How to Host a Minecraft LAN Server

Hello Dev, if you’re interested in playing Minecraft with your friends but want to do it on your own terms, hosting a LAN server might be your best option. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a LAN server step-by-step. We’ll cover everything from setting it up to FAQ’s, so let’s get started.

What is a LAN Server?

A LAN server is a server that’s hosted on your local network. It allows you to play Minecraft with your friends without having to connect to a remote server over the internet. This means less lag, smoother gameplay, and the ability to customize the game to your liking.

Setting Up Your LAN Server

Before we get started, you will need to download and install the Minecraft server software. You can find the latest version of the software on the official Minecraft website.

Once you have downloaded the software, follow these steps to set up your LAN server:

Step
Description
Step 1
Create a new folder on your computer and name it something like “Minecraft Server.”
Step 2
Copy the downloaded Minecraft server software into the new folder you just created.
Step 3
Double-click on the Minecraft server software to launch it. This will create several files and folders in the Minecraft Server folder.
Step 4
Open the “eula.txt” file and change “false” to “true” to accept the Minecraft End User License Agreement.
Step 5
Close the “eula.txt” file and double-click on the “server.properties” file to open it.
Step 6
Find the line that says “server-ip=” and replace it with “server-ip=127.0.0.1”. This will tell Minecraft to only allow connections from your local network.
Step 7
Save and close the “server.properties” file.

Starting Your LAN Server

Now that your LAN server is set up, it’s time to start it up. Follow these steps to start your LAN server:

Step
Description
Step 1
Double-click on the Minecraft server software to launch it.
Step 2
You should see a new console window open up. As the server starts up, you will see several messages in this window. Wait until you see a message that says “Done” before proceeding.
Step 3
Now that your server is up and running, you can launch Minecraft and connect to it. To do this, open Minecraft and go to the “Multiplayer” menu. You should see your new LAN server listed there.

FAQ’s

Can I Host a LAN Server without an Internet Connection?

Yes, you can host a LAN server without an internet connection. As long as all of the players are connected to the same local network, they can connect to your LAN server.

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How Many Players Can Join My LAN Server?

The number of players that can join your LAN server depends on your network’s capacity. However, Minecraft is best played with a maximum of 8 players. If you plan to have more players, you will need to upgrade your network’s capacity.

Can I Customize My LAN Server?

Yes, you can customize your LAN server. You can add plugins, mods, and texture packs to your server to enhance gameplay.

Do I Need a Powerful Computer to Host a LAN Server?

No, you don’t need a powerful computer to host a LAN server. However, the performance of your server will depend on your computer’s specifications. If you experience lag while running the server, you may need to upgrade your computer’s hardware.

Can I Host a LAN Server for Minecraft Bedrock Edition?

Yes, you can host a LAN server for Minecraft Bedrock Edition. The process is similar to hosting a LAN server for Minecraft Java Edition.