There is a lot to be done playing Minecraft alone. However, it is so much more fun to collaborate with friends. You will need to have a server that can easily be updated as you grow. While there will be minor differences depending on if you are making your Minecraft server on Windows, Mac, or Linux, these are the basic steps you will need to complete: Step 1 - Download the latest Java Version Things to Know Before You Setup a Minecraft Server Before you build your own Minecraft server, there are a few technical things of which you should have a fundamental understanding. To build and manage your server, you should be familiar with the following computer and networking concepts: - How the command line works - Configuration and configuration of your system. Hosting vs. running a server from home Hosting your own home-based server can allow others to find your IP address and eventually hack into your entire network. You should consider a hosting provider if you don't want your network exposed to the world. Here are some of the benefits of using third-party hosting programs: - You don’t need to worry about maintaining equipment or replacing it frequently. - Expert support can help you troubleshoot any problems that may arise. Hosted servers come pre-configured and are easy to manage. What to Look For in a Minecraft Server Host Here are a few key elements you should look for when signing up for the best Minecraft server hosting: Quality server - find a server that is the right balance between the best quality and what you can afford. Many people search for the "best deal" but end up experiencing lag and other issues throughout their gameplay. A server host can be very simple to set up and use. To get the best results, choose a host in your area that also serves your friends. Good reputation – read reviews about the host and see if there have been any issues. Minecraft takes a lot of work and you want to be able to play the game without worrying about server issues. RAM, SSD, and CPU - look for decent specs to boost your server's overall performance. Find a server with a balance of each. Requirements to Create a Minecraft Server These are the minimum spec requirements you should have when building your own Minecraft server. - The latest version (Windows 10) of your operating systems. - Minimum 4GB or RAM (8GB recommended). - A wired connection. - Good/Unlimited Bandwidth. Each Minecraft player can use up to 100MB per an hour. Make sure to have the coverage you need. Best Minecraft Server Setup Here are a few idea on how you can improve your overall Minecraft server experience: - Unless you have a powerful system, try to avoid playing Minecraft on the same machine you are using as your hosting machine. If you do this, your gameplay could be affected. To avoid wireless, use an Ethernet cable to connect your server. Wired connections are more reliable. Using a desktop PC will give you the best results. Make a Minecraft Server on Windows PC Once you have the hardware you need in place, you are ready to set up your Minecraft server on your Windows PC. The following steps are required: Step 1. Step 1. Java versions older than 1.2 on your system may not be available. You will need to either download or upgrade Java. Follow these steps to update Java. - Open Windows Control Panel. Find Java under Programs. Click the "Update now" button. To determine if your Java version needs to be updated, you can also use the command prompt "java-version". Create a folder to store your server files. It can be anywhere you have enough RAM, such as your Documents folder or your Desktop. You can save all your configuration files in one folder by creating it ahead of time. After you have set up the file, it is now time to download Minecraft's server software. The Java.jar file can be downloaded to the folder you choose. Double-click it when it finishes. This will create the configuration files. To modify the configuration files, complete the following: Accept the EULA - If you don't accept the RULA, your Minecraft server won't run. To accept it, you must open the text file called eula.txt, locate the text "eula=false" and change it to "eula=true." Run the server as an admin - occasionally, you may encounter the error "Can't save server properties." To avoid this, you will need to run the server as an administrator. I'm Bonnie And You Are To do this, right-click on the file and choose "Run as Administrator." You will need to open the Windows command prompt to start up the Minecraft server. Find the Minecraft server .jar file in your designated folder, then enter the following command (make sure to replace the server section with the actual file name of your server): - java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server file name nogui You can also use the following command if you would prefer to use the server's UI - Java -Xmx1024M.-Xms1024M.-jar server filename You can create a file called.bat if you want to batch the commands. Setup a Minecraft Server on Mac With your hardware in place, you are ready to set up your Minecraft server on your Mac. The following steps are required: Step 1: Download the Legacy Version of Java for Older MacOS If you are running an older version of MacOS, you may need to download the legacy version of Java on your computer. The program is automatically included in the latest MacOS versions. Step 2: Choose File Location for Minecraft Server Folders Make a folder on the computer where you want to store all your files. You can choose to place this file anywhere you like, including within your documents. The folder should be named something you can remember so you can access it later. A designated file will help you organize your things. Step 3: Download and Run Minecraft Server Software Visit Minecraft's server program page on their site and download Java.jar to the folder you created in Step 2. Open TextEdit, change the format to "plaintext" and then enter the code. Make sure to change the filename part to match your server's filename. After the command has been inputted, you will need to save the file as "start.command" in the sake folder as the .jar file. Once you are done, open Terminal and grant permissions to the start.command files to run. Here's how: - Open the terminal and input "chmod.a+x" followed by a space. Drag the file start.command into the terminal window. After the command, drop it in the dropbox and hit enter. Step 4: Setup port forwarding on your router This step is only necessary if you are playing with people around the world. You can skip this step if you're playing with friends on a network. To enable port forwarding on your router, follow these steps: - For specific step-by-step instructions, you should refer to the manual that came with your router. You can usually find a PDF version online if you don’t have the manual. When running a Minecraft server, the RCO port you need to forward your device to is the following: 25565. - Locate your local IP address so that you can enter it as the Output IP or Server IP for the port you are forwarding. You can find your local IP address by entering "ipconfig" as a command prompt. This action will let your router know which device to forward to. Warning: there is a potential security risk when port forwarding. Step 5: Run the Minecraft Server Locate the "start.command" file in your Minecraft Server folder and double-click on it to open the Terminal Window. Users will encounter an error message every time they attempt to run the Server. Continue to try until the Terminal appears. How to Connect to Your Minecraft Server It is time to invite your friends and family to punch trees with you once your server is working properly. If they are connected to your home network, they should also be able connect via your local IP address. If your friends aren't part of your home network, you will need to send them your external IP address. To find your IP address, all you need to do is search "my ip address" on Google. You can also check the Minecraft Server Status Checker to make sure your server is live. To view the results, all you need is your public IP address.