What is Minecraft Realms Plus
Minecraft Realms Plus is a paid subscription from Microsoft for Bedrock Edition that offers two core benefits:
Your own private server — a persistent world for you and up to 10 players simultaneously. The server stays online around the clock, so your friends do not need to wait for you to be logged in.
Access to 100+ content packs from the Marketplace — skins, texture packs, maps, and adventures that would cost hundreds of Marketplace Coins if purchased individually.
Important note: Realms Plus is for Bedrock Edition only. Java Edition has a separate Realms service (without Plus) that does not include the Marketplace content library.
How much does Realms Plus cost
As of 2026, Realms Plus costs approximately $7.99 USD/month or the local currency equivalent. Discounts are often available for multi-month prepayment. In some regions the subscription is included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
What you get for the price
| Component | Value |
|---|---|
| Private server for 10 players | High |
| 100+ Marketplace content packs | High (worth hundreds of USD individually) |
| 24/7 server availability | High |
| World management via mobile app | Medium |
The alternative: self-hosted server
Technically inclined players can run a Minecraft server on a VPS or a home PC. VPS hosting starts from around $3/month. Advantages: full customisation, mod support, more player slots. Disadvantages: requires technical knowledge, setup time, and ongoing maintenance.
Realms Plus wins on simplicity: no setup, everything works out of the box.
Who should get Realms Plus
Worth it if:
- You regularly play with 2–10 friends on Bedrock Edition
- You want a hassle-free server without technical knowledge
- You enjoy exploring new Marketplace content
- Realms Plus is included in your Xbox Game Pass subscription
You can skip it if:
- You play solo or rarely with others
- You use Java Edition (Realms Plus does not apply)
- Customisation and mods matter more to you — a self-hosted server is better
- Your budget is tight — the base game is already great value without subscriptions
Frequently asked questions
If I cancel Realms Plus, will my world be deleted? No. After cancellation the server enters a grace period and your world is retained for up to 18 months. You can download a backup copy of the world at any time.
Is Realms Plus included in Xbox Game Pass? Realms Plus is included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. If you already have that subscription, check whether a free Realms Plus period has been activated on your account.
Can my friends play on my Realm without a subscription? Yes. Only the server owner needs an active Realms Plus subscription. Friends join for free.
Start with the essentials — buy Minecraft on Marix at a competitive price, and you can always add Realms Plus whenever you are ready.