If you are a Minecraft addict, you must know how to set up your dedicated server and how to connect to local servers. This Minecraft tutorial will guide you to make your own Minecraft dedicated server so that you and your friends can enjoy private LAN parties. This is how you can do it:
Minecraft Dedicated Server
- You have to install the latest version of java on your PC.
- You have to install the latest version of Minecraft server software on your pc.
- You have to correctly configure your network and server.
- Then start the server.
- At last, check if your server is accessible.
There are somethings that you have to know before you get to it. You have to know about configuring a Minecraft server, networks and also be familiar with using the command line, configuring your system, network and router.
But even if you don’t, we got you. No need to worry.
Running a Domestic Server
A decent desktop would be more than enough for this purpose but if you want to keep the server running and play the game simultaneously then you would need a bit more of horsepower.
You can use a GoDaddy Virtual Private Server or a dedicated separate server if you do not want to expose your home network to the public.
With these things out of the way. Let’s get started with getting the windows users their Minecraft Server:
Dedicated Server for Windows
First, you need to get the latest java version. As mentioned above all you have to do is install Java’s latest version. If you have an older version installed already then go the windows control panel, look for java under programs and click update now.
To know if you have the latest version of java enter “java-version” in CMD to see the version number you have and compare it with the version number on java’s official website.
You can download Java from the link provided. In case of outdated version or complete absence of java from your PC download it from the same site.
Downloading and Installing the Minecraft Server
First, determine the location where the server would run form in your pc. Make a dedicated folder to save all the configuration files that will be created in the first run of the server. Keep this folder anywhere safe.
Once this is sorted out you can download the Minecraft server software. It would be a .jar file. Just save it to the folder mentioned above. Open this file to start the server.
As mentioned some configurations files will be created which you have to modify before you start using the server.
You have to accept the EULA. There would be text file present in that folder named “eula.txt”. You have to edit that file using any text editor and change “eula=false” to “eula=true”.
You will not be able to start the Minecraft server if you do not do this. In case you see a “Can’t save server properties” error. Just run this file as administrator and you would be good to go.
Port Forwarding
Before doing this please note this that it can be a security risk to do Port Forwarding.
In case of LAN, you don’t have to worry about this, but if you want to make your server you be accessed all around the globe then you have to do this.
For this, you can refer to the router specific instructions in the documentation that came with the router. You have to forward TCP port “25565” for Minecraft.
You will also have to change the Output or server IP to the local IP of your server for this forwarded port. To know what the local IP of your server is you have to open CMD and type “ipconfig” and press enter.
Starting the Server
To do this, open CMD and navigate to where you installed the server e.g. “Minecraft_server.1.12.2.jar”. Use the command “java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar {server file name} nogui” but place the actual server file name in the “server file name” section.
If you want to use the server’s UI you can exclude the “nogui” part. If you want to batch commands together you can create a .bat file.
Once it’s running, you can add other players to your server using your local IP if they are connected to the same network you are or they can connect using the external IP.
To know what your public IP is just searching “My IP address” on google. You can check your server’s status using Server Status checker.
MacOS
Again install the latest version of java on your Mac. In case you are using an older version of MacOS you can download Java’s legacy version from Apple’s website.
Same as windows, choose a folder where you are gonna install the Minecraft server files. Download the Minecraft server software. It’s a .jar file so to run this first save it in the folder you created in the second step.
Open TextEdit and after setting the format to plain text. Type:
#!/bin/bash
cd “$(dirname “$0″)”
exec java -Xms1G -Xmx1G -jar {server file name} nogui
Place the actual server file name in the “server file name” section. Now save this file as “start.command” in the same folder from step 2.
Open terminal to grant running permission to “start.command” file. Add a space after the command and then type “chmod a+x”. Now drag this start. command file to the terminal and press enter. Again enable port forwarding like so:
Before doing this please note this that it can be a security risk to do Port Forwarding. In case of LAN, you don’t have to worry about this, but if you want to make your server you be accessed all around the globe then you have to do this.
For this, you can refer to the router specific instructions in the documentation that came with the router. You have to forward TCP port “25565” for Minecraft.
You will also have to change the Output or server IP to the local IP of your server for this forwarded port. To know what the local IP of your server is you have to open CMD and type “ipconfig” and press enter.
Open the start .command file but don’t worry if you see an error message the first time you run it. Invite others using your local IP to play in case they are on your LAN. Otherwise, use your external IP.
Using Linux Host
You can also use Linux hosting instead of using a home server. To do this:
Install java. You have to enter command “apt-cache search OpenJDK” while you are SSH’d as a root user into your host.
We are using OpenJDK-7-JDK in this case but you can use any latest OpenJDK package or update using “apt-get update” command and install using “apt-get install OpenJDK-7-JDK”.
Press Y to authorize the use of storage to install the server. Verify the Java version after this is done using “java -version” command.
Create a folder to save your Minecraft server files and then change the directory to that place. Using commands “mkdir Minecraft” and “cd Minecraft” respectively.
Download the server files using “wget” command which is:
wget -O minecraft_server.jar
After that, we have to install and execute “screen” to make the server run even when we are not connected. Use commands:
yum install screen and screen
Start the server using:
Java -Xmx512M -Xms512M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui
To ensure proper working, stop the server using the stop command:
Stop
After this edit “Server.properties” and set “enable-query=true”. Assign a domain to your server.
This is all the info we could give you regarding making your own Minecraft Dedicated Server with your PC. If we missed anything, let us know!
