Java and Bedrock Cross-Play Server Hosting Free: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Greetings Dev, if you’re looking for a way to host a cross-play server for Minecraft, you’ve come to the right place. Minecraft is one of the most popular games globally, and its popularity has resulted in an increase in the number of players looking for ways to host multiplayer servers. In this article, we will be discussing how to host a free cross-play server for Minecraft using Java and Bedrock. We will also provide details on how to set it up and answer common questions that might arise during the process.

1. What is a Cross-Play Server?

A cross-play server is a server that allows players on different platforms to play Minecraft together. It enables players on different devices to connect to a single server and enjoy the game together. It’s an excellent way to make new friends, challenge each other, and explore the vast Minecraft world. Cross-play servers are available for both Java and Bedrock editions of Minecraft.

Java Edition

Java edition of Minecraft is available to download on PC and Mac. It’s the original version of Minecraft and is highly customizable. Players can install mods, texture packs, and other customizations to enhance their gameplay experience. A cross-play server for the Java edition requires a little bit of technical knowledge and setup, but it’s worth it in the end.

Bedrock Edition

Bedrock edition of Minecraft is available on almost every platform, including Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile devices. It’s a version of Minecraft that’s designed to be more accessible and streamlined. It has built-in support for cross-play servers, making it easier to set up for players who are new to server hosting.

2. Why Host a Cross-Play Server?

Hosting a cross-play server provides many benefits. Firstly, it enables players on different platforms to play together. This means you can play with your friends who own different devices without any restrictions. Additionally, hosting a cross-play server allows you to customize your gameplay experience by adding plugins, mods, and other customizations. You can also control who joins your server, and manage the settings to make sure everyone is playing on an even playing field.

3. How to Host a Cross-Play Server for Free?

Hosting a cross-play server for Minecraft is easy and free. It requires a little bit of technical know-how, but we will guide you through the process. The first thing you need to do is download the server software from the official Minecraft website.

Java Edition

If you’re planning to set up a cross-play server for Java, you need to download the Java edition server software from the official Minecraft website. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the official Minecraft website and click on the “Download” section.
2. Select “Minecraft Server” from the options, and choose the Java edition.
3. Once it’s downloaded, extract the files to a location of your choice.

After downloading and extracting the files, you can now launch the server by double-clicking on the “minecraft_server.jar” file. Make sure to accept the EULA by updating the eula.txt file to “eula=true.”

Bedrock Edition

If you’re planning to set up a cross-play server for Bedrock, you need to download the Bedrock edition server software from the official Minecraft website. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the official Minecraft website and click on the “Download” section.
2. Select “Minecraft Server” from the options, and choose the Bedrock edition.
3. Once it’s downloaded, extract the files to a location of your choice.

After downloading and extracting the files, you can now launch the server by double-clicking on the “bedrock_server.exe” file. You can then configure the server settings by editing the server.properties file.

4. How to Set up a Cross-Play Server for Minecraft?

Once you’ve downloaded and launched the server software, you can now set up your cross-play server. Here’s how to do it:

Java Edition

To set up a cross-play server for Java, you need to follow these steps:

1. Open the server.properties file and configure the server settings.
2. Port forward your router to allow other players to connect to your server.
3. Share your server’s IP address with your friends and tell them to connect using the “Direct Connect” option in Minecraft.
4. You can also add plugins and mods to your server to customize it further.

Bedrock Edition

To set up a cross-play server for Bedrock, you need to follow these steps:

1. Open the server.properties file and configure the server settings.
2. Port forward your router to allow other players to connect to your server.
3. Share your server’s IP address with your friends and tell them to connect using the “Add Server” option in Minecraft.
4. You can also install resource packs to customize the server further.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How many players can I host on my cross-play server?

A: The number of players you can host on your cross-play server depends on your computer’s specifications and internet speed. However, we recommend sticking to a maximum of 10-15 players to ensure stable gameplay.

Q2. Can I add mods to my Bedrock cross-play server?

A: No, you can’t add mods to your Bedrock cross-play server currently. However, you can install resource packs to enhance the gameplay experience.

Q3. How do I port forward my router?

A: Port forwarding your router is required to allow other players to connect to your server. Each router has a different way of port forwarding, but you can easily find guides and tutorials online that will guide you through the process.

Q4. Can I host a cross-play server on a dedicated server?

A: Yes, you can host a cross-play server on a dedicated server. However, it requires more technical knowledge and setup compared to hosting it on your personal computer.

Q5. Can I ban players from my cross-play server?

A: Yes, you can ban players from your cross-play server. You can use plugins or commands to ban players who don’t follow the server rules or cause disruptions.

Conclusion

Hosting a cross-play server for Minecraft is a great way to enjoy the game with your friends and customize your gameplay experience. With this guide, you can easily set up a free and reliable cross-play server using Java and Bedrock editions of Minecraft. We hope this article has been helpful, and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask them in the comments below!