Friendlist & P2P Play Backport
Mojang quietly shipped a "play with friends" feature in the 26.2 snapshots, letting players team up without a server. Then it vanished from reach for most versions. Friendlist & P2P Play Backport is a lightweight client-side mod that recreates that experience, giving you a Mojang-hosted friends list and peer-to-peer connections over WebRTC. If you have been waiting for an easy way to jump into a world with a buddy, this is the add-on that finally makes it possible.
What This Mod Actually Does
The core idea is simple. The 26.2 feature was mostly client-side, and the Mojang services behind it work from any logged-in account. This mod is a thin re-implementation built on top of those same services rather than a from-scratch networking stack. That means your existing Microsoft account handles authentication, and the mod just wires up the pieces Mojang already provides.
Under the hood, the technical flow looks like this:
- Friends and presence data travel over REST to api.minecraftservices.com
- Signaling runs over JSON-RPC/WSS to signaling-afd.franchise.minecraft-services.net
- WebRTC handles the actual peer-to-peer traffic via webrtc-java
- The P2P machinery is adapted directly from the 26.2 snapshot code
Because the implementation leans on Netty-based networking, the author notes it could theoretically become a universal mod that works across any Netty Minecraft version. For now, treat it as a focused backport rather than a catch-all solution.
Important Warning Before You Download
There is a critical caveat you need to understand. Mojang took down all P2P services, as documented in the Minecraft 26.2 pre-release notes. Because of this, the mod is currently limited to managing your friends list only. The peer-to-peer portion will not function until Mojang restores those services. The developer has committed to updating the mod once P2P comes back online.
So what can you still do today? You can build and organize your friends list, see presence information, and stay ready for the moment connectivity returns. Think of it as a placeholder that keeps the social layer alive while the transport layer is on ice.
Supported Versions and Loaders
Minecraft Versions
The mod targets modern Minecraft releases, with the backport originally modeled on the 26.2 snapshot behavior. Since the feature is version independent in principle, future updates may widen support to older Netty-based builds. Always check the mod page for the exact version list before installing.
Loader Compatibility
This is a client-side mod, so it runs on the client without requiring server-side installation. Loader support focuses on the common client mod loaders, and you should match the loader to whatever your Minecraft version requires. If you are unsure, the foxygame.net launcher makes this painless: it detects your installed Minecraft version, filters the add-on catalog to compatible builds, and installs Friendlist & P2P Play Backport in a single click without manual file juggling.
How to Install Friendlist & P2P Play Backport
Getting set up is straightforward if you follow the right order. Here is the process step by step:
- Confirm your Minecraft version matches a supported build for the mod.
- Install a compatible mod loader for that version.
- Download Friendlist & P2P Play Backport from a trusted source.
- Drop the mod file into your mods folder.
- Launch the game and log in with your Microsoft account.
- Open the friends interface and verify your list loads correctly.
If the friends list appears but P2P does not connect, that is expected right now given the service shutdown. Do not assume your installation is broken. Check the mod's update notes periodically, because the moment Mojang restores P2P, a new build should restore full functionality.
Who Should Use This Mod
This add-on is ideal for players who want to stay ahead of the curve. If you enjoy testing experimental features, tracking Mojang's snapshot changes, or simply want your friends list ready to go the instant peer-to-peer returns, Friendlist & P2P Play Backport for Minecraft is worth keeping installed. It is also a fascinating look at how a thin client re-implementation can mirror official services.
Casual players who only want working multiplayer right now should temper expectations. The friends management side works, but the headline feature is paused by circumstances outside the developer's control.
Final Thoughts
Friendlist & P2P Play Backport is a clever, honest piece of engineering. It does not pretend to solve a problem Mojang created, and it clearly warns you about the current limitations. What it offers is a working friends list today and a clear path to full P2P play once the official services return. Download Friendlist & P2P Play Backport, keep it updated, and you will be first in line when play with friends comes back to life.