How To Make A Minecraft Server

Minecraft is a popular sandbox game for many reasons. It's easy to pick up and play, has endless possibilities, and allows you to create anything you want.

However, the biggest reason Minecraft is so mainstream is because of the ability to play with other people. This isn't to be confused with online games such Call of Duty, where your friends play pre-loaded levels. Online Minecraft allows you and your friends to create an entire world from the ground up with nothing holding you back. To play online with your friends you will need to set up a server you both can connect to.

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 handled in different ways so it's important to understand your options.

You can rent a server through a third-party, such as Apex Hosting or Hostinger. You pay a monthly fee to use it. However, it does almost everything for you. Depending on the service, this can be as low $5 as $5.

You can manage a server yourself. This saves you paying a monthly fee as well as giving you complete control over how your server is handled. This article focuses on making your own Minecraft server without using a third-party.

Minecraft also offers personal multiplayer servers called Realms that you can use with your friends. A Realm allows you to access your Minecraft world online, even when you log out.

Recommended: Coding programs for kids that are free

Things to Consider Before Hosting a Minecraft Server

Benefits of Using Hosting Your Own Minecraft Server

- You are able to have complete control over the entire server at all times. You can do what you want as fast as you can. There is no need to rely on someone else doing things for you. - You have the ability to upgrade your computer however you desire to increase performance. Server hosting companies often charge higher prices for higher specs. However, if you have the latest generation processor and the most powerful graphics card your server will be the best. It can be a lot of fun to set up and configure networks. You'll learn about network features you wouldn't know otherwise. - It won't cost you anything other than what it takes to run your computer. Hosting costs money, but hosting your own server will only cost you what it takes to keep your computer up and running. Hosting your own Minecraft server can be very rewarding, but it does have a few drawbacks you should understand before attempting it yourself.

- You will need the proper hardware in order to run your own server. This includes either a PC running on the Windows 7 operating system or a Mac running on MacOS 10.4 or higher. While hosting your own server on a Chromebook is possible, it's beyond the scope of what is taught in this tutorial. - You will need an active internet connection as well as access to your router. Depending on the type of server and how many players you have, your computer specs will vary. The more players logged onto your server will require higher amounts of RAM and a more advanced processor. You can also add mods to your server. If you only play vanilla (no mods), you can get away with a few gigs. ), but as soon as you start adding those awesome mods you'll want to double, triple, or even quadruple the amount of RAM dedicated to your server. - You'll need an internet connection capable of handling multiple players concurrently, since you'll be running the server via a computer. 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. To run a Minecraft Java Edition 1.6.4 server for your friends, they will need Minecraft Java Edition 1.6.4 installed. - This server's operation is entirely your responsibility. It's your responsibility to fix any problems that may arise. Players will depend on you to fix bugs and issues, and if there are any disputes amongst players you're often the one that handles them. It's more than downloading a program and turning on the computer. You will need to configure your router and network, learn about port forwarding, and possibly use the command-line to modify configuration files. Cyber attacks on your computer or private information can result from following the above requirements. Your network may be exposed to security threats such as DDoS attacks. Someone could find sensitive information about you if your IP address is compromised. This is why you should be cautious and make sure you follow these steps. 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 with Java: Download the latest version

Still here? Great! Let's begin making our own Minecraft server.

Start by creating an empty folder that holds all of our downloaded files. You can place this anywhere you want, but I find it easier to create a folder on my desktop.

In these examples, we will place everything in a folder called My Awesome Server directly on our desktop. To create a folder on you desktop, right-click anywhere on your desktop and select "New Folder". You can then rename the folder to anything you like.

Once you have created your folder, it is time to download the files needed to host your server. Let's start by ensuring you have the latest version of Java on your machine. You can do that by clicking here or going to https://www.java.com/en/download/. That link should take you to the proper download regardless of if you are using a Mac or PC.

Add the installer to the folder we created in the previous step. Once you download the installer, double-click it and follow along with the prompts.

