Creating a server on Minecraft Bedrock Edition opens up a world of collaborative building, competitive minigames, and shared adventures for you and your friends. Unlike the Java Edition, the Bedrock version allows for cross-platform play, meaning players on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices can all join the same world. This guide walks you through the entire process, from understanding your options to fine-tuning settings for a smooth experience.
Understanding Your Server Options
Before diving into the setup, it is important to distinguish between the two primary methods available for hosting a Bedrock server. The first option is a dedicated server, which runs on a computer or a cloud instance independent of any player's device. This is the ideal choice for a persistent world that is always online. The second option is a local server, which leverages the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) architecture built into the game. This method is suitable for casual, short-term sessions where one player hosts directly from their console or PC.
Setting Up a Local Server (P2P)
For quick get-togethers or testing ideas, the local server method is the fastest way to get started. This process essentially turns the host's device into the server, broadcasting a game directly to the console or launcher. While it requires no additional software, the host must remain online for the duration of the session, and the number of players may be limited by the host's network bandwidth.
Launch Minecraft Bedrock Edition on the device you wish to use as the host.
Select "Play" and then create a new world or choose an existing one.
In the world creation screen, look for the "Game" or "Multiplayer" section and toggle on the "Allow Cheats" option if you plan to use administrative commands.
Once the world loads, pause the game and open the in-game menu to access the "Invite to Game" or "Start Game" option.
Select "Invite to Network" or "LAN Network" to broadcast the session to other players on the same local network.
Deploying a Dedicated Server
A dedicated server provides a stable, always-online environment and is the preferred method for community managers or server owners. This requires downloading the official server software from Microsoft and running it on a machine with sufficient resources. The process is straightforward but involves a few technical steps that ensure the server communicates correctly with the Bedrock clients.
Downloading and Installing the Server Software
To run a dedicated Minecraft Bedrock server, you must first obtain the server files. Microsoft provides these files for free, but they are distributed separately from the game client. You will need to create a Mojang account and navigate to the official Minecraft for Bedrock Dedicated Server page. Ensure you download the version that matches your operating system, whether that is Windows, Linux, or another supported platform.
Once the download is complete, extract the files to a dedicated folder on your computer. It is wise to create a specific directory just for the server files to keep things organized. Inside this folder, you will find the core executable files necessary to run the instance.
Configuring Server Properties and Settings
Before starting the server, you must configure the server properties file. This text document, usually named server.properties , allows you to customize the world name, game mode, difficulty, and port numbers. Editing this file is crucial for aligning the server with your vision, whether you want a peaceful building server or a challenging PvP arena.
