Minecraft: How To Make & Play On A Private Server

It's no secret that a lot of Minecraft's charm comes from the ability of users to play online with their friends. From user-generated content to seasonal events, there's no limit to the amount of fun to be had in Minecraft, though sometimes the experience is best enjoyed with a smaller group of people. Private servers are a great way for friends to play together in their digital homes without worrying about strangers or other factors affecting your enjoyment of Minecraft.

You'll need to ensure you have the most recent versions of Java and Minecraft installed before you can host your friends on your personal server. You can do this for the game by clicking on its launcher and waiting for it to update itself automatically. Java can be found here. Click "Agree and Continue" and follow the onscreen prompts. If nothing happens then your Java is updated.

Next, create a folder on your computer's desktop so as to easily find all the files you're about to download. Go here and click on "minecraft_server.1.12.2.jar" to begin downloading the file. Place it in the desktop folder that you just created.

Once the JAR file is located, create a text folder within the folder. If you are unsure how to do this, click on "Home" in the folder window and then "New Item" under the "New" section. You should be able create your text document using the drop-down menu.

Copy the red highlighted text and go back to the website from which you downloaded the JAR. Copy this command and copy it into the folder you just created. Once you're done, make sure the red text appears in the file. Save the text file as an AT file.

Your JAR file should now be accompanied by an image that has a few gears. Double-click on the newly created BAT File to initiate the creation of your Minecraft private servers. Once the server is done manifesting itself, several files will appear.

There should be one text file named "eula" now. Click on this to have your computer take you into Notepad. Change the "eula=false” portion to "eula=true" and you will be asked to agree to the End User License Agreement. Save the document and close it. Double-click on the BAT file to restart server setup. If prompted to do so, click "Allow Access" in order to complete the process.

Now it's time for you to connect to your server and start playing! Open Minecraft as you normally would and click "Play." Click "Multiplayer," then "Direct Connect" near the bottom of the window. You will see a text field that allows you to enter "localhost" in it. To open the server you are hosting, click "Join Server".

Of course, this would be a lot better with friends involved. You will need to make sure that port forwarding on your router is enabled or that your firewall makes an exception to allow them to join your private server. To do this, open your router's page and click on the "Port Forwarding" section. Wickedfrise Make a new rule that you can remember, such as "Minecraft". Make sure that your protocol has been set to "TCP", and that the entry/exit port is set as 25565. Save your router and reboot it if necessary.

Click here to find your public IP Address. You should only give this text to trusted people. Anyone with this address will be able to join your game. Your friends can send your IP information to you to allow them to join your private servers. If they're not sure how exactly to do this, have them click on "Multiplayer," then "Direct Connect," then enter the IP address you just gave them. Soon, they should be able connect to you in-game.

And there you have it. Remember to only give the IP address to people that you can trust. You can now enjoy your new private servers with friends. Twinfinite offers more helpful guides.