Minecraft is a popular sandbox sandbox game for many different reasons. It is easy to learn and use, allows you to build whatever you want, and it is very creative.
However, the biggest reason Minecraft is so mainstream is because of the ability to play with other people. This is not to be confused with online games like Call of Duty where you and your friends play pre-loaded levels together. Online Minecraft allows you and your friend to create an entire world together. You will need to create a server to connect to online with your friends.
Please note that we recommend asking your parent for permission before you set up a server. You should have a parent present to view this tutorial and not download any extra.
What is a Minecraft Server? Things to Consider Before Hosting a Minecraft Server Steps for Creating a Minecraft Server
Enjoy Your Multiplayer Minecraft Server
What is a Minecraft Server?
A Minecraft server allows multiple people to play together in the same Minecraft world. This can be done in many different ways so it is important to fully understand your options.
A third-party like Apex Hosting or Hostinger can let you rent a server. You pay a monthly fee to use it. However, it does almost everything for you. Depending on which service you use, it can cost as little as $5
You can manage a server yourself. This will save you money on monthly fees and give you full control of how your server is managed. This article focuses on making your own Minecraft server without using a third-party.
Minecraft also runs personal multiplayer servers, called Realms, just for you and your friends. With a Realm, your Minecraft world is online and always accessible, even when you log off.
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Things to Consider Before Hosting a Minecraft Server
Benefits of Using Hosting Your Own Minecraft Server
- You can have total control over the server at all times. If you want something done, you can make it happen as quickly as you can do it yourself. There's no need to rely solely on someone else to do the work.
- You have the ability to upgrade your computer however you desire to increase performance. Many server hosting companies offer higher premiums for higher specs, but if you happen to have the newest generation processor, the maximum amount of ram, and the biggest and most powerful graphics card, then your server can be one of the most powerful servers out there.
It can be a lot of fun to set up and configure networks. You'll be able to learn about many network features that you might not have known otherwise.
- It won't cost you anything other than what it takes to run your computer. Hosting companies can be expensive, but hosting your server yourself will only cost what it takes to keep the computer running.
Hosting your own Minecraft server can be very rewarding, but it does have a few drawbacks you should understand before attempting it yourself.
To run your server, you will need the appropriate hardware. This includes either a Windows 7-compatible PC or a Mac running MacOS 10.4 (or higher). Although it is possible to host your own server using a Chromebook, this tutorial does not cover that.
You will also need an active internet connection to access your router.
Your computer specs will depend on the server you use and how many players there are at any given point. Your server will need more RAM and a faster processor to handle the more players. The same goes for adding mods to your server. If you only play vanilla (no mods), you can get away with a few gigs. You can get away with a few gigs of RAM if you only play vanilla (meaning no mods), but once you start adding mods, you'll need to double or triple the RAM you dedicate to your server.
You will need an internet connection that can handle multiple players simultaneously, as you will be running the server from a PC. No one wants to log onto a Minecraft server only to lag and get booted every 15 minutes for a modem restart. Note that although a computer is needed to run the server, your friends can play on your server from any platform as long as they are using the exact same Minecraft edition that you are running. games If you run a Minecraft Java Edition 1.6.4 server, your friends will need Minecraft Java Edition 1.6.4 installed on their devices.
- This server's operation is entirely your responsibility. It's your responsibility to fix any problems that may arise. Players will rely on you to fix any issues or bugs that they may have and if there are disputes amongst players, you're often the person that gets to handle them.
- It takes more than just downloading a program and turning on your computer. You will need configuration of your router and network. Learn about port-forwarding. You may also need to use command-line to edit configuration files.
Cyber attacks on your computer and private data can result from the above requirements. Your network could be vulnerable to DDoS attacks. If your IP address gets into the wrong hands, someone can access sensitive data such your address. Please be cautious if you choose this route. Also, ensure you follow the next steps safely. If you're interested in running your own server but don’t want one hosted, we have an article about Apex server host hosting.
Java Classes for Teens
Steps for Creating a Minecraft Server
1. Get Started: Download Java's Latest Version
Still here? Great! Let's begin making our own Minecraft server.
You can begin by creating a new folder to hold all of your downloads. You can put it anywhere you want, but I find that it is easiest to create a new folder right on your desktop.
In the following examples, everything will be placed in a folder called "My Awesome Server" on the desktop. To create a folder on you desktop, right-click anywhere on your desktop and select "New Folder". The folder can be renamed to suit your needs.
After creating your folder you can start downloading the files necessary to host your own server. Let's begin by making sure you have the most recent version of Java installed on your computer. You can do that by clicking here or going to https://www.java.com/en/download/. This link will take you to the correct download, regardless of whether you are using a Mac computer or a PC.
Add the installer into the folder that we created in the preceding step. Once you download the installer, double-click it and follow along with the prompts.
