Minecraft LAN Servers: A Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Jun. 6, 2023

Minecraft, with its vast open world and limitless possibilities, becomes even more enjoyable when shared with friends through LAN (Local Area Network) servers. Setting up a LAN server allows you and your friends to play together in the same physical location, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaborative exploration. In this step-by-step setup guide, we will walk you through the process of creating and configuring a Minecraft LAN server, so you can embark on adventures together in your own private multiplayer realm.

Step 1: Ensure All Devices Are Connected to the Same Network

Before setting up a LAN server, make sure that all devices (computers, laptops, or consoles) that will be joining the server are connected to the same local network. The LAN server operates within the boundaries of this network, allowing devices to communicate and interact with each other.

Step 2: Launch Minecraft and Open a World for LAN Play

Once all devices are connected to the same network, launch Minecraft on the device that will act as the host server. Open or create a world that you want to share with your friends. Ensure that the world is set to "Allow Cheats" in the game settings, as this enables certain commands during LAN play.

Step 3: Access the LAN Settings

While inside the world you want to share, press the "Esc" key (or the appropriate button on consoles) to access the in-game menu. From there, click on the "Open to LAN" option. This will open a new window where you can configure the LAN server settings.

Step 4: Customize the LAN Server Settings

In the LAN settings window, you can customize various aspects of your LAN server. You can specify the game mode, enable or disable cheats, and decide whether players can respawn upon death. Adjust these settings according to your preferences and the style of gameplay you desire for the LAN session.

Step 5: Start the LAN ServerOnce you have configured the LAN settings, click on the "Start LAN World" button. The game will generate the LAN server and make it available for other devices on the same network to join.

Step 6: Join the LAN Server

Now that the LAN server is up and running, all other devices connected to the same network can join the game. On each device, open Minecraft and head to the "Multiplayer" section of the main menu. The LAN server should appear in the list of available servers. Click on it to join the host's world.

Step 7: Play and Enjoy Together

Once all your friends have successfully joined the LAN server, you can start playing together in the same world. Explore, build, mine, and embark on adventures as a unified team within the private LAN environment.

Setting up a Minecraft LAN server is a straightforward process that brings friends together for a shared and immersive gaming experience. By following this step-by-step setup guide, you can easily create your LAN server, allowing you and your friends to collaborate, build, and explore within your own private multiplayer realm. So, gather your fellow Minecraft enthusiasts, set up your LAN server, and let the multiplayer adventures unfold in the enchanting world of Minecraft!