You want to play Minecraft Java with friends, but you do not want to pay for a server. There are a few ways to make that happen. Each method has different requirements, player limits, and connection reliability. This guide covers how to play with friends on Minecraft Java without a server using LAN or Hamachi, along with when a dedicated server is the better choice.
If you enjoy cross-platform play, check out the cross-platform play guide. Note that the methods below apply to Java Edition only. Bedrock Edition has its own multiplayer options.
Local Area Network (LAN)
LAN is the simplest method. It works when every player is connected to the same WiFi or wired router. No extra software needed.
- Launch Minecraft Java Edition and load into a singleplayer world.
- Press Escape to open the game menu and click “
Open to LAN“. - Adjust the game mode and cheats settings as desired.
- Click “
Start LAN World“.
Your friends on the same network can now join through the Multiplayer menu. If the world does not appear in their list, they can use Direct Connect and enter your local IP address with the port number.
To find your IP address on Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig. Look for the IPv4 Address under your network adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). The port number is shown in the Minecraft chat message after you start the LAN world.
Limitation: LAN only works for players on the same physical network. Friends in a different location cannot connect.
Hamachi
Hamachi is a free virtual LAN tool from LogMeIn. It creates a private network your friends can join over the internet, making their computers appear to be on the same local network as yours. The free plan supports up to 5 users in a network.
Setting Up Hamachi
- Download and install Hamachi from the official LogMeIn website.
- Create a new network in Hamachi by clicking “
Network” and selecting “Create a new network“. - Enter a network ID and password for the network.
- Share the network ID and password with your friends.
- Have your friends install Hamachi and join the network using the ID and password you provided.
Connecting to Your World via Hamachi
- Open your Minecraft world and use Open to LAN as described above.
- Note the port number shown in the Minecraft chat.
- Share your Hamachi IPv4 address with your friends (visible in the Hamachi client).
- Have your friends open Minecraft, go to Multiplayer, and click “
Direct Connect“. - Enter your Hamachi IPv4 address followed by a colon and the port number (for example,
25.84.10.1:55123).
Limitation: Free plan capped at 5 computers per network. Hamachi requires all players to have the software installed and running during the session.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
This happens when the LAN discovery fails. Have your friends use Direct Connect instead. Enter the host IP address and port number manually (format: 192.168.x.x:port). Make sure all players are on the same network or the same Hamachi/Radmin VPN network.
Check that Windows Firewall is not blocking the Hamachi adapter. Go to Windows Firewall settings and allow Hamachi connections. Also confirm the port number from the Minecraft chat is being used correctly in Direct Connect.
LAN and VPN tools route traffic through the host machine and software. If the host machine has a slow internet connection, all players will notice lag. This is an inherent limitation of these methods.
Why a Dedicated Server Is the Better Option
LAN and VPN tools work, but they have real limitations. The host must be online and playing for anyone else to connect. Connection quality depends on the host’s internet. Player limits are low.
A dedicated SMP server stays online around the clock. Your friends can join any time without you being present. There are no VPN configurations required, no software for friends to install, and connection quality does not depend on one person’s home network.
If your group plays regularly, a hosting plan is a more reliable long-term solution. See what Minecraft server hosting from Apex includes, and check how much RAM your server needs to pick the right plan.