2. Download the Server.jar.
After you have downloaded the latest Java version, you will need to download the server.jar file.
If you're following along with the images/gifs in this tutorial, you may find you have a different version number than what is showing. It's okay. The steps should be the exact same.
Your computer might warn you that the file may be dangerous. This is a common warning for any.jar files. These should be a warning if you don't know the source. That being said, I think we can trust Minecraft on this one.
Save this file to your "My Awesome Server" directory if you are given the option. If it doesn't, you can either copy and paste it or drag the downloaded file into the folder.
3. Create Your Server Configuration Files
Once you have found your server.jar file within your "My Awesome Server", click it twice or right-click > to create your configuration files.
You will need to agree with an EULA agreement (End User License Agreement), to prevent your server crashing immediately. Open up the EULA file (it may say eula.txt depending on your machine) and change eula=false to eula=true. To save this file, go to File >Save or press ctrl+s
4. Run Your Server
Once again, double-click your server.jar file. Now you will see your server start and a few new files generated.
If your goal was to make your own Minecraft server to play with friends on the same internet connection as you then you have reached the end. Congratulations!
For friends who are connected via the same internet, log onto Minecraft. Click the Multiplayer tab to find the server you created. You must also be using the same version Minecraft.
However, if you wish to play with your friends using an internet connection other than yours (such as a home), then you still have some work to do. Continue on ....
5. Port forwarding
Warning: This section is the most difficult. It can also pose security risks. This step requires you to have a parent along with you.
Port forwarding is necessary if you want friends to connect to your server from another internet connection than you have. This step will vary depending upon which router you use.
Navigating to the Port Forwarding section at Xfinity's website is the first thing I did. This was what I found by searching "How to Port Forward my Xfinity Router", so I recommend a similar search, but with your router's specific name.
Next came common configurations, which included Minecraft. I chose this option. If you don’t have that option, the key thing to remember is to use port 25565 to access Minecraft.
Any other port number won't work. You will need to block my IP address. This is the part you want to protect from people you don't know or trust. Depending upon your router, they may reserve a customized IP address for the user (Xfinity did this to me). If that is the case, this will be the IP Address that you will share with your friends. If they don’t reserve one for them, you’ll have to use your IP address.
Once you have completed Port Forwarding, your friends should be able to log into Minecraft and click the Add Server button. You can name the server anything you like (it does not need to match your name). Then, enter your IP address. If you do not know your IP address you can google "What's my IP address" and it should be one of the first results.
The :25565 may be required at the end to add the server. If it does not recognize the server, we recommend that you try it without it.
6. Configuring Server Property
Now that you have a server running, it's time for you to make any changes you like. Inside the "My Awesome Server" folder, you'll see a file called server.properties. Your computer won't be able to open the file right now. But if you right click it and select Open with you should see a list of options.
You can open it in any text editor, but Notepad is fine if you're not attached to another. It will open up with a long list server properties. Each one can be edited to your satisfaction.
A complete list of properties and their meanings can be found here. Let's talk about some of the more common ones first.
difficulty - this takes either a string or integer property that sets the difficulty level of your server. Integers can be 0, 1, 2, or 3 String values can be peaceful, easy or normal. hardcore - this takes a boolean (true or false) value of how your players are handled if they were to die in game. If you set the value to true, then once a player dies they are set to spectator mode. level-seed – This is a default value and will automatically generate a seed for your server. However, if you found a seed you want online to use, you can type it here and have a copy of that world.
max-players is the maximum number of players that can be on your server at once. This is useful if you have a computer which struggles to run when multiple users log on at once.
motd - This sets the Message Of The Day for all users to see when they log into your server. It can be helpful to give useful information to everyone at the same time.
pvp – This is a boolean value which, when set to true, allows players to kill one another.
Here's a screenshot of my server.properties folder when I opened it using windows notepad.
More Minecraft Resources
How Minecraft Teaches Kids Coding
The Best Minecraft Texture Packs
A Parent's Guide to Minecraft For Kids
10 Best Minecraft Mods for Kids
How to Install and Download Minecraft Mods
How to Play Minecraft With Friends
Enjoy Your Multiplayer Minecraft Server
You are now done! You are now running your own Minecraft server and you can have all your friends join it as you wish.
You can do many things with your server, including managing game settings, creating your white-list, adding mods and allocating memory. We recommend starting small before you go too crazy.
Minecraft can quickly eat up resources that many people don't have at home and you may find your computer struggles to handle everything you want it to do. Please also remember to not share your IP address publicly or with anyone you don't know or trust.
If you found this article helpful, give us a shout on our Discord to let us know!
We'd also love for you to come and hang out with us on our Minecraft server! Our subdomain (server address) is mc.codewizardshq.com. First, you will have to verify your information using Discord by sending a DM to CWHQ Minecraft Server#9605 where your pin code will be provided.