How to Host a Small Minecraft Server

Hello Dev, welcome to this journal article about hosting a small Minecraft server. Minecraft is a popular game that allows players to build and explore in a virtual world. Hosting a server can be a great way to play with friends or create a community, but it can be intimidating to get started. In this article, we will guide you through the process of hosting a small Minecraft server in relaxed language. Let’s get started!

What You Need to Host a Minecraft Server

Before we dive into the process of hosting a server, let’s first go over the basics of what you need.

A Computer

The first thing you need is a computer. This computer will act as the host for your Minecraft server. It should be a fairly powerful machine with a good amount of RAM and processor speed. You should also have a fast and reliable internet connection.

The Minecraft Server Software

Next, you will need the Minecraft server software. You can download this from the official Minecraft site. It’s important to download the correct version for your operating system.

A Minecraft Account

You will also need a Minecraft account to host a server. You can purchase an account from the official Minecraft site.

A Router

You will need a router to connect your computer to the internet. Make sure your router is compatible with port forwarding, which we will discuss later.

Installing the Minecraft Server Software

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to install the Minecraft server software.

Step 1: Download the Server Software

Go to the official Minecraft site and download the server software for your operating system.

Step 2: Create a Server Folder

Create a new folder on your computer where you want to store your server files.

Step 3: Move the Server Software

Move the server software to the new folder you just created.

Step 4: Run the Server Software

Double click on the server software to run it. This will create all the necessary files and folders for your server.

Step 5: Agree to the EULA

Open the eula.txt file in your server folder and change “eula=false” to “eula=true”. This will agree to the Minecraft End User License Agreement.

Configuring the Server

Now that you have installed the server software, it’s time to configure it.

Step 1: Open the Server Properties File

Open the server.properties file in your server folder. This file contains all the settings for your server.

Step 2: Configure the Settings

There are many settings you can configure in the server.properties file, such as the server name, game mode, and difficulty. Make sure to read the comments in the file to understand what each setting does.

Step 3: Save the File

Save the server.properties file when you’re done configuring the settings.

Step 4: Test the Server

Start the server software and make sure it’s running without any errors. You can test it by connecting to it from Minecraft on your own computer.

Port Forwarding

Now that your server is set up, it’s time to make it available to others on the internet. This is where port forwarding comes in.

What is Port Forwarding?

Port forwarding is the process of allowing incoming connections to your computer from the internet. When someone tries to connect to your Minecraft server, their request is sent to your router, which then forwards it to your computer.

Step 1: Find Your Router’s IP Address

You can find your router’s IP address by opening the command prompt and typing “ipconfig” (on Windows) or “ifconfig” (on Mac or Linux). Find the line that says “Default Gateway” and write down the IP address.

Step 2: Access Your Router’s Settings

Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar. This will take you to your router’s settings page. You may need to enter a username and password to access it.

Step 3: Enable Port Forwarding

Find the port forwarding section of your router’s settings and enable it. You will need to enter the port number used by Minecraft (25565 by default) and the IP address of your computer.

Step 4: Test the Server Again

Restart your Minecraft server and have someone else try to connect to it. If everything is set up correctly, they should be able to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hosting a small Minecraft server can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right hardware and software, you can create a community and play with friends. We hope this guide has been helpful in getting you started. Happy crafting!