Exploring LAN Servers in Minecraft: A Step-by-Step Guide
Sep. 17, 2023
Minecraft, the beloved sandbox game, becomes even more enjoyable when shared with friends and family. If you're looking to embark on block-building adventures together, you'll want to know how to set up and connect to LAN (Local Area Network) servers. In this step-by-step guide, we will explore LAN servers in Minecraft, allowing you to create and join multiplayer worlds with those on the same network.
What Are LAN Servers?
LAN servers in Minecraft are local multiplayer game worlds hosted on your local network. These servers enable players on the same network to connect and play together in the same Minecraft world, whether it's for cooperative building, exploration, or friendly competitions. LAN servers offer a low-latency, lag-free experience, making them ideal for playing with friends and family in the same physical location.
Setting Up a LAN Server
To set up a LAN server in Minecraft, follow these steps:
**1. Ensure All Players Are on the Same Network:
Ensure that all players who want to join your LAN server are connected to the same local network, such as your home Wi-Fi network.
**2. Open Minecraft and Create a World:
Launch the Minecraft Java Edition on the computer that will host the LAN server. Create a new single-player world or select an existing one to use as the LAN server world.
**3. Open to LAN:
While inside the world, press the "Esc" key to access the in-game menu. From there, select "Open to LAN."
**4. Configure Server Settings:
- In the "Open to LAN" menu, you can configure several server settings, such as:
- Game Mode: Choose between Survival, Creative, or Adventure mode.
- Allow Cheats: Decide whether to enable cheats for players.
- Game Rules: Modify specific game rules like mob spawning or fire spread.
**5. Start the LAN Server:
After configuring the settings, click the "Start LAN World" button. Minecraft will display a message with the port number the LAN server is using (e.g., 12345).
Joining a LAN Server
Players who wish to join the LAN server from other devices should follow these steps:
**1. Ensure You're on the Same Network:
Connect to the same local network that the host computer is using. This can be done via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet connection.
**2. Launch Minecraft:
Open Minecraft Java Edition on the device you want to use to join the LAN server.
**3. Select Multiplayer:
From the main menu, click on "Multiplayer" to access the multiplayer menu.
**4. Look for the LAN Server:
Under the "Friends" tab in the multiplayer menu, the LAN server hosted on the same network should appear automatically.
**5. Join the LAN Server:
Click on the LAN server's entry to connect. You'll be placed into the same world as the host.
Exploring LAN servers in Minecraft offers a fantastic way to enjoy the game with friends and family in the same physical location. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily set up and connect to LAN servers, unlocking countless cooperative and competitive adventures in the creative and blocky world of Minecraft. Gather your fellow miners, builders, and adventurers and embark on new journeys together within the familiar pixelated landscapes of Minecraft.