LAN Minecraft Servers for Beginners: A Simple Setup Guide

27th February 2022

1. Understanding LAN Minecraft Servers:

   A LAN Minecraft server allows you to connect and play with other devices on the same local network. It eliminates the need for an internet connection and provides a direct and lag-free multiplayer experience. LAN servers are ideal for small groups of players who are physically present in the same location, such as friends at a sleepover or family members on a home network.

2. Step 1: Ensure All Devices are Connected to the Same Network:

   To set up a LAN Minecraft server, ensure that all devices you want to connect are connected to the same local network. This can be achieved by connecting them to the same Wi-Fi network or using an Ethernet cable to connect them to the same router or switch.

3. Step 2: Find the Local IP Address of the Host Device:

   The device that will host the LAN server needs to have a local IP address. To find the local IP address on Windows, open the Command Prompt and type "ipconfig" (without quotes) and press Enter. Look for the IPv4 Address, which will be a series of numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.1.100). On macOS, go to System Preferences, then Network, and look for the IP address under the Connected status.

4. Step 3: Start a LAN World in Minecraft:

   On the device that will host the LAN server, open Minecraft and start a new world or load an existing one. In the world options, set the "Allow LAN" option to "On." This will make the world accessible to other devices on the same network.

5. Step 4: Connect to the LAN World:

   On the other devices, open Minecraft and go to the "Multiplayer" section. The LAN world should automatically appear in the list of available servers. Click on the LAN world to connect to it.

6. Step 5: Start Playing:

   Once connected, all players can start playing together in the LAN Minecraft server. Enjoy exploring, building, and collaborating with others in the shared Minecraft world.

7. Additional Tips:

• Make sure all devices have the same version of Minecraft installed to ensure compatibility.
• Configure firewall or security settings on the host device to allow Minecraft connections if necessary.
• If the LAN world doesn't appear on other devices, ensure that the "Allow LAN" option is enabled and that all devices are connected to the same network.
• LAN servers are typically limited to the range of the local network, so players need to be physically close to the host device.

LAN Server Benefits:

• Lag-free gameplay: LAN servers provide a direct connection without relying on internet speeds, resulting in a smoother and more responsive experience.
• Enhanced collaboration: Playing together in the same physical space fosters better communication and collaboration among players.
• Family-friendly environment: LAN servers are perfect for creating a safe and controlled multiplayer environment for younger players, as you have full control over who can join.