How To Make A Minecraft Server [Step-by-step Guide 2022]
It is great fun to play Minecraft solo, but it is even more fun to have a group of friends. You will need a server that can be upgraded as you grow, whether you are facing the wither or building an enderman farm.
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 latest version of Java
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:
- The configuration of your system - How to use the command line - The configuration of your network - IP, DHP, and port networking - The configuration of your 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 benefits of using a third party hosting program
- You don’t need to worry about maintaining equipment or replacing it frequently. - Expert support can help you troubleshoot any problems that may arise. Hosted servers come pre-configured and are easy 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 - find a server that is the right balance between the best quality and what you can afford. Many people will search for the "best deal", but end up with lag or other issues during their gameplay. Simple setup and UI - Using a server host will save you time, especially if the host is located in a good area. This can have a significant impact on latency and server quality. For the best results, find a host that services your area or a central area for you and your friends. Reputation - Read reviews about the host to see if anyone has had issues with them. Minecraft is a slow game. You want to make the most of your time by playing the game and not 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 latest version (Windows 10) of your operating systems. - Minimum 4GB or RAM (8GB recommended). - A wired connection. - Good/Unlimited Bandwidth. Each Minecraft player can use up to 100MB per an 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. You could have issues with your gameplay if you do not. To avoid wireless issues, you can use an Ethernet cable to wire your server's network. A wired connection is always more reliable. Using a desktop computer will yield the best results.
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. Complete the following:
Step 1. Step 1.
If you don't have the latest version of Java on your system, you will need to download it or upgrade it. To update it, complete the following:
- Open Windows Control Panel. Find Java under Programs. Editum Click the "Update now" button.
To see the version number and determine if it is time to update, you can also use "java -version" as a command prompt.
Create a dedicated folder for your server files on your computer. It can be anywhere on your computer that has enough RAM. You can save all your configuration files in one folder by creating it ahead of time.
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. You can modify the configuration files by following the steps:
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." This error can be avoided by running the server as an administrator. 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 use server's UI, the following command can be used.
- Java -Xmx1024M.-Xms1024M.-jar server filename
If you want to batch the commands together, you can create a .bat file.
Setup a Minecraft Server on Mac
With your hardware in place, you are ready to set up your Minecraft server on your Mac. Follow these steps:
Step 1 - Download Legacy Version of Java if you are using an older MacOS
If you're using an older version MacOS, you might need to download the legacy Java version. Newer versions of MacOS include the program automatically.
Step 2: Choose File Location for Minecraft Server Folders
Create a folder on your computer where you will want to store your files. This file can be anywhere on your computer, in your documents or on your desktop. You can name the folder something that you will be able to remember in case you need it. A designated file helps you keep your stuff organized.
Step 3: Download and Run Minecraft Server Software
Visit Minecraft's server software webpage on their website. Download the Java.jar file to your folder that you created in step 2.
Open TextEdit and change the formatting to "plain text" to allow you to input this code. Remember to change your server's name file name in the file name section.
After you have entered the command, save the file in the sake folder as "start.command". After you have finished typing, open Terminal to grant permissions. Here's how:
- Open the terminal and input "chmod.a+x" followed by a space. Drag the start.command file into the terminal window. Drop it after the command and press enter.
Step 4 - Setup Port Forwarding for Your Router
You will only need to perform this step if you want to play with people throughout the world. This step can be skipped if your friends are on a local network. To enable port forwarding on your router, follow these steps:
- For specific step-by-step instructions, you should refer to the manual that came with your router. 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 and use it to determine the Output IP or server IP for the port you wish to forward. As a command prompt, type "ipconfig" to find your local IP address. This action will let your router know which device to forward to.
Warning: Port forwarding could pose a security threat
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. Continue to try until the Terminal appears.
How to Connect to Your Minecraft Server
Once your server is up and running, you can invite your friends to punch trees with your server. If they are connected to your network, they should be capable of connecting through your local IP address.
If your friends aren't part of your home network, you will need to send them your external IP address. All you have to do to find your IP address is to search Google for "my ip adres".
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.