If you've ever wanted to create your very own always-online Minecraft world to share with friends, we've got everything you need to know about how to make a Minecraft server right here.
Why should you care about servers? What if you could run around on a zombie-infested island. You could even create a server full mini-games. Or, you could create a huge player-versus-player hellscape without any rules. The sky is the limit!
Or you might just want to grab some friends and get building. You can let them continue their builds while your server is up and running. Nothing beats returning to your server the next day and seeing all the new shacks, gizmos, and other creations of your friends. So read on to learn how to make your very own Minecraft server.
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1. Java version update
We need to ensure that Java is up-to-date before we can get started. Thankfully, this is really easy. Go to the Java website (opens new tab) and click on "verify Java version". It will check for the version you are currently using and provide you with the latest version, if you are still using an older version.
2. Downloading the Minecraft server file
Make a folder on your desktop named 'Minecraft Server'. Next, go to the Minecraft website (opens in new tab) and click on the 'Minecraft_server.1.15.2.jar' link to download the server file.
Move this file to your Minecraft Server folder and double click on it to run it.
Note: It will likely warn you if it is a virus if your Chrome browser is open. It's not because it's from the official Minecraft website, so don’t panic. We are good.
3. How to create a batchfile to start the server
Upon running the Java file, you should see loads of new files in your Minecraft Server folder. Minecraft servers Before everything can work, we need to agree to the EULA terms. Open Notepad and search for the file EULA. Search for the line 'eula=false' and change it to 'eula=true' then hit save.
Now for the fun stuff. Open a new Notepad File. Copy the text below, and then paste it into a new empty Notepad file.
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.1.15.2.jar nogui pause
You see that bolded bit? Next, change that file name to match the Java file you downloaded via the Minecraft website. In our example, it was called server.jar. Therefore, our text line would have been:
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui pause
Close the Notepad file. Next, rename that Notepad file to 'ServerStart.bat' (without the quotation marks).
If all went off without a hitch, double-clicking this file should launch your Minecraft server via a CMD window (also known as a command window). To terminate the server, open the command window and type "stop" Easy, right?
4. Joining the Minecraft server
If you're running the server from the same PC, launch Minecraft and play multiplayer. Click on "directly connect" and you will see a box asking to find the server address. The next section is very complex, so make sure to read it carefully. In that box, enter '0’ and hit the 'join server' button.
5. Everything else you need to know about creating a Minecraft server
There are a few things to know before you run off to create your own persistent online world.
If you want to customize your world, the text file 'server properties' in the Minecraft Server folder can be tweaked to your liking.
If you're looking to invite friends from out of the house to join your server then the code they need is your IPv4 plus some extra numbers.
To find your IPv4 number, just search "what is my IPv4 number?" on Google. Each IPv4 number is specific to each computer, so ours will be different to yours.
You should get around 100.20.511.329. (I made this up, by the side).
Add a colon to your IPv4 followed by '25565' to create the following:
100.20.511.329:25565
Your version of the number above is your server address, which other players will need when joining.
You must forward your router ports to allow other players access. YouTuber Voizdev (opens in new tab) has a great explanation and walkthrough on this should you find yourself a little confused.