If you and your friends want to play Minecraft together, you’ll need to create a server. There are many ways to do this, but the easiest way is to use a hosting provider. However, in this article, you will learn how to create a server without using a hosting provider.
There are a few benefits to creating your own server. For instance, you have complete control over the server settings. This means you can customize the game to your liking. Moreover, you can invite anyone you want to play on your server. However, it is important to note that creating and managing your own server can be time-consuming and complex. If you’re not prepared to put in the effort, then it’s probably best to use a hosting provider.
If you’re still interested in creating your own server, then follow these steps:
1. Download the Minecraft server software from the official Minecraft website.
2. Create a new folder on your computer and extract the server software into it.
3. Open the server properties file (server.properties) and edit the settings to your liking.
4. Start the server by double-clicking on the server jar file.
5. Connect to the server by opening Minecraft and clicking on the “Multiplayer” button.
Selecting a Platform for Server Creation
Consider Your Device and Operating System
When selecting a platform for your Minecraft PE server, your choice will primarily depend on the device and operating system you are using. If you are playing on an Android device, you can utilize apps like MCPE Master, TLauncher, or PocketMine-MP to host your server. For iOS users, the options are somewhat limited due to Apple’s restrictions, but you can still explore solutions like MineOS.
Determine the Type of Server You Want
The platform you choose will also depend on the type of server you want to create. If your goal is to host a small, private server for a few friends, you can opt for free or low-cost solutions like MCPE Master or PocketMine-MP. These platforms provide basic server functionality and allow you to customize settings to suit your needs.
Compare Features and Ease of Use
To make an informed decision, compare the features and ease of use offered by different platforms. MCPE Master excels in user-friendliness and is suitable for beginners. It offers a simple interface and pre-configured settings to get your server up and running quickly. TLauncher, on the other hand, provides more advanced features, such as support for plugins and mods. However, it may require more technical knowledge to configure properly. PocketMine-MP is a feature-rich platform that is known for its stability and customization options. It is popular among experienced server administrators but may not be as beginner-friendly as other options.
Establishing a Network Connection
Establishing a network connection for Minecraft PE server involves creating a Wi-Fi or LAN connection. Here are the detailed steps for each method:
Wi-Fi Connection
1. Connect all devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Open Minecraft PE and navigate to the “Play” menu.
3. Select “Add Server” and enter the server IP address in the “Server Address” field.
4. Set the “Server Name” and “Port” (default: 19132).
5. Tap “Save” to add the server.
LAN Connection
Steps for Host Device:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open Minecraft PE and create a new world or load an existing one. |
| 2 | Tap the “Play” button and select “Multiplayer”. |
| 3 | Click on “Start LAN Game” and set the visibility of the game to “Local Players Only”. |
4. Note down the LAN world port displayed on the screen.
Steps for Joining Devices:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open Minecraft PE and navigate to the “Multiplayer” menu. |
| 2 | Select “Join Server” and enter the LAN world IP address in the “Server Address” field. |
| 3 | Set the LAN world port obtained from the host device. |
| 4 | Tap “Join” to connect to the server. |
Configuring Server Settings
Once you have created your server, you can configure various settings to customize your gaming experience. Here are some of the key settings you can adjust:
Server Name and Description
Set the name of your server that will be displayed to players when they search for servers. Additionally, you can add a short description of your server to provide players with some basic information and entice them to join.
Game Mode
Choose the game mode for your server from the available options. The game mode determines the gameplay experience, such as survival, creative, adventure, or spectator mode. Each game mode offers unique challenges and possibilities, so select the one that best suits your desired gameplay.
Difficulty Level
Select the difficulty level for your server, ranging from “Peaceful” to “Hard.” The difficulty level affects the behavior of mobs and other challenges in the world. A higher difficulty level will make the game more challenging but also more rewarding.
Player Slots
Specify the maximum number of players that can simultaneously join your server. This setting allows you to control the number of players on your server to ensure a smooth and stable gaming experience.
