How To Create a Minecraft Server for Friends

While there’s nothing wrong with playing Minecraft alone, the game is extra fun when a few friends join you. Many players create servers for lengthy building projects or playing with mods because the possibilities are endless. However, not everyone knows how to make one because the process contains some slightly confusing steps.

Look no further if you’re searching for the instructions. We’ll also cover the steps Mac users must use to make one.

Creating a Minecraft Server on Windows

These steps in this section will only work for Minecraft: Java Edition. If you play on Bedrock Edition, you must consult different instructions. You’ll need the latest version of Java on your computer, as this program is the only one that can run JAR files.

If you aren’t sure, download and install Java to see if it’s up to date. Your PC should update it automatically.

Part 1

1. Download the Java Edition server file.
   
2. Create a folder on your desktop and name it something like “Minecraft Servers.”
   
3. Drag the JAR file into the folder.
   
4. Type “Command Prompt” on the Windows search bar and open it.
   
5. Go back to the Windows Explorer window and copy the directory.
   
6. Type “cd” and paste the address before executing the command.
   
7. Type ” Java -jar filename.jar” and press enter. Don’t panic if you get a failure to load.
   
8. Open “eula.txt” in the server folder.
   
9. Set “eula=false” to “eula=true” before saving.
   

Part 2

1. Open “server.properties” by right-clicking it and using Notepad.
   
2. Write down the setting for “query.port” because this number will be required for port-forwarding.
   
3. Type “survival” or “creative” after “gamemode” to set the mode.
   
4. Modify “spawn-protection” if you wish.
   
5. Type “yes” or “no” for “allow-nether.”
   
6. Set up the difficulty to “peaceful,” “easy,” “normal,” or “hard.”
   
7. Choose whether you want PVP.
   
8. Designate the maximum amount of players the server can hold.
   
9. After “level-seed,” you can type a seed if you want to add a particular world.
   
10. Finish setting up the “server.properties” file.

Part 3

1. Go back to the Command Prompt.
   
2. Repeat Steps 6 and 7 from Part 1.
3. Launch your server.
   

After performing these steps, you’ll need to forward the port to the number listed in the properties file. Every router’s process is different, but the process isn’t challenging.

You’ll also want to note your public IP address. The IP address should be in IPv4 format, meaning there are three decimals and no symbols apart from numbers.

For the complete list of configurable server properties, visit this page for the details. In addition to some of the aspects we covered above, there are some obscure settings you can adjust.

Creating a Minecraft Server on Mac

While Macs use an entirely different operating system, they can still run the same server file as Windows users. It can be downloaded here. You’ll be running commands using the Terminal as well.

Part 1

1. Download the JAR file.
   
2. Open TextEdit and set the format to plain text.
   
3. Paste the following lines in the file.
   #!/bin/bash
   cd “$(dirname “$0″)”
   exec java -Xmx1G -Xms1G -jar minecraft_server.jar
   
4. Save the file as “start.command” without quotation marks.
   
5. Open the Terminal on your Mac.
   
6. Type “chmod A+x” and drag “start.command” into the Terminal to provide the right path.
   
7. Press Enter to save the changes.
   
8. Double-click the file to start the server.
9. Exit the server.

Part 2

1. Go to the server command line and enter /op <username>. Substitute <username> with your Minecraft username. When you log in to the server using your Minecraft account, this will provide you administrator rights.
   
2. Open “server.properties.”
   
3. Configure the server.
   
4. Check your “query.port” number and record it.
   
5. Save the file.
   

After these steps, you can begin port-forwarding and obtaining your public IP address. Make sure to consult the exact instructions as you access your router. As for getting a public IP address, it only takes one Google search and several seconds.

This website will help you find your IPv4 address.

Additional FAQs

How much is a private Minecraft server?

Private Minecraft servers are extra secure, but you’ll need to pay to use them. The cheapest options cost less than $5 a month, but some plans are more expensive because of additional protection against DDoS attempts and other threats.

How much is a Minecraft Realm?

Minecraft Realms are personal multiplayer servers that Minecraft runs. They’re active even after everyone logs off. A Minecraft Realm costs $7.99 a month.

Who’s Around?

With the help of Minecraft servers, friends can collaborate on a grand reconstruction of the pyramids of Giza or survive in the wild together. Servers can be free, but private ones are available as subscriptions if you want extra protection. Hosting your own requires some RAM, but that’s doable with a gaming PC.

What do you use to host your personal Minecraft server? What do you think Minecraft multiplayer is good for? Let us know in the comment section below.