Hello Dev, are you a Minecraft lover looking to create your own self-hosted Bedrock Server? This article is for you! Building and self-hosting your own Minecraft Bedrock Server can give you greater flexibility, control, and security. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy your favorite game with your friends, family and community. Let’s get started!
What is a Minecraft Bedrock Server?
A Minecraft Bedrock Server is a multiplayer game server that runs Minecraft Bedrock Edition, which is the version of the game that runs on mobile devices, consoles, and Windows 10 PCs. The server allows players from different devices to connect and play together in the same world, even if they are playing from different platforms.
There are two types of Minecraft servers: official servers, which are hosted and managed by Mojang Studios, and self-hosted servers, which are created and managed by players themselves. Self-hosted servers can offer greater customization, control, and performance, but also require more technical know-how and resources to set up.
Why Self-Host a Minecraft Bedrock Server?
Self-hosting a Minecraft Bedrock Server gives you several advantages:
- You have full control over the server, including the game settings, plugins, mods, and player access.
- You can customize the server to your liking, and create your own world and gameplay rules.
- You can save money by not having to pay for hosting fees or subscriptions to official servers.
- You can play with your friends, family and community in a private and secure environment, without outside interference or distractions.
What Do You Need to Self-Host a Minecraft Bedrock Server?
To self-host a Minecraft Bedrock Server, you need the following:
- A dedicated computer or server with enough processing power, RAM, and storage to run the server smoothly.
- A stable and fast internet connection with a good upload and download speed, to allow for seamless connection with players.
- A copy of the Minecraft Bedrock Edition game, which you can buy from the official Minecraft website or app store.
- A server software, which can be downloaded for free from the official Minecraft Bedrock Server software page or from third-party websites.
- A basic understanding of networking, port forwarding, and server administration.
Step-by-Step Guide for Building and Self-Hosting a Minecraft Bedrock Server
Step 1: Choose Your Hosting Platform
The first step in self-hosting a Minecraft Bedrock Server is to choose your hosting platform. You can use a dedicated server or a virtual private server to host your Minecraft server. A dedicated server is a physical server that you own and manage, while a virtual private server is a virtualized server that runs on a shared physical server, but gives you more control over the server resources and configuration.
You can choose from various hosting providers, such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, or any other provider that offers Linux or Windows servers. You can also use your own computer or server if it meets the server requirements.
Step 2: Install the Minecraft Bedrock Server Software
Once you have chosen your hosting platform, you need to download and install the Minecraft Bedrock Server software. You can download the software from the official Minecraft website or from third-party websites. Make sure to choose the correct version of the software that matches your hosting platform and operating system.
After downloading the software, extract the files to a folder on your server or computer. Then, open the server.properties file with a text editor and configure the server settings, such as the server name, game mode, difficulty, world seed, and maximum players. Save the file when you are done.
Step 3: Configure Your Network and Port Forwarding
Once the server software is installed and configured, you need to configure your network and port forwarding to allow players to connect to your server. This involves opening certain ports on your router or firewall and redirecting incoming traffic to your server’s IP address and port number.
The ports you need to open and forward depend on the Minecraft Bedrock Server version and your router or firewall settings. You can find the port numbers in the server.properties file and check your router or firewall documentation for instructions on port forwarding.
Step 4: Start Your Minecraft Bedrock Server
After configuring your network and port forwarding, you are now ready to start your Minecraft Bedrock Server. Open the server software and wait for it to load the game world. You can connect to the server locally or remotely using the server IP address and port number.
You can also customize your server further by adding plugins, mods, or texture packs, which can enhance the gameplay and visual effects. Make sure to choose the ones that are compatible with the Minecraft Bedrock Edition and your server version.
Frequently Asked Questions about Self-Hosting a Minecraft Bedrock Server
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|
Can I self-host a Minecraft Bedrock Server on a Raspberry Pi? |
Yes, you can use a Raspberry Pi to host a Minecraft Bedrock Server, but it may not have enough processing power or RAM to handle large player loads or complex worlds. Make sure to choose a Raspberry Pi with at least 4GB of RAM and a fast SD card. |
How many players can join my Minecraft Bedrock Server? |
The number of players that can join your server depends on several factors, such as your server specs, network bandwidth, and game settings. Generally, a well-configured server can handle up to 20-30 players without lag or crashes. |
Can I run multiple worlds on my Minecraft Bedrock Server? |
Yes, you can create and run multiple worlds on your Minecraft Bedrock Server, each with its own seed, settings, and players. You can switch between worlds using the /world command or a plugin. |
How do I backup my Minecraft Bedrock Server? |
You can backup your Minecraft Bedrock Server by copying the world folder and the server.properties file to a separate location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage. You can also use a backup plugin or a scheduled task to automate the backup process. |
Can I run my Minecraft Bedrock Server 24/7? |
Yes, you can run your Minecraft Bedrock Server 24/7, but make sure to monitor your server resources and network usage to avoid overloading or overheating. You can also use a server management tool or a remote control app to manage your server remotely. |
Conclusion
Building and self-hosting your own Minecraft Bedrock Server can be a challenging but rewarding experience for Minecraft lovers. By following the steps in this article, you can create your own private world and invite your friends, family, and community to join you in the fun. Remember to keep your server updated, secure, and well-maintained, and enjoy your Minecraft adventure!