How to Host a Server on Bedrock: A Guide for Dev

Welcome, Dev! Are you looking to create your own Bedrock server, but don’t know where to start? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will take you step-by-step through the process of hosting your own Bedrock server. Whether you’re a seasoned server host or a newcomer to the world of Minecraft, this article will provide you with everything you need to create a thriving community on your own private server.

Introduction

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s take a moment to discuss what exactly a Bedrock server is, and why you might want to host one.

What is a Bedrock Server?

A Bedrock server is a type of Minecraft server that lets players from different platforms (such as Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10) play together. This is different from Java edition servers, which are only accessible to players on the Java version of Minecraft.

Why Host a Bedrock Server?

Hosting a Bedrock server can be a fantastic way to play Minecraft with your friends, family, or other like-minded players. Whether you want to create a private server for just a few friends, or a massive public server with thousands of players, hosting your own server gives you complete control over who can join, what plugins and mods you want to install, and what rules you want to enforce.

What You’ll Need

Before we get started, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need to host your own Bedrock server.

Getting Started

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to get started with hosting your own Bedrock server.

Step 1: Download Server Software

The first step in hosting a Bedrock server is to download and install the server software. There are several server software options available, including Bedrock Dedicated Server (BDS) and PocketMine-MP. We’ll be using BDS for this guide, as it’s the official server software provided by Mojang Studios.

To download BDS, visit the official Minecraft website and navigate to the “Minecraft: Bedrock Edition Server Software” page. From here, select the appropriate download link for your operating system. Once the download is complete, extract the contents of the zip file to a new folder on your computer.

Step 2: Configure Server Settings

Before you can start your server, you’ll need to configure a few settings in the server.properties file. This file is located in the same folder as the server software.

Open the server.properties file in a text editor (such as Notepad), and make the following changes:

1. Set the server-name value to the name you want to give your server.
2. Set the server-port value to the port number you want to use for your server. The default port number is 19132.
3. Set the max-players value to the maximum number of players you want to allow on your server.
4. Set the level-name value to the name you want to give your world.
5. Set the gamemode value to the game mode you want to use for your server.

Save the server.properties file and close it.

Step 3: Start the Server

Now that your server is configured, it’s time to start it up! Open a command prompt (on Windows) or terminal window (on macOS/Linux) and navigate to the folder containing the server software. Then, run the following command:

.\bedrock_server.exe

The server will now start up and begin generating a new world. This may take a few minutes.

Step 4: Connect to Your Server

Once your server is up and running, you’ll need to connect to it in Minecraft.

1. Open Minecraft: Bedrock Edition on your device
2. Click “Play” from the main menu
3. Select “Servers” from the top of the screen
4. Click “Add Server”
5. Enter the server name and IP address (which is the IP address of the computer running the server software)
6. Click “Save”
7. Select the server from the list and click “Play”

You should now be connected to your own private Bedrock server!

FAQ

How Many Players can Join My Server?

The maximum number of players who can join your server depends on the max-players value you set in the server.properties file. By default, this value is set to 10, but you can increase it to as many as 30 players if you have a powerful enough computer and internet connection.

Can I Install Mods or Plugins on My Server?

Yes! There are a wide variety of mods and plugins available for Bedrock servers, including everything from new game modes to custom skins and items. To install mods or plugins, you’ll need to download and install a third-party server management tool such as Pterodactyl or Multicraft.

Can I Back Up My Server?

Yes! It’s always a good idea to back up your server regularly, in case something goes wrong or your world gets corrupted. To back up your server, simply copy the entire server folder and store it in a safe place. You can also use a server management tool to schedule automated backups.

Can I Run My Server on a Raspberry Pi?

Yes! It is possible to run a Bedrock server on a Raspberry Pi, although it may not be as powerful as a dedicated computer. You’ll need a Raspberry Pi 4 with at least 4GB of RAM and a stable internet connection.

How Do I Stop My Server?

To stop your Bedrock server, simply type “stop” in the command prompt/terminal window where the server is running, and hit enter. This will shut down the server and save any changes to your world.

Conclusion

And there you have it, Dev! A comprehensive guide to hosting your very own Bedrock server. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to create a thriving Minecraft community with your friends and family, or even complete strangers from around the world. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your own Bedrock adventure today!