PVP and Griefing
Enable or disable player versus player (PVP) and griefing on your server. PVP allows players to attack each other, while griefing refers to actions that damage or destroy another player’s builds or items. You can configure these settings to create a specific gameplay environment.
World Settings
Adjust various world settings to customize the gameplay experience. These settings include world seed, which determines the world’s terrain and features; build height, which sets the maximum height players can build in the world; and view distance, which controls the distance from which players can see objects and terrain.
Additional Settings
Explore additional server settings that allow you to further customize your server. These settings may include whitelisting players, enabling or disabling cheats, setting the server’s language, and configuring advanced network options.
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| White-list | Restrict access to your server to a specific list of players. |
| Cheats | Enable or disable the use of cheats on your server. |
| Language | Set the default language for your server. |
| Network Options | Configure advanced network settings, such as port forwarding and NAT traversal. |
Managing World Properties
The “World Properties” tab in the server settings allows you to customize various aspects of your Minecraft world. Here are some of the key settings you can adjust:
World Name
Sets the name of your Minecraft world. This name will be displayed in the server list and other in-game interfaces.
Game Mode
Determines the default game mode for players joining your server. Options include:
- Survival: Players must collect resources and craft items to survive.
- Creative: Players have unlimited resources and can fly, allowing them to focus on building and creating.
- Adventure: Players can explore the world but cannot break blocks or place new ones, except with certain tools.
- Spectator: Players can fly through blocks and observe the world, but cannot interact with it.
Difficulty
Adjusts the difficulty of the game, affecting the strength of mobs and the frequency of their attacks. Options include:
- Peaceful: No hostile mobs spawn.
- Easy: Mobs are weaker and deal less damage.
- Normal: This is the default difficulty level.
- Hard: Mobs are stronger and deal more damage.
Other Settings
Additionally, you can configure other settings to customize the behavior and appearance of your world, such as:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Seed | Generates a unique world based on a specific seed number. |
| Generate Structures | Enables or disables the generation of structures like villages and dungeons. |
| Allow Cheats | Allows players to use cheats and commands. |
| Server Port | The port number on which your server will run. |
Installing Mods and Plugins
Once you have your server set up, you can start adding mods and plugins to customize your gameplay. Mods and plugins are custom-made additions to the game that can add new features, change existing ones, or fix bugs. There are thousands of mods and plugins available, so you can find ones that fit your playstyle and preferences.
Finding mods and plugins
There are many websites and forums where you can find mods and plugins. Some popular websites include CurseForge, ModDB, and Planet Minecraft.
Installing mods
To install a mod, you need to download the mod file and place it in the “mods” folder in your server directory. Once you have placed the mod file in the folder, you need to restart your server. The mod will now be loaded and active.
Installing plugins
To install a plugin, you need to download the plugin file and place it in the “plugins” folder in your server directory. Once you have placed the plugin file in the folder, you need to restart your server. The plugin will now be loaded and active.
Types of mods and plugins
There are many different types of mods and plugins available. Some of the most popular types include:
| Type | Description |
|—|—|
|Gameplay mods | Mods that change the way the game is played, such as adding new items, mobs, or structures. |
|World generation mods | Mods that change the way the world is generated, such as adding new biomes or structures. |
|UI mods | Mods that change the user interface, such as adding new menus or hotkeys. |
|Bugfix mods | Mods that fix bugs in the game. |
|Server mods | Mods that add new features specifically to servers, such as player management tools or anti-cheat measures. |
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If you encounter difficulties connecting to your Minecraft PE server, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Ensure that your mobile device has a stable internet connection. Test your connection using a different app or browser to confirm connectivity.
2. Verify the Server Address and Port
Double-check that the server address and port number you are entering are correct. The server address should match the IP address or hostname of the hosting computer, and the port should be the same as the one specified in the server configuration.
3. Disable Firewalls or Antivirus Programs
Firewalls or antivirus software can sometimes block incoming connections. Temporarily disable these programs and try connecting again.
