1. Cross-Platform Play

One of the most exciting features of Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is cross-platform play. This means you can play with friends on different devices, including Xbox, PC, and mobile. To enable this, ensure that all players are using the same version of the game and are logged into their Microsoft accounts.

2. Realms

Minecraft Realms: Realms are private servers hosted by Mojang, allowing you to create a persistent world that your friends can join anytime. This is perfect for long-term projects like building a massive castle or exploring a vast world.
Setting Up a Realm: To set up a Realm, go to the “Realms” tab in the main menu and follow the prompts. You can invite friends by sharing a link or sending an invite through the game.

3. Servers

Public Servers: There are numerous public servers available where you can join other players in various game modes, such as survival, creative, and mini-games. Some popular servers include Mineplex, Hypixel, and The Hive.
Joining a Server: To join a server, go to the “Servers” tab in the main menu and select the server you want to join. Note that some servers may require additional setup or registration.

4. Voice Chat

Nintendo Switch Online App: For voice chat during multiplayer sessions, you can use the Nintendo Switch Online app. This app allows you to communicate with friends while playing, enhancing the cooperative experience.
Third-Party Apps: Alternatively, you can use third-party voice chat apps like Discord to communicate with your friends.

Tips for Enhancing Your Multiplayer Experience

1. Set Clear Goals

Before starting a multiplayer session, discuss with your friends what you want to achieve. Whether it’s building a castle, exploring a new biome, or defeating the Ender Dragon, having clear goals can make the experience more enjoyable.

2. Assign Roles

In a multiplayer game, assigning roles can help streamline tasks. For example, one player can focus on gathering resources, while another builds structures. This division of labor can make large projects more manageable.

3. Use Coordinates

Minecraft uses a coordinate system to track your location in the world. Sharing coordinates with your friends can help you meet up quickly or locate specific points of interest.

4. Enable Cheats (Optional)

If you’re playing in a creative or casual setting, enabling cheats can add an extra layer of fun. Cheats allow you to do things like teleport, change the time of day, or give yourself items.

5. Backup Your World

Regularly backing up your world can prevent the loss of progress due to crashes or other issues. You can do this by copying the world file to an external storage device or using cloud storage.

6. Experiment with Mods and Add-Ons

While the Nintendo Switch version of Minecraft doesn’t support traditional mods, you can still use add-ons to customize your game. Add-ons can change the behavior of mobs, add new items, or alter the game’s mechanics.

Building Castles in the Sky: A Creative Challenge

1. Choosing the Right Location

When building a castle in the sky, location is key. Look for a high point in the world, such as a mountain or a floating island. Alternatively, you can create your own platform using blocks like dirt or stone.

2. Designing the Castle

Start by sketching out your castle’s design on paper or in a digital tool. Consider the layout, the number of rooms, and the overall theme. Will it be a medieval fortress, a futuristic stronghold, or a magical palace?

3. Gathering Resources

Building a castle requires a significant amount of resources. Assign tasks to your friends to gather materials like stone, wood, and glass. You can also use creative mode to bypass resource gathering if you prefer.

4. Constructing the Castle

Begin by laying the foundation of your castle. Use sturdy blocks like stone bricks or cobblestone for the walls and towers. Add details like windows, doors, and decorative elements to bring your castle to life.

5. Adding Interior Details

Once the exterior is complete, focus on the interior. Create rooms like a throne room, bedrooms, a kitchen, and a library. Use furniture mods or custom designs to furnish the castle.

6. Defending Your Castle

No castle is complete without defenses. Add walls, moats, and towers to protect your castle from mobs or other players. You can also install traps and redstone contraptions for added security.

7. Showcasing Your Creation

Once your castle is complete, invite friends to explore it. You can also share screenshots or videos of your creation on social media or Minecraft forums.

Q1: Can I play Minecraft multiplayer on Switch without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription?

A: You can play local multiplayer (split-screen or LAN) without a subscription, but online multiplayer requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

Q2: How many players can join a multiplayer game on Switch?

A: The Nintendo Switch supports up to 8 players in a single multiplayer session, whether online or local.

Q3: Can I transfer my Minecraft world from another device to the Switch?

A: Yes, if you’re using the Bedrock Edition, you can transfer worlds between devices using a Microsoft account and cloud storage.

Q4: Are there any limitations to cross-platform play?

A: Cross-platform play is generally seamless, but some servers or game modes may have restrictions. Additionally, all players must be using the same version of the game.

Q5: Can I use mods on the Nintendo Switch version of Minecraft?

A: The Nintendo Switch version does not support traditional mods, but you can use add-ons to customize your game.

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying multiplayer Minecraft on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you’re building castles in the sky or exploring vast landscapes, the possibilities are endless. Happy crafting!