How to Host a Server on Minecraft Java for Free

Hello Dev, are you interested in hosting your own Minecraft server but don’t want to spend any money? This article will guide you through the process of setting up a server on Minecraft Java edition, completely for free. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be able to host your own server and play with your friends. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Downloading the Server Software

The first step to hosting a server on Minecraft Java is to download the server software. You can find the download link on the official Minecraft website. Once you’ve downloaded the software, you’ll need to create a new folder on your computer to store the server files. The folder can be named anything you want, but for simplicity, let’s name it “Minecraft Server”.

Now, move the downloaded server software to the newly created folder. Once you’ve done that, double-click the server file to run it. This will create several new files in the folder, including a server.properties file. We’ll come back to this file later.

Step 2: Configuring Server Properties

The server.properties file is where you can customize your server settings. You can access this file by opening it in a text editor. Here are some of the settings you can modify:

Once you’ve made any desired changes, save the server.properties file.

Step 3: Port Forwarding

In order for other players to join your server, you’ll need to configure port forwarding on your router. Port forwarding allows incoming traffic on a specific port to be forwarded to your computer. To do this, you’ll need to log in to your router’s configuration page and find the port forwarding settings. Each router is different, so you’ll need to consult your router’s documentation to find these settings.

Once you’ve found the port forwarding settings, you’ll need to forward port 25565 to your computer’s IP address. To find your computer’s IP address, open the Command Prompt on Windows or Terminal on Mac and type “ipconfig” or “ifconfig”, respectively. Look for the “IPv4 Address” or “inet” entry and take note of the number.

After forwarding the port, other players should be able to connect to your server using your public IP address. You can find your public IP address by searching “what is my IP address” on Google.

Step 4: Launching the Server

Now that we’ve configured the server settings and port forwarding, it’s time to launch the server. Double-click the server file that we ran earlier, and the server should start up. You may see some logging output in the console window. Once the server has started up, you should be able to connect to it using the Minecraft client on the same computer.

To connect to the server from another computer, open Minecraft and click on “Multiplayer”. Click “Add Server” and enter your public IP address and port number. Click “Done” and then “Join Server”. You should now be able to play Minecraft with your friends on your own server!

FAQ

1. Do I need a powerful computer to host a Minecraft server?

Not necessarily. The server software is designed to run on any computer, but the performance will depend on the hardware. If you’re hosting a server for a small group of friends, you should be able to get away with a mid-range computer.

2. Can I customize the server beyond the server.properties file?

Yes, there are many plugins and mods available for Minecraft Java that can add extra functionality to your server. You can find these plugins on websites like CurseForge or SpigotMC.

3. Can I run a Minecraft server on a Raspberry Pi?

Yes, it’s possible to run a Minecraft server on a Raspberry Pi, but the performance may not be sufficient for a large number of players. If you’re just hosting a server for a few friends, a Raspberry Pi should work fine.

4. Is it legal to host a Minecraft server?

Yes, as long as you’re not distributing or modifying the game files without permission from Mojang Studios (the creators of Minecraft). Hosting a server for personal use is perfectly legal.

5. Can I play on my own server?

Yes, you can play Minecraft on your own server just like any other server. Simply connect to the server using your local IP address (usually 127.0.0.1) or “localhost”.

And that’s it! We’ve covered all the steps you need to host your own Minecraft Java server for free. Have fun playing with your friends!