Multiplayer



Multiplayer is the server-based version of Minecraft that enables multiple players to interact with each other on a single world, allowing them to work together to mine ores, build structures, and fight mobs (or each other).

Usage
Users can download and run the server package that allows other players to connect to and play on their server. Minecraft Realms also allows players to easily set up and manage their own private realm (server).

Different game modes can be chosen for a server, which includes Survival, Creative, Hardcore, and Adventure. It should be noted that game modes are individually attributed to each player, meaning some players can be in Creative mode and others in Survival mode. Players can also be promoted to op (system operator) status by the server admin or other ops, which grants them access to server commands such as setting the time of day and teleporting players around.

Gameplay
Gameplay in Minecraft is generally the same in both single player and multiplayer, with some notable differences. Multiplayer has more of an emphasis on community and collaboration between players, which is assisted by the multiplayer chat function. Multiplayer allows for the player to build contraptions that are intended for multiple players. In addition, there are many adventure maps and mini games in which multiple players are required.

There is also an important difference: pausing the game works differently (like pausing when you open an LAN world in singleplayer). No game mechanisms will stop working if you pause the game. For example, if you are descending on a ladder, pressing ESC will not stop the descending process.

Chat


Please note: Several of these commands are configurable (the defaults are shown here)

In multiplayer, players can press to open the chat and talk to other players. Chat functions include:
 * Chat history - A small scroll bar is on the side of the chat bar. You can also scroll using the mouse wheel or and . The last 100 chat messages are stored. Holding down  or  and attemping to scroll up or down will slow down scrolling.
 * You can view your own recently sent messages by pressing the and  keys while typing.
 * Clickable links in chat.
 * The ability to copy & paste  in chat.  +, , ,  will select text for you.
 * Font styling: the section symbol allows players to change the style of the text. See the list of formatting codes for further details.
 * Note: the section symbol cannot be typed in vanilla clients because they are restricted characters. If  is pasted and posted in chat, the player who sent it will be automatically kicked from the server with an "Illegal characters in chat" message, and a server-side   error will be given.



Players can also type commands into the chat box. Commands are identified by the server with the use of a forward slash at the beginning of the message.


 * Simply pressing acts like a command key; it opens the chat with a   in it.
 * Typing and then pressing  will list available commands, similar to entering the  command.

While typing, pressing will autocomplete the first possible command or username starting with the letter(s) typed. If there are multiple usernames or commands beginning with the letter(s), the chat will display a list of possibilities; pressing tab again will scroll through the list.
 * Some commands may also have additional parameters that may be autocompleted by pressing at that point.
 * Certain commands that handle blocks (,, etc.) have parameters that need the x, y, and z coordinates of the target block(s). Using the key when these coordinates are needed will automatically add the coordinates of the block you are looking at.

Please be very careful when joining a server. At this point, Minecraft does not have a "report" function. If you join a server with mature groups of players, they may use offensive language during conversations, so caution must be taken when joining a server. There are some plugins that can let you report players who break the rules of a server; if you see anyone using offensive language during a conversation, you can report them.

If the chat becomes too bothersome, one may reduce the size or opacity of the chat box, or hide it altogether, via the chat settings in the options menu.

Technical notes
In the full game, the server saves the level in the "world" folder every 30 seconds if chunks have been modified, by default.

Home-made servers do not strictly require access to minecraft.net, and so can be played on an isolated local network with no Internet connection. They use minecraft.net as a repository of player skins and also a database containing a list of accounts, preventing hackers and griefers from using false names while on such a server. This and other settings are modified by editing the server.properties text file.