How to Set Up a Minecraft Server: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're a Minecraft player, you've probably heard of Minecraft servers. These servers allow you to play with other people online, either with friends or strangers. Setting up a Minecraft server may sound daunting, but it's actually quite simple, and it can be a great way to enjoy the game with your friends. In this article, we'll show you how to set up a Minecraft server on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Step 1: Download Minecraft Server

The first step is to download the Minecraft server software from the official website. You can choose between the latest version or a previous version if you prefer. Once you've downloaded the software, extract the files to a new folder on your computer.

Step 2: Configure Server Settings

Next, you'll need to configure the server settings. Open the server properties file in a text editor like VSCode and make the following changes:

Set the server IP address to your computer's IP address (or leave it blank for the default IP). Set the server port to 25565 (or a different port if you prefer). Adjust other settings as desired, such as game mode, difficulty, and world settings.

Step 3: Start the Server

Once you've configured the server settings, you can start the server. To do this, simply run the server executable file that you extracted earlier. The server will start up and begin generating a new world.

Step 4: Connect to the Server

Now that the server is running, you can connect to it from Minecraft. Launch Minecraft and click on the "Multiplayer" option. Click "Add Server" and enter the server name and IP address. Click "Done" and then click on the server to join it.

Step 5: Invite Friends

If you want to invite friends you are going to need to port forward the port you chose on your router to the NAT address of your local server/computer on the network.

Finally, you can invite your friends to join your server. Simply give them the server name and IP address and they can connect to the server just like you did. You can play together, explore the world, and build whatever you like!

Setting up a Minecraft server is easy, and it's a great way to enjoy the game with your friends. Whether you're running Windows, Mac, or Linux, follow these steps to create your own server and start playing today!