Summary
- Mojang has introduced a player locator bar in Bedrock beta and preview. The feature will be added to Java snapshot soon.
- The new feature lets players find each other in-game using markers on the XP bar.
- Ways to avoid detection include sneaking, wearing a mask, and being invisible.
Mojang has revealed the player locator bar, a new multiplayer feature for Minecraft that makes it easier to find friends in the game world. Minecraft often adds new features for players to test in snapshot and beta/preview updates, with the player locator bar being one of the newest.
Since the beginning of 2025, Mojang has unveiled a lot of new content for Minecraft. In recent experimental patches, players have been able to check out features coming to the game. Some of the content includes more mob variants, enhancements to the desert biome, and new blocks. Recently, the developer has showcased another feature that could be big for multiplayer.
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On March 11, Mojang introduced the player locator bar. While the feature was only recently unveiled, players can already begin testing its functionality in Bedrock beta and preview. Furthermore, it is expected to be coming soon to Java snapshot. As the name suggests, this new multiplayer feature makes it easier for players to locate each other while playing in the same world. Specifically, the player locator bar shows up on the in-game UI and makes use of the XP bar. It features colored markers that move based on the direction of other players, making the job of finding where other players are in a massive Minecraft world easier than before. There is even an indicator that will appear above or below the bar, depending on the elevation.
Minecraft Reveals Player Locator Bar
While the feature could come in handy for players wanting to play with friends, Mojang has provided some methods to remain hidden. According to the developer, there are three ways to avoid detection on the player locator bar. These include sneaking, wearing a mask, and using a Potion of Invisibility in Minecraft. In addition, the creator or server admin can disable the player locator bar. However, other players can not change the default setting in Java snapshot and Bedrock beta and preview.
So far, the reception to the player locator bar has been positive, with a post on Reddit about the feature gaining over 7K upvotes. Many said the player locator bar could make multiplayer more enjoyable and liked how it was implemented on the XP bar. While some said they used coordinates to help find each other, this could be a much easier solution. However, some gamers hoped that the feature would eventually be toggleable for all players in the world.
It will be interesting to see how the player locator bar is tweaked as players provide feedback in the weeks ahead. Unfortunately, it is unknown when this feature will eventually make its way into the full game, meaning fans might be waiting a while. Nevertheless, there is a lot more to look forward to, as Minecraft Live 2025 is scheduled for March 22. Perhaps more details about this new feature and when it could be implemented will be revealed then.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 84%
WHERE TO PLAY
Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. You can survive the night or build a work of art – the choice is all yours. But if the thought of exploring a vast new world all on your own feels overwhelming, then fear not!
Minecraft has no set goal and can be played however you’d like! This is why it’s sometimes called a “sandbox game” – there are lots of things for you to do, and lots of ways that you can play. If you like being creative, then you can use the blocks to build things from your imagination. If you’re feeling brave, you can explore the world and face daring challenges. Blocks can be broken, crafted, placed to reshape the landscape, or used to build fantastical creations.
Creatures can be battled or befriended, depending on how you play. The world of Minecraft allows for epic adventures, quiet meditations, and everything in between. You can even share your creations with other players, or play in community worlds!
- Engine
- LWJGL, PROPRIETARY ENGINE
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Minecraft
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- Split Screen Orientation
- Vertical or Horizontal
- Genre(s)
- Sandbox, Survival
- Platform(s)
- 3DS, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii U, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360
- How Long To Beat
- 129 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- No
- File Size Xbox Series
- 1.42 GB (August 2024)
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
