One simple command can address this question in both Java and Bedrock Edition, and can also operate on multiplayer worlds and on larger-scale servers and realms.

To play with friends, you'll need Minecraft Realms, which (like Java hosting) one person will have to pay for, and others can then join for free.

Like Bedrock, mods, realms and skins can be used in the Java version of Minecraft, and the servers are always packed with people looking to play alongside you.

This can be done via playing the Snapshots or Beta Preview, which is available for both the Java and Bedrock editions, respectively. Let us look at how to play the 1.21 features in Minecraft.