4. Restart Your Device
A simple restart of your mobile device can often resolve connection issues. Shut down the device completely, wait a few seconds, and then restart it.
5. Update Minecraft PE
Ensure that you are running the latest version of Minecraft PE. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can affect connectivity.
6. Check for Server Issues
The issue may lie with the server itself. Here are additional steps to troubleshoot server-related problems:
a. Check the Server Log: The server log file can provide valuable insights into any errors or issues affecting the server. Review the log for any relevant messages.
b. Test Connection from Another Device: Attempt to connect to the server from a different mobile device or computer to determine if the issue is device-specific.
c. Verify Port Forwarding: If you are hosting the server on your own network, ensure that port forwarding is properly configured on your router to allow incoming connections on the specified port.
Customizing Server Rules and Permissions
In Minecraft PE, administrators can customize a wide range of server rules and permissions to tailor their server to their preferences. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to do so:
1. Accessing Server Settings
To access server settings, open the “Settings” menu in-game and navigate to the “Multiplayer” tab. Select the server you want to configure and tap on the “Edit” button.
2. Adjusting General Settings
Under the “General” tab, you can modify basic server settings such as the server name, description, visibility, and world type.
3. Managing Player Permissions
In the “Player Permissions” tab, administrators can define permissions for individual players or groups. This includes setting permissions for actions such as building, destroying blocks, using commands, and more.
4. Configuring Gameplay Rules
The “Gameplay Rules” tab allows administrators to customize various gameplay rules, including game mode, difficulty level, natural regeneration, and more.
5. Setting Chat Rules
Under the “Chat” tab, administrators can control chat settings such as player chat visibility, swear word filtering, and chat delay.
6. Managing World Generation
In the “World” tab, administrators can customize world generation settings such as terrain generation, biome distribution, and structure frequency.
7. Advanced Permissions System
For fine-grained control over permissions, Minecraft PE offers an advanced permissions system. This system allows administrators to assign specific permissions to individual commands, items, and entities, enabling highly customizable server setups.
| Permission | Description |
|---|---|
| command.ban.ip | Allows banning players by IP address |
| item.use.ender_pearl | Grants permission to use Ender Pearls |
| entity.vehicle.ride.boat | Allows riding boats |
By utilizing these customization options, administrators can create a server experience that meets their unique requirements and preferences.
Whitelisting and Blacklisting Players
In Minecraft PE, you can manage who can join your server by whitelisting or blacklisting players. Whitelisting allows you to specify which players are permitted to join, while blacklisting prevents certain players from connecting.
Whitelisting Players
To whitelist a player, open the server properties file and add their username under the “white-list” section. You can also use the “/whitelist add [username]” command in-game.
Blacklisting Players
To blacklist a player, open the server properties file and add their username under the “black-list” section. You can also use the “/blacklist add [username]” command in-game.
Additional Settings
In addition to whitelisting and blacklisting, you can also use the following settings to control player access:
**Op Players:** Op (operator) players have special permissions that allow them to modify the server and its settings. You can specify op players by adding their usernames to the “ops” section of the server properties file.
Banned Players: Banned players are permanently blocked from joining your server. You can ban players using the "/ban [username]" command in-game.
Banned IPs: You can also ban entire IP addresses from connecting to your server. To do this, add the IP address to the "banned-ips" section of the server properties file.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| white-list | A list of usernames who are allowed to join the server. |
| black-list | A list of usernames who are not allowed to join the server. |
| ops | A list of usernames who have operator permissions. |
| banned-ips | A list of IP addresses that are not allowed to connect to the server. |
Monitoring Server Performance
Monitoring your server’s performance is crucial for ensuring a smooth and stable gaming experience. Below are some best practices:
1. CPU and Memory Usage
Monitor CPU and memory usage through the server’s console or a monitoring tool. High CPU or memory usage can indicate performance issues.
2. TPS (Ticks Per Second)
TPS measures how well the server is processing game ticks. A TPS below 20 can indicate performance problems.
