While the Java Edition of Xbox and Mojang Studios' sandbox survival game megahit Minecraft came before the Bedrock Edition available on consoles and the Xbox on PC app, it's actually missing a few features accessible in the other version — the main ones being options for multiplayer, as right now, Java only allows for Local Area Network (LAN) play or connecting to online servers.

At long last, though, that's changing. In the latest beta "Snapshot" testing build of the next major Minecraft: Java Edition update, Minecraft 26.2 Snapshot 7, Mojang announced that it's bringing two huge multiplayer features to the classic PC-only version: a Friends List and the ability to join other players' worlds through a peer-to-peer connection.

Bedrock has had this functionality forever, but Java Edition players have always been forced to set up or purchase access to online servers (either third-party ones or official Minecraft Realms) to enjoy private multiplayer. Therefore, this is a huge step forward for Java, and gives it parity with Bedrock in this regard.

Something that makes the addition of peer-to-peer multiplayer particularly exciting is that it might support the use of mods as well, though Mojang hasn't touched on this yet. Assuming all players looking to play together have the same mods installed and are playing on the same Minecraft version, I think there's a good chance things would work properly.

All in all, between these added multiplayer features and the upcoming tests of the Vulkan API so that Minecraft can switch to it for the Vibrant Visuals update, Mojang is making a concentrated effort to modernize Java with better functionality, performance, and graphics — all while preserving the excellent mod support that makes it an attractive alternative to Bedrock for many. As someone who strongly prefers the modded experience when I get the Minecraft itch, I'm very glad for the improvements.

Notably, the full Minecraft: Java Edition 26.2 (and Minecraft: Bedrock Edition 26.30) patch will bring the Chaos Cubed update, a game drop that's centered around sulfur caves. This new cave biome has sulfur cube mobs as well as sulfur and cinnabar blocks. The update is scheduled to launch at some point in Q2 2026, and should be nearing completion.

Are you excited that Minecraft is finally getting support for peer-to-peer multiplayer on Java Edition, and a Friends List as well? Let me know in the comments, and vote in our poll.

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Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. He's been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you'll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he's not writing or gaming, there's a good chance he's either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once. Follow him on X (Twitter).