Discover Your Realm: Finding the Minecraft Servers You Created on PC
March 17, 2022
Minecraft, the immensely popular sandbox game developed by Mojang Studios, offers players the ability to create and host their own multiplayer servers. Building your own Minecraft server on PC opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to customize the gameplay, invite friends, and create a unique virtual realm for others to explore. However, once you've set up your server, you might wonder how others can find and join it. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of discovering and connecting to the Minecraft servers you created on PC.
Determine your Server IP Address
On Windows:
- Open the Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "cmd," and pressing Enter.
- In the Command Prompt window, type "ipconfig" and press Enter.
- Look for the "IPv4 Address" under the network adapter you're using (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). This address is your PC's local IP address.
On macOS:
- Open the Terminal by pressing Command + Space, typing "Terminal," and pressing Enter.
- In the Terminal window, type "ifconfig" and press Enter.
- Look for the "inet" or "inet addr" field under the network adapter you're using (en0 for Ethernet or en1 for Wi-Fi). This address is your PC's local IP address.
Port Forwarding and Router Configuration
If you're hosting the Minecraft server on your PC and want others to join from outside your local network, you'll need to set up port forwarding on your router. Port forwarding allows incoming connections to reach your server by mapping specific ports on your router to your server's local IP address. The specific steps for port forwarding depend on your router's make and model, so consult your router's documentation or manufacturer's website for instructions.
Share the IP Address with Others
Once you've determined your server's IP address and configured port forwarding, you can share this information with others who want to join your Minecraft server. Communicate the IP address to your friends, community members, or anyone you want to invite. You can do this through various means, such as messaging apps, email, social media platforms, or by providing it on your server's website or community forum.
Server Listings and Direct Connect
To make it easier for players to find and join your Minecraft server, you can list it on server listing websites or use server discovery tools within the game itself. There are several popular Minecraft server listing websites where you can register and submit your server for others to discover. Some examples include Planet Minecraft, Minecraft Server List, and Minecraft-Server.net. These websites typically allow you to provide information about your server, such as its name, description, IP address, and any additional details or rules.
In addition to server listings, players can also connect directly to your server using the "Direct Connect" feature within the Minecraft multiplayer menu. To do this, players need to enter your server's IP address and port number directly in the game. Make sure to clearly communicate the correct IP address and port to anyone who wants to join your server through direct connection.
Server Whitelisting and Passwords (Optional)
Discovering and connecting to the Minecraft servers you create on PC is an exciting process that allows you to share your virtual realm with others. By determining your server's IP address, configuring port forwarding, sharing the IP address with potential players, utilizing server listings, and considering additional security measures like whitelisting or passwords, you can ensure that others can easily find and join your Minecraft server. So go ahead, create your realm, invite friends, and embark on collaborative adventures in the boundless world of Minecraft multiplayer.