Minecraft's New Player Locator Bar: How It Works & When to Expect It
Mojang unveils the player locator bar, a new multiplayer feature making it easier to find friends in Minecraft. Learn how it works, privacy options, and when it could officially launch.
Mojang has unveiled a brand-new multiplayer feature for Minecraft—the player locator bar—designed to make it easier to find friends in the game world. As with many new features, players can test this addition in snapshot and beta/preview updates before it officially arrives in the game.
A Year Full of New Features
Since the start of 2025, Mojang has introduced several experimental updates, bringing exciting changes to Minecraft. Players have been able to test new mob variants, desert biome improvements, and fresh building blocks. Now, Mojang has showcased another significant addition that could enhance multiplayer gameplay.
Tracking your friends in multiplayer is now easier than ever with the Player Locator bar 🔍
— Minecraft (@Minecraft) March 11, 2025
Would you rather stay off the radar? Sneak, disguise yourself, or drink a potion of Invisibility to keep others wondering where you are. Available now for testing in Bedrock beta &… pic.twitter.com/V1ftV1Ugoe
How the Player Locator Bar Works
Revealed on March 11, the player locator bar is available for testing in Bedrock beta and preview and is expected to arrive soon in Java snapshot.
Key Features
- UI Integration: The player locator bar appears on the XP bar, making it easy to track.
- Colored Markers: Displays markers representing other players, moving as they change direction.
- Elevation Indicator: Shows an icon above or below the bar based on a player’s height level.
This tool should make it much simpler to navigate large worlds and locate friends without relying on coordinates.
How to Stay Hidden
For those who prefer privacy, Mojang has included ways to remain undetectable:
- Sneaking
- Wearing a mask
- Using a Potion of Invisibility
Additionally, server admins and world creators have the ability to disable the player locator bar, though regular players cannot toggle it off in Java snapshots or Bedrock previews.
Community Reactions and Future Updates
The player locator bar has been well-received, with a Reddit post about the feature earning over 7K upvotes. Many players appreciate its implementation on the XP bar, seeing it as an easier alternative to coordinates. However, some hope Mojang will allow all players to toggle the feature on or off in the future.
For now, there is no confirmed release date for when this feature will officially be added to the full game. However, with Minecraft Live 2025 scheduled for March 22, players may soon get more details on when to expect this exciting new multiplayer tool.
