How to Host a Discord Server Locally: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

As a Dev, you know how important it is to have an efficient communication system in place. Discord has emerged as one of the most popular communication tools among the developer community. However, hosting a Discord server on a remote server can be expensive and additional costs can be incurred. This is where hosting a Discord server locally becomes a viable option. In this article, we will guide you through the process of hosting a Discord server locally.

Understanding Discord Server Hosting

Before we dive into the details of hosting a Discord server locally, let’s first understand what Discord server hosting is. When you create a Discord server, you need to host it on a server. You can either host it on a remote server or locally on your computer. Hosting it on a remote server can be expensive, while hosting it locally can save you money.

When you host a Discord server, you have full control over it. You can customize the server and its settings according to your preferences. You can add or remove users, create channels, and change server settings.

Why Host a Discord Server Locally?

Hosting a Discord server locally has several advantages:

• It is cost-effective as there are no additional server costs.
• You have complete control over the server and its settings.
• You can customize the server according to your preferences.
• You can access the server even if you do not have an internet connection.

What You Need to Host a Discord Server Locally

Before you start hosting a Discord server locally, you need to have the following:

• A computer with a good processor and RAM.
• A stable internet connection.
• The Discord app installed on your computer.
• Port forwarding enabled on your router.

Setting up a Discord Server Locally

Hosting a Discord server locally involves several steps:

Step 1: Download and Install Discord

The first step is to download and install the Discord app on your computer. You can download it from the Discord website or from the app store on your device.

Step 2: Create a Discord Account or Log In

If you already have a Discord account, log in. If not, create a new account by following the instructions on the website.

Step 3: Create a New Server

Once you have logged in, create a new server by following these steps:

1. Click on the ‘+’ icon next to ‘Servers’ in the left-hand panel.
2. Select ‘Create Server’.
3. Give your server a name and select a region.
4. Click on ‘Create’.

Step 4: Customize Your Server

After creating your server, you can customize it according to your preferences. You can add channels, change server settings, and add or remove users.

Step 5: Enable Port Forwarding

To enable port forwarding on your router, follow these steps:

1. Open your router’s settings by typing its IP address into your browser.
2. Find the port forwarding feature in your router’s settings and enable it.
3. Add a new port-forwarding rule for port 80 and 443.
4. Save the settings.

Step 6: Obtain Your Public IP Address

To obtain your public IP address, follow these steps:

1. Go to ‘What is my IP address’.
2. Note down your public IP address.

Step 7: Start Your Server

Finally, start your server by following these steps:

1. Open the Discord app on your computer.
2. Click on your server name to open the server.
3. Click on the ‘+’ icon next to ‘Voice Channels’.
4. Create a new voice channel and select ‘Create’.
5. Share the channel link with your users.

FAQ

Q: Can I host a Discord server locally for free?

A: Yes, hosting a Discord server locally is free as there are no additional server costs involved.

Q: Can I customize my Discord server if I host it locally?

A: Yes, when you host a Discord server locally, you have complete control over it. You can customize it and its settings according to your preferences.

Q: How can I access my locally hosted Discord server?

A: You can access your locally hosted Discord server by opening the Discord app on your computer and clicking on your server name.

Q: Do I need a stable internet connection to host a Discord server locally?

A: Yes, you need a stable internet connection to host a Discord server locally.

Q: What is port forwarding?

A: Port forwarding is a networking technique that allows incoming traffic to access a specific device or service on a private network.

Conclusion

Hosting a Discord server locally is a cost-effective and viable option for Dev who want to have complete control over their communication system. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully host a Discord server locally and customize it according to your preferences.