Multiplayer is not a separate purchase: you need the game itself and a server address.
What you need
- The right edition — Java on PC, Bedrock on phones and consoles. Only crossplay servers accept both.
- A matching version — within the range shown on the server page.
- The server address — copy it and add it in the game (how to add a server).
Premium, cracked and TLauncher
Online-mode servers check your Microsoft account: you need a bought copy. Offline-mode (cracked) servers accept any nickname, including TLauncher; see cracked servers. If you get Failed to verify username, the server requires a premium account.
Picking a server
Survival and SMP are classic co-op Minecraft, anarchy has no rules, minigames offer short matches. Check uptime, wipe dates, reviews and donations, not only the player count.
First login
Cracked servers ask you to /register password password and later /login password. Useful commands: /spawn, /rtp, /sethome, /home, /tpa name, /help.
Rules
Cheats, scams and advertising get you banned almost everywhere. Griefing is allowed only where it is part of the mode.