Multiplayer Minecraft at Your Fingertips: LAN Server How-To
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Minecraft, the wildly popular sandbox game, offers players a vast and immersive world to explore and build. While online servers provide exciting multiplayer experiences, sometimes you may want to enjoy Minecraft with friends and family in the same physical location. Luckily, Minecraft's LAN (Local Area Network) server feature allows you to do just that. In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up a LAN server in Minecraft, enabling you to experience multiplayer Minecraft at your fingertips.
Ensure All Devices Are Connected to the Same Network:
To set up a LAN server, all participating devices (computers or consoles) must be connected to the same local network. This can be achieved through a Wi-Fi connection or by directly connecting devices with Ethernet cables. Make sure all devices are on the same network to ensure a smooth connection.
Launch Minecraft:
Launch Minecraft on the device you intend to use as the host. This can be any device capable of running Minecraft, such as a computer, laptop, or console. Ensure that the host device is running the same version of Minecraft as the other devices that will join the LAN server.
Create or Load a World:
Once Minecraft is launched on the host device, create a new world or load an existing one. To create a new world, select "Singleplayer" from the main menu and click on "Create New World." Customize the world's settings according to your preferences or choose an existing world from the list.
Open to LAN:
While in the game, press the "Esc" key (or the equivalent button on consoles) to open the pause menu. From there, select the "Open to LAN" option. You will then be presented with various options to customize your LAN server.
Customize LAN Server Options:
Choose the desired LAN server options to suit your multiplayer experience. You can set the game mode (Survival, Creative, Adventure, or Spectator), enable or disable cheats, adjust the difficulty level, and more. Make the necessary adjustments based on your preferences and the preferences of the players joining your LAN server.
Share the LAN Server IP Address:
After customizing the LAN server options, a screen will appear displaying the LAN server IP address. Take note of this IP address, as you will need to share it with the other players who wish to join your LAN server. The IP address typically looks like a series of numbers separated by periods (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
Joining the LAN Server:
On the devices that want to join the LAN server, launch Minecraft and select "Multiplayer" from the main menu. Wait for the LAN server to appear in the server list. The LAN server should automatically appear if all devices are connected to the same local network. Click on the LAN server entry and select "Join Server" to connect to the host's game.
Enjoy Multiplayer Minecraft:
Once all devices are connected to the LAN server, players can collaborate, build, and explore together in the shared Minecraft world. Engage in cooperative building projects, embark on adventures, or challenge each other to friendly competitions. Enjoy the seamless multiplayer experience as you interact with fellow players in the same physical space.
Remember to adjust the LAN server options as needed and communicate with other players during gameplay. Make the most of the shared experience by strategizing, collaborating, and celebrating achievements together.
Setting up a LAN server in Minecraft allows you to enjoy multiplayer Minecraft with friends and family in the same physical location. By ensuring all devices are connected to the same network, launching Minecraft on the host device, creating or loading a world, opening to LAN, customizing LAN server options, sharing the LAN server IP address, and joining the LAN server on other devices, you can experience the joy of multiplayer Minecraft at your fingertips. Gather your loved ones, embark on shared adventures, and let your creativity flourish in the immersive world of Minecraft.
