How to Make Your Own Minecraft Server: 2023 Guide

Minecraft, the popular sandbox game, offers a unique multiplayer experience where players can create, explore, and survive in a blocky, pixelated world together.

For those who want a more personalized experience, setting up a private Minecraft server is an excellent option much like the renowned Mineplex server. This guide will walk you through the process.

Preparing for Server Setup

Before you can set up a Minecraft server, you need to ensure that your computer has the latest version of Java. You can verify this by opening a command prompt and typing ‘java -version’. If you’re unsure, simply visit the Java website and download the latest version.

Next, download the Minecraft server software from the official Minecraft website. Place the downloaded file in a dedicated folder. This will help keep your server files organized.

Launching the Server

To launch the server, you can either double-click the server.jar file or use the command prompt for a more controlled approach. To do this, open a command prompt window, navigate to the folder containing the server files, and type ‘java -jar server.jar -nogui’.

The first time you run the server, it will generate several files in your server folder, including a file named ‘eula.txt’. Open this file and change ‘eula=false’ to ‘eula=true’. This indicates that you agree to the End User License Agreement. Save and close the file.

Relaunch the server by typing ‘java -jar server.jar’. The server will now start with a basic graphical user interface (GUI) that displays useful information such as memory usage and the number of connected players.

Creating a Batch File for Server Startup

While you can always start your server using the command prompt, creating a batch file can make the process more efficient. To create a batch file, right-click inside your server folder, select ‘New’, and then ‘Text Document’. Name the file something memorable, like ‘start_server’.

Open the file and type ‘java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui’. This command sets the minimum and maximum amount of memory allocated to the server and prevents the GUI from opening. Add ‘pause’ on a new line to keep the command window open, which can help you identify any errors.

Save the file and change the extension from .txt to .bat. You can now start your server by double-clicking this batch file.

Configuring Your Server

Once your server is up and running, you can customize it to your liking. The ‘server.properties’ file contains various settings that you can adjust.

For example, you can change the game mode, enable or disable player-versus-player combat, set the maximum number of players, and more.

Setting Up Port Forwarding

If you want to play with friends over the internet, you’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router. The default port for Minecraft servers is 25565, but you can change this in the ‘server.properties’ file if needed. To set up port forwarding, you’ll need to access your router’s settings and forward TCP port 25565 to your server’s local IP address.

Remember, sharing your public IP address can be a security risk, so only share it with people you trust. If you’re unsure about this step, consider using a dedicated Minecraft server hosting service.

Joining Your Minecraft Server

Once your server is set up, joining it is as simple as selecting ‘Multiplayer’ from the Minecraft menu, clicking ‘Add Server’, and entering your server’s public IP address. You can then connect to your server and start playing with your friends.

Setting up your own Minecraft server might seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and some basic computer skills, you can create a personalized Minecraft experience for you and your friends.

The Server Setup Process

To kick things off, you need to ensure your PC has the latest version of Java. You can check this by opening a command prompt and typing ‘java -version’. If you’re unsure, it’s best to head to the Java site and install the latest version.

Next, you’ll need to download the Minecraft server software from the official site. It’s a good idea to place the file in a dedicated folder. This keeps things tidy and makes the process more manageable.

Launching the Server

Launching the server can be as simple as double-clicking the server.jar file. However, a more effective method is to open it via the command prompt. To do this, open a command prompt window, navigate to the folder containing the Minecraft server files, and type ‘java -jar server.jar -nogui’.

The first time you run the server, it will generate a bunch of files in your chosen folder. To get it working, open the eula.txt file that’s now in the folder and change ‘eula=false’ to ‘eula=true’. Save and close the file, then relaunch the server by typing ‘java -jar server.jar’.

The Server Interface

Upon launching, the server will display a basic graphical user interface. This shows useful information like memory usage, the number of players online, and other details.

Creating a Batch File for Easy Startup

To make launching your server easier in the future, you can create a batch file. To do this, right-click inside your Minecraft server folder, hover over ‘New’, and click ‘Text Document’. Name the file something memorable like ‘Startup’ or ‘Start’. Open the file and type ‘java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui’.

Save the file, close it, then rename the extension from .txt to .bat. Now, you can run your server by simply double-clicking the bat file.

Configuring Your Server

Once your server is up and running, you’ll want to tweak it to your liking. The server.properties file is where you’ll find your options. Here, you can change the game mode, set spawn protection, allow or disallow the use of Nether, adjust the difficulty, enable or disable PVP, set the maximum number of players, and more.

Port Forwarding for Online Play

If you want to play with friends online, you’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router. The default port for Minecraft servers is 25565. You don’t need to set up port forwarding if you’re only setting up a server for local network play. However, for online play, you’ll need to forward TCP port 25565 on your router.

You’ll also need to enter your server’s local IP address as the outbound IP for the forwarded port. To find your local IP, open a Command Prompt and type ‘ipconfig’.

Once you have your public IP and have set up port forwarding, it’s recommended not to share it publicly. Only share it with people you know and trust, as it can be a potential security risk for your home network.

Joining Your Minecraft Server

Once your server is set up, joining it is as simple as selecting ‘Multiplayer’ from the Minecraft menu, clicking ‘Add Server’, and entering your server’s public IP address. Then, click ‘Done’, and you’re connected to your very own Minecraft server!

If you want to keep your server uploaded in a hosting service, here’s the best free and paid hosting for Minecraft in 2023.