There is a lot to be done playing Minecraft alone. However, it is so much more fun to collaborate with friends. Whether you face the wither or build an enderman farm together, you will need a server that can be updated as you grow.
While there will be minor differences depending on if you are making your Minecraft server on Windows, Mac, or Linux, these are the basic steps you will need to complete:
Step 1: Download the latest Java version
Things to Know Before You Setup a Minecraft Server
Before you build your own Minecraft server, there are a few technical things of which you should have a fundamental understanding. You should be comfortable with the following networking and computer concepts in order to build and manage your server:
- How to use command line to configure your system. - How configuration of your network works - IP, DHP and port networking. - How configuration of router
Hosting vs. running a server from home
Hosting your own server at home means that anyone can find your IP-address, and potentially hack into your entire system. If you are concerned about exposing your network to anyone out there, you could look into finding a good hosting provider instead.
Here are some of the benefits of using third-party hosting programs:
Hosted servers can be set up quickly and are easy for you to manage.
What to Look For in a Minecraft Server Host
Here are a few key elements you should look for when signing up for the best Minecraft server hosting:
Quality server - Choose a server with the right balance of quality and affordability. Many people will search for the "best deal", but end up with lag or other issues during their gameplay. Simple set up and UI - using a server host can save you a lot of time, especially if that host Good location - the location of your server can have a big impact on the latency and server quality. Find a host who services your area or is close to your friends for the best results. Reputation - Read reviews about the host to see if anyone has had issues with them. Minecraft takes a lot of work and you want to be able to play the game without worrying about server issues. RAM, SSD, and CPU - look for decent specs to boost your server's overall performance. Find a server which balances the importance and benefits of each.
Requirements to Create a Minecraft Server
These are the minimum spec requirements you should have when building your own Minecraft server.
- The most recent version of your operating system (such Windows 10) A minimum of 4GB RAM (8GB is recommended). A wired connection Good/Unlimited Bandwidth - Each player on Minecraft can use up 100MB per hour. Make sure you have the coverage you require.
Best Minecraft Server Setup
Here are a few idea on how you can improve your overall Minecraft server experience:
Unless your system is powerful, avoid playing Minecraft on the machine you use as your host machine. If you do this, your gameplay could be affected. - Use an ethernet cable to wire your server's connection to avoid wireless. A wired connection is always more reliable. Using a desktop PC will give you the best results.
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Make a Minecraft Server on Windows PC
Once you have the hardware you need in place, you are ready to set up your Minecraft server on your Windows PC. The following steps are required:
Step 1. Step 1.
Java version 1.6 or higher is required to be installed on your system. To update it, complete the following:
- Open Windows Control Panel - Find Java under the Programs section - Click the "Update Now" button.
You can also use the command prompt "java -version" to see a version number to determine if it needs to be updated.
Create a dedicated folder for your server files on your computer. It can be anywhere that has enough RAM, whether it be your Documents folder or on your Desktop. Creating a folder ahead of time will make it easier for you to save all the configuration files in the same place.
After you have set up the file, it is now time to download Minecraft's server software. Download the Java.jar file to your chosen folder. Double-click it when it finishes. This will create the configuration files. Follow these steps to modify the configuration files:
Accept the EULA - If you don't accept the RULA, your Minecraft server won't run. To accept it, open the text file eula.txt and locate the text "eula=false". Change it to "eula=true." Run the server as an administrator. Sometimes, you might get the error "Cannot Save Server Properties." To avoid this, you'll need to run the server under administrator privileges. Right-click the file and select "Run as Administrator."
You will need to open the Windows command prompt to start up the Minecraft server. Find the Minecraft server .jar file in your designated folder, then enter the following command (make sure to replace the server section with the actual file name of your server):
- java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server file name nogui
If you prefer to access the server's user interface, you can also use the following command
- java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server file name
A.bat file can be used to batch commands together.
Setup a Minecraft Server on Mac
With your hardware in place, you are ready to set up your Minecraft server on your Mac. The following steps are required:
Step 1: Download the Legacy Version of Java for Older MacOS
If you're using an older version MacOS, you might need to download the legacy Java version. The program is automatically included in the latest MacOS versions.
Step 2: Choose File Location for Minecraft Server Folders
You will need to create a folder on your computer in which you want to store your files. This file can be anywhere on your computer, in your documents or on your desktop. In the event you need to access the folder later, name it. A designated file helps you keep your stuff organized.
Step 3: Download and Run Minecraft Server Software
Visit Minecraft's server page on their website to download Java.jar files to the folder that was created in step two.
Open TextEdit and change the format to "plain text" so that you can input this code (remember to change the file name part to your server's file name):
After you have typed the command, you will need the file saved as "start.command" in your sake folder. Once you are done, open Terminal and grant permissions to the start.command files to run. Here's how:
- Open the terminal by typing "chmod A+x" with a space after x. - Drag the start.command file over into the terminal window and drop it after the command, then press enter.
Step 4: Setup Port Forwarding on Your Router
If you want to play with other people around the globe, this step will not be necessary. The step can be skipped if you are playing with friends on a local network. To enable port forwarding on your router, follow these steps:
- Refer the manual that came with your router to find specific steps. If you no longer have it in your possession, you can generally find a PDF copy online. When running a Minecraft server, the RCO port you need to forward your device to is the following: 25565. - Find your local IP address to enter it as the OutputIP or Server IP for the port that you are forwarding. Enter "ipconfig", as a command prompt to locate your local IP address. This will inform your router which device it should forward to.
Warning: Port forwarding can pose a security risk
Step 5: Run the Minecraft Server
Locate the "start.command" file in your Minecraft Server folder and double-click on it to open the Terminal Window. Users will often encounter an error message when they first attempt to run the server. Try again until the Terminal opens.
How to Connect to Your Minecraft Server
It is time to invite your friends and family to punch trees with you once your server is working properly. If they are on your home network, they should be able to connect through your local IP address.
If your friends are not connected to your home network, you'll need to send them your external address. Google can be used to find your IP addresses.
You can also check the Minecraft Server Status Checker to make sure your server is live. All you need to do is input your public IP address to see the results.