2. Download the Server.jar File

Once Java has been installed, you can download the server.jar file.

You may notice a different version number when you follow the tutorial images/gifs. That's fine, the steps should be identical.

You might get a warning message from your computer that this file may contain harmful components. This is a common warning for any.jar files. If you don't know where it comes from, then you should be worried about these. This being said, I think Minecraft can be trusted on this one.

If you're given the option, save this file into the "My Awesome Server" folder. If not, just copy and paste or drag the download into the folder once it finishes.

3. Create your Server Configuration Files

Once you have your server.jar folder in your "My Awesome Server", double-click or right-click it to open it and create your configuration files.

To prevent your server's immediate crash, you must agree to the EULA agreement. Open the EULA file (it might say eula.txt depending upon your machine) and change the eula=false value to eula=true. To save this document, click File > Save.

4. Run Your Server

Double-click the 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. Note that you both also need to be using the same version of Minecraft.

We still have work to do if you want to play with friends who use a different internet connection (such as one from your home). In that case, continue on....

5. Set Up Port Forwarding

Warning: This tutorial section is the most difficult and can pose security risk. 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 on which router you're using.

I will detail the steps it took to set my Xfinity router up for port forwarding. Minecraft servers But you will need to do your research and follow its steps.

The first step for me is navigating to the Port Forwarding section on Xfinity's website. I found this information by searching "How to Port Forward Xfinity Router", so I suggest a search similar to mine, but with the name of your router.

The next step was for me. There were many configurations I could use, including Minecraft. So I went ahead and selected that. If you don't have this option, the important thing to know is to use port number 25565 for Minecraft.

Any other port number won't work. I have also blocked my IP address, this is the area you want to keep safe from people you don’t know or trust. Depending on the router you have, they may reserve an IP address for your account (Xfinity did this for my). If this is true, you will share your IP Address with your friends. If they don't reserve one for you you will need to use your own IP address.

Once you have completed port forwarding, your friends should log into Minecraft to click the Add Server button. They can name the server however they like (it doesn't need to match your own name) and then enter their IP address. If you don't know what your IP address is, you can Google "What's mine IP address" and it should show up as one of the first results. MINECRAFT SERVER LIST

You may or may not need the :25565 at the end of the IP address when adding the server. If it does not recognize the server, we recommend that you try it without it.

6. Configuring Server Properties

Now that you have a server running, it's time for you to make any changes you like. You'll find a file called "My Awesome Server". Right now your computer won't know how to open the file. If you right-click the file and choose Open with, you will see a list.

You can open this in any text editor of your choosing, but Notepad works just fine if you aren't attached to another one. You'll see a list of server properties when you open it. Each one can be edited to your satisfaction.

The list of all properties and what they mean can be found here. However, let's first discuss the most important ones.

difficulty - This is either an integer property or a string that specifies the difficulty level for your server. Integer values are 0, 1, 2, or 3. String values can be peaceful, easy or normal. hardcore - This is a boolean that indicates whether or not your players will be handled if they die in a game. Minecraft servers If you set this value to true, players who die in game will automatically be put into spectator mode. level-seed is an optional value that will generate a seed automatically when your server starts. You can find a seed online and copy it here. max-players - this sets the maximum number of players allowed on your server at one time. 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 that all players see when they log on to your server. It can be useful to give all players useful information at once. pvp: This is a function that allows players and their friends to kill each other when it's set to true. Here's what my server.properties.file looks like after opening it with windows notepad.

More Minecraft Resources

Minecraft teaches kids programming 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

There you go! You are now running your own Minecraft server and you can have all your friends join it as you wish.

There are many things that you can do on your own server. It's best to start small and not go crazy.

Minecraft can quickly consume resources that most people don't have. Your computer may struggle to handle all you ask it to. Don't share your IP address publically with anyone you don’t know or trust.

If you found this article helpful, please give us a shout over our Discord to let me 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.