Creating Your Minecraft PE Server: A Comprehensive Guide
16th November 2022
Minecraft Pocket Edition (PE) allows players to embark on exciting adventures and build imaginative worlds on their mobile devices. While joining existing servers is enjoyable, creating your own Minecraft PE server gives you complete control over the gameplay experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating your Minecraft PE server, enabling you to invite friends, unleash your creativity, and embark on collaborative adventures.
Step 1: Choosing the Server Hosting Option
There are two main options for hosting your Minecraft PE server: using a third-party hosting service or hosting it on your own device. Third-party hosting services offer convenience, reliability, and often provide user-friendly interfaces for server management. Alternatively, hosting the server on your own device requires more technical knowledge but allows for greater customization and control.
Step 2: Preparing Your Device
If you choose to host the server on your own device, ensure that it meets the necessary requirements. Minecraft PE servers can run on a range of devices, including computers, smartphones, or dedicated servers. Check the official Minecraft website or consult the hosting software's documentation for specific device requirements.
Step 3: Setting up the Server Software
To create a Minecraft PE server, you'll need server software that emulates the Minecraft PE experience. Popular server software options include PocketMine-MP, Nukkit, and ClearSky. Download the server software of your choice from their respective websites and follow the provided installation instructions.
Step 4: Configuring Server Settings
Once the server software is installed, it's time to configure the server settings. Open the server configuration file using a text editor and adjust parameters such as server name, game mode (survival, creative, adventure), maximum player limit, and server port. Additionally, you can enable or disable certain features, adjust server difficulty, and set up whitelisting to control who can access the server.
Step 5: Port Forwarding
Port forwarding allows incoming connections from the internet to reach your server. To enable port forwarding, access your router's administration settings and locate the port forwarding section. Create a new port forwarding rule that forwards incoming connections on the specified port (default is 19132 for Minecraft PE) to the local IP address of the device hosting the server. Consult your router's documentation or online resources for detailed instructions on setting up port forwarding.
Step 6: Starting the Server
With the server software installed, settings configured, and port forwarding set up, it's time to start the server. Open the server software and wait for it to initialize. Once it's running, you'll see a console or command prompt displaying server logs and information. Congratulations! Your Minecraft PE server is now up and running.
Step 7: Inviting Players
To invite players to join your Minecraft PE server, provide them with the server's IP address and port number. Players can enter this information in the "Add Server" section of their Minecraft PE client. If you're hosting the server locally, players on the same local network can join using your device's local IP address. Players outside your local network can join using your public IP address, which can be obtained through websites such as whatismyip.com.
Step 8: Server Administration
As the server owner, you have administrative privileges to manage and moderate the server. Use server commands to control gameplay aspects, enforce rules, or perform administrative tasks. Common commands include teleporting players, changing the time of day, or granting permissions to certain players. Familiarize yourself with the server software's documentation or online resources to learn about available commands and how to use them effectively.
Step 9: Server Maintenance and Updates
Regular server maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance and a smooth gameplay experience. Keep the server software up to date by checking for new releases or updates. Additionally, periodically backup your server's world files to prevent data loss in case of unforeseen events. Regularly communicate with your server's community, address concerns or issues, and consider implementing player feedback to improve the server experience.
Step 10: Expanding Your Server
Once your Minecraft PE server is up and running smoothly, you may want to explore additional features and plugins to enhance gameplay. Numerous plugins are available for server customization, such as economy systems, mini-games, or additional game mechanics. Research and experiment with different plugins to create a unique and engaging experience for your players.
Creating your own Minecraft PE server provides a fantastic opportunity to shape your gaming experience, collaborate with friends, and unleash your creativity. By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to create and manage your Minecraft PE server successfully. So, grab your pickaxe, gather your friends, and embark on an unforgettable journey in your very own Minecraft PE server. The possibilities are limitless!