3. Latency
Latency measures the time it takes for data to travel between clients and the server. High latency can cause lag and disconnections.
4. TPS Lag
TPS lag occurs when the server takes too long to process game ticks, resulting in chunks being skipped. This can cause stuttering and other performance issues.
5. Entity Count
A high number of entities, such as mobs, items, and explosions, can strain the server’s performance.
6. World Size
Large worlds with complex terrain, structures, and entities can require more resources and impact performance.
7. Plugin Load
Plugins can add functionality, but excessive or poorly optimized plugins can slow down the server.
8. Player Count
The number of players connected to the server affects its performance. More active players require more resources.
9. Dedicated Server vs. Hosted Server
A dedicated server provides more control and allows for fine-tuning performance settings. However, a hosted server is easier to set up and maintain but may have limited customization options.
| Feature | Dedicated Server | Hosted Server |
|---|---|---|
| Control and Customization | High | Low |
| Performance Tuning | Yes | Limited |
| Setup and Maintenance | More Complex | Easier |
Securing the Server from External Threats
1. Enable Whitelisting
Enforce a whitelist that restricts access to the server only to authorized players. This prevents unauthorized individuals from joining and causing harm.
2. Use a VPN
Utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt and secure the connection between players and the server, preventing eavesdropping and data theft.
3. Install Anti-Cheat Software
Implement anti-cheat software to detect and prevent malicious activities such as cheating and hacking. This safeguards the game experience and protects the server from exploitation.
4. Disable External Communication
Restrict external communication, such as access to websites or external servers, to prevent unauthorized access and data leakage.
5. Use a Strong Firewall
Configure a firewall to block malicious traffic and protect the server from unwanted connections. Configure rules to allow only necessary ports and connections.
6. Keep Software Up to Date
Regularly update the server software, operating system, and anti-virus software to patch security vulnerabilities and protect against new threats.
7. Monitor Server Logs
Continuously monitor server logs to identify any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. This allows for prompt detection and response to potential threats.
8. Use Strong Passwords and Encryption
Enforce strong passwords for all accounts and use encryption to protect sensitive data, such as player information and world files.
9. Limit Server Access
Restrict server access to only essential individuals who require it for maintenance or administration tasks. Avoid granting excessive permissions to prevent unauthorized changes or misuse.
10. Implement Two-Factor Authentication
Employ two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security to accounts. This requires users to provide an additional verification code when logging in, making it more difficult for malicious actors to compromise passwords.
How To Make A Server In Minecraft Pe
Creating a server in Minecraft PE is fairly simple and straightforward. First, you need to make sure that you have a device with Minecraft PE and a strong internet connection. Then, follow these steps:
- Open Minecraft PE on your device.
- Tap on the “Play” button.
- Select “Create New World”.
- Enter a name for your world and select a game mode.
- Tap on the “Multiplayer” tab.
- Toggle the “Multiplayer Game” switch to “On”.
- Tap on the “Add Friends” button.
- Select the friends you want to add and tap on the “Add” button.
- Tap on the “Start” button.
Your server will now be created and your friends will be able to join. You can also invite other players by sharing the world’s IP address with them.
People Also Ask
How do I find the IP address of my Minecraft PE server?
To find the IP address of your Minecraft PE server, follow these steps:
- Open Minecraft PE on your device.
- Tap on the “Settings” button.
- Tap on the “Profile” tab.
- Your IP address will be displayed next to the “Server Address” field.
How do I join a Minecraft PE server?
To join a Minecraft PE server, follow these steps:
- Open Minecraft PE on your device.
- Tap on the “Play” button.
- Select “Join Server”.
- Enter the IP address of the server you want to join.
- Tap on the “Join” button.
How do I change the game mode of my Minecraft PE server?
To change the game mode of your Minecraft PE server, follow these steps:
- Open Minecraft PE on your device.
- Tap on the “Settings” button.
- Tap on the “Gameplay” tab.
- Select the game mode you want to use.
- Tap on the “Save” button.
