How to Host a Minecraft Bedrock Server – A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Welcome, Devs! Are you thinking of hosting your own Minecraft Bedrock server but don’t know where to start? Look no further! This article will guide you through the process step-by-step and provide helpful tips to make the experience as smooth as possible.

What is a Minecraft Bedrock Server?

Before we dive into the details of hosting a server, let’s first clarify what a Minecraft Bedrock server is. Minecraft Bedrock is the cross-platform version of the game that allows players to play together on various devices, including Windows 10, Xbox, mobile devices, and Nintendo Switch. A Minecraft Bedrock server is a multiplayer server that allows players to connect and play together in the same world.

Why Host Your Own Server?

Hosting your own Minecraft Bedrock server has many benefits. Firstly, you have complete control over the game environment and can customize it to your liking. Secondly, you can play with friends and family in a private and safe setting. Additionally, hosting your own server can be a cost-effective solution compared to renting a server from a hosting provider.

Requirements for Hosting a Minecraft Bedrock Server

Hosting a Minecraft Bedrock server requires some technical knowledge and hardware. Here are the minimum requirements:

Hardware	Software
Quad-core CPU	64-bit Windows 10
8GB RAM	Minecraft Bedrock Dedicated Server software
At least 10GB of free disk space	Microsoft Account
Good internet connection

Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting a Minecraft Bedrock Server

Step 1: Download the Minecraft Bedrock Dedicated Server Software

The first step in hosting a Minecraft Bedrock server is to download the dedicated server software from the official Minecraft website. You will need to log in with a Microsoft account to access the download link. Once you have downloaded the software, extract the files to a location on your computer.

Step 2: Set Up Port Forwarding

To allow players to connect to your server, you will need to set up port forwarding on your router. Port forwarding allows traffic to pass through your router to your server. The port that needs to be forwarded is 19132 for UDP traffic.

Step 3: Configure the Server Settings

Before starting the server, you will need to configure the server settings. Open the server.properties file in a text editor and make the necessary changes. Here are some of the most important settings:

• server-name: the name of your server that will appear in the server list
• gamemode: the default game mode of the server, such as survival or creative
• difficulty: the difficulty level of the server, such as peaceful, easy, normal, or hard
• max-players: the maximum number of players that can connect to the server

Step 4: Start the Server

Once you have configured the server settings, you can start the server by running the start.cmd file. The server will take a few minutes to start up, and you will see a message indicating that the server is up and running.

Step 5: Connect to the Server

To connect to your server, open Minecraft Bedrock Edition on your device and select the “Play” button. Select the “Servers” tab and click “Add Server”. Enter the IP address of your server and click “Add Server”. You can now connect to your server and play with your friends!

Tips for a Successful Minecraft Bedrock Server

Tip 1: Keep Your Server Updated

Minecraft Bedrock updates frequently, and it’s important to keep your server updated to ensure compatibility with the latest client version. Check the official Minecraft website for updates and download the latest version of the dedicated server software.

Tip 2: Use Plugins and Addons

Plugins and addons can enhance the gameplay experience on your server and provide additional features for players. Check out the official Minecraft marketplace for a variety of plugins and addons that you can use on your server.

Tip 3: Create Custom Game Modes and Maps

One of the benefits of hosting your own server is the ability to create custom game modes and maps. Use your creativity to create fun and unique game modes and maps for your players to enjoy.

Tip 4: Monitor and Moderate Your Server

As a server host, it’s important to monitor and moderate your server to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all players. Set rules and guidelines for behavior and enforce them consistently. Use moderation tools to remove disruptive players and prevent griefing.

FAQ

What is the difference between Minecraft Bedrock and Minecraft Java?

Minecraft Bedrock is the cross-platform version of the game that allows players to play together on various devices. Minecraft Java is the original version of the game that is only playable on PC. Minecraft Java has a larger modding community and more customization options compared to Minecraft Bedrock.

Can I host a Minecraft Bedrock server on a Raspberry Pi?

It is possible to host a Minecraft Bedrock server on a Raspberry Pi, but it may not be powerful enough to handle a large number of players. It is recommended to use a dedicated server or a powerful computer for hosting a Minecraft Bedrock server.

How many players can connect to a Minecraft Bedrock server?

The maximum number of players that can connect to a Minecraft Bedrock server is determined by the max-players setting in the server.properties file. The recommended maximum is 10-20 players for optimal server performance.

How can I back up my Minecraft Bedrock server?

To back up your Minecraft Bedrock server, simply copy the entire server folder to a separate location on your computer or an external storage device. It’s recommended to back up your server regularly to prevent data loss in case of a server crash or other issues.

Can I use mods on a Minecraft Bedrock server?

Minecraft Bedrock does not have the same level of modding support as Minecraft Java, but it does support addons and plugins that can enhance the gameplay experience on your server. Check out the official Minecraft marketplace for a variety of addons and plugins that you can use on your server.