In this article we will show you how to make a Minecraft server on a Windows PC, on a Mac, and on a Linux hosting plan.
If you don’t know Minecraft can be compared to the classic Super Mario game.
Yes! It is actually that popular in today’s generation.
You can play it on any device, be it computer, smart phones, tablets etc.
Brief Introduction to Minecraft
Minecraft is just like virtual LEGO, where you are building stuff with the helps of blocks just the difference is that it is virtual.
With the help of what called a dirt block you can build different things in order to survive in the game.
The game consists of the day and night circle. You are also attacked by the enemies during the night time.
Well this was the brief introduction of the game. Actually, we have prepared detailed post on Minecraft, go through it for more information.
Let us now discuss about how to setup a Minecraft server.
To make modded Minecraft server, here are some of the important things to keep in mind:
- Have the latest version of Java on your device
- Don’t forget to install the latest version of the Minecraft server software
- Set Up your server & network
- Start and check if your server accessible
Please keep in mind that setting up a Minecraft server needs a little technical knowledge and basic understand of computer systems.
All these below points are fundamental to the managing of any kind of server.
- System configuration
- Network configuration
- Router configuration (for home setups)
- Using the command line
- Networking (IP, DHCP, ports)
If you want to set up Minecraft server at home then a basic desktop is ideal.
A wired ethernet connection for your server would be better rather than a wireless one.
Remember that hosting any sort of server from home would indirectly mean that you are exposing your home network to the world.
So, let us start and begin the process of making Minecraft server:
How to Make Minecraft Server on Your Windows PC?
Make Sure You Have the Latest Version of Java
For that simply open the Window’s control panel, and under the program option search for Java. Next click Update Now option.
Now open a command prompt and enter “java -version” here you should see a version number.
You can check the Java website to see the recent version, and if your version is outdated then downloading it is essential.
Choose a Location for your Minecraft Server Files
Choosing a location on your PC where you would like to run the Minecraft server is important.
Remember that some configuration files will be created when you first run the server. So, the best option is to store all the files in a dedicated folder.
It is totally on you where you wish to place this folder, be it your desktop, documents folder or anywhere.
Download and Start the Minecraft Server
You can download the server software from the Minecraft website. It is called as Java .jar file, simply save it on a folder you previously decided.
To start the server simply double click on the .jar file. This will create server configuration files.
Remember these files will have to modified before the server is ready to use.
Next Accept EULA and a text file called eula.txt will be created.
Now you will have to make some changes, simply open the file in a text editor, now change eula=false to eula=true.
In case you don’t accept EULA, then making a Minecraft server will not be possible.
[su_highlight]Note: In case you see “Can’t save server properties” problem, then you can run the server as an administrator by right clicking on the .jar file.[/su_highlight]
After that you need to select “Run as administrator” option.
Enable Port Forwarding on your Router
This is essential if you want to make your server accessible to the world, though this is not important if you are hosting a server for local networks.
In order to make it accessible to the world you’ll need to enable port forwarding on your router.
You can do this by referring the router’s documentation and find specific instructions on how to configure port forwarding for your device.
[su_highlight]Note: TCP port 25565 will be needed for Minecraft.[/su_highlight]
Keep in mind that you will have to fill the forwarded port by entering your server’s local IP address as the Output IP or Server IP.
Use the below command to find your server’s local IP.
ipconfig
Start the Minecraft Server
First open the Windows command prompt in order to start the server.
Now go to the file where you previously saved Minecraft server file, it should be named something like “minecraft_server.1.12.2.jar” this.
Use the below command to start the server:
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar {server file name} nogui
You can invite others to connect to your server after it starts running. Do this via your local IP address if they are on your home network.
If they are not on your home network, then do it via external/public IP address.
[su_highlight]Note: If you don’t know your IP address, then simply search on Google for “My IP address” and you will find it.[/su_highlight]
Lastly enter your IP address into the Minecraft Server Status Checker to check if your server is accessible or not.
That’s it, this is how you can make Minecraft sever on your windows computer.
How to Make Minecraft Server on Mac?
Just like Window’s set up of Minecraft server, almost all the steps are same so I will emphasize on the important parts.
Get the Latest Version of Java
If you are using the new version of MacOS then that already includes Java by default.
In case you have the older version then simply download the latest version of Java by visiting Apple’s Website.
Select a Location for Minecraft Server Files
Here you will have to choose a location where you want to save the Minecraft file. It is totally on you where you wish to place this folder, be it your desktop, documents folder or anywhere.
Now Download and Start the Minecraft Server
You can download the server software from the Minecraft website.
It is called as Java .jar file, simply save it on a folder you previously decided.
Now open TextEdit and set the format to plain text.
Next enter the following in the TextEdit:
#!/bin/bash
cd “$(dirname “$0″)”
exec java -Xms1G -Xmx1G -jar {server file name} nogui
Now in the same folder where the server’s .jar file is located save the file as start.command.
Next you will have to open the terminal and give permission for the start.command file to run.
Next Type chmod a+x with a space after the command.
After that hold drag and drop the file into the terminal window and lastly press enter.
Enable Port Forwarding on Your Router
This is essential if you want to make your server accessible to the world, though this is not important if you are hosting a server for local networks.
Now Start the Minecraft Server on Mac
For this you will have to start by double clicking on the “start.command” file that you saved in the previous step.
Next a terminal window will open, here it is possible to see an error message but that is normal.
You can invite others to connect to your server after it starts running. Do this via your local IP address if they are on your home network.
If they are not on your home network, then do it via external/public IP address.
Lastly enter your IP address into the Minecraft Server Status Checker to check if your server is accessible or not.
How to Setup a Minecraft Server on Linux?
Now let s discuss about making server on a Linux host –
Install Java
Enter the below command:
apt-cache search openjdk
This will instantly show you the list of available OpenJDK packages that can install Java.
Here we are going to select openjdk-7-jdk.
Now enter the below command to update the list of available packages from the remote repositories:
apt-get update
Now install software package by entering the below command:
apt-get install openjdk-7-jdk
When you are prompted to authorize the required storage space for installation simply press the ‘Y’ button on your keyboard.
Now the latest version of Java will be installed successfully on your device.
Download Minecraft Server
Firstly, run the “wget” command to download the Minecraft server:
wget -O minecraft_server.jar (Download it Here)
Remember to double check the latest version from Minecraft download page.
In the next step you will have to install and run “screen”. This is important in order to your server continues to run even when you’re not connected:
yum install screen
screen
Next Start your Minecraft Server
Run the below command:
java -Xmx512M -Xms512M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui
Stop your server with the command “stop” to make sure your server is running properly.
Next edit the “server.properties” file and set:
enable-query=true
End it by saving “server.properties” file. Next restart your server.
Now you can enter your IP address and check the status.
Remember, keeping easy to remember names rather than complicated IP address makes it easier for people to connect to your Minecraft server.
In brief –
This was the full guide on how to make a Minecraft server or on how to set it up for free.
With the above steps on dedicated device, be it Windows, Mac, or Linux you can easily set up your own public or private Minecraft server.
So what is the wait, with some little technical knowledge you can easily learn on how to make a multiplayer Minecraft server for you and your friends.
Start now and enjoy one the most popular games in the world.
