Take it easy, sit back and relax
Minecraft is a game everyone is familiar with, but this game doesn't come with built-in multiplayer functionality. We need to deploy our own server or use tunneling services to play together. This tutorial will teach you the basics of Minecraft multiplayer, guaranteed to get you connected!
This is a basic tutorial covering a brief understanding of the differences between genuine and offline (pirated) versions, peer-to-peer multiplayer, and deploying simple servers.
This tutorial does not cover Bedrock Edition or Minecraft China Edition
Recommended reading order: 1→2→3→4/5
Minecraft can be played in multiplayer through two main methods: LAN multiplayer and server multiplayer
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| LAN Multiplayer | Easy to set up, quick game start; suitable for temporary small-scale play | Fewer game options and customization; host must keep client running |
| Server Multiplayer | Highly customizable with more game options; convenient for long-term and large-scale management; supports plugin installation to enhance gameplay | Initial setup is relatively complex, may require technical knowledge; server maintenance may incur additional costs |
Both multiplayer methods have their pros and cons. Choose the most suitable method based on your gaming habits, number of players, and desired gaming experience.
Whether Minecraft is genuine depends on whether the player has passed the login verification of Mojang's authentication servers. Passing verification means it's genuine; failing means it's considered offline version, commonly known as "pirated". Which launcher you use doesn't affect this determination; whether it's the official launcher, PCL2, or HMCL, what matters is whether you've logged in with a genuine account. However, the official launcher cannot start the game without logging into a genuine account.
The main difference between genuine and offline versions is that genuine players can join servers with authentication enabled. Otherwise, the gaming experience is virtually identical. Therefore, whether to buy the genuine version should be based on your personal situation: if you can afford it, support the genuine version; if you can't afford it now, play the offline version first and purchase the genuine version when possible.
Common launchers available today include:
Besides the above launchers, there are many other niche clients like FSM, but usually the four above can meet 99.99% of players' needs.
Although it's called LAN multiplayer, you can also use port mapping to achieve remote connections. !!!Note: LAN connection has authentication enabled by default and cannot be disabled in vanilla. You can use third-party mods to disable it!!!
Here we'll divide into host and player sides: Host side:
Player side:
If you encounter connection errors, check if your game version and mods are exactly the same as the host's (version numbers must match), and whether the client is genuine and logged in successfully. If you still can't connect after checking everything, copy the error to Baidu or Bing to search; you can also ask ChatGPT or Gemini for help. You can also contact me and send me 50 yuan, I'll help you solve it
Server hosting is a big topic, divided into those with public IP and those without, quite complex.
If just a few people spontaneously want to play, LAN multiplayer is recommended. Servers are suitable for planned long-term multiplayer sessions.
Even without buying a dedicated server, running a server on your own computer incurs hardware wear and electricity costs. Consider carefully whether hosting a server is necessary before doing so.
Considering this tutorial is aimed at beginners (and it's troublesome for me to write), server multiplayer will be demonstrated using the MCSManager panel.
(Why suffer when there are good tools available)
First deploy the Java runtime. Different MC versions require different Java versions:
(If the official site is inaccessible or slow, you can use 123Pan provided by this site) Remember the installation path for later use.
Then download the server software. Server software generally comes in four types: Vanilla, Plugin, Mod, and Plugin+Mod. For convenience, most people use either Vanilla or Plugin+Mod.
After downloading the server software, go to MCSManager to download the panel.
localhost:23333. If it doesn't open automatically, open it manuallyIt should start now. If it still doesn't start, check if the Java version, path, and server path are correct.
Next, configure server information. Open server.properties. If using the panel, there are accompanying explanations - just configure according to them.
There are two scenarios here: with public IP and without public IP.
With public IP, just open the firewall. For cloud providers, open the firewall in the server console.
Without public IP, you'll need tunneling to connect. frp deployment tutorial:frpThe general process is:
frpc.tomlfrpc -c frpc.tomlIf using the official launcher, it's even simpler - just create and start the tunnel. (If you're self-hosting frp, you should know how to configure it) After starting the tunnel, copy the node address to the client to connect. For mod servers, ensure server and client mods are synchronized.
For remaining content, refer to MCSManager Docs
The basic process is installing Java, installing the panel, and the rest is similar to Windows.
First install Java. Installation on Linux is similar to Windows - download the tar.gz and extract to a directory. Different MC versions also require corresponding Java versions:
(If the official site is inaccessible or slow, you can use 123Pan provided by this site)
After downloading your version, place it in the ~/ directory and enter the following commands to extract and move to the /usr/java directory.
Java is now ready. Then install the panel.
After installation, enter {server IP}:23333 in your browser to access the panel (remember to open the firewall for cloud servers).
Before entering the panel, we need to download the server software:
After downloading, start creating the server.
MCSM usually has a beginner's guide. You can follow the guide or click Quick Start on the left.
It should start now. If it still doesn't start, check Java version, path, permissions, and whether the server path is correct.
Next, configure server information. Open server.properties. There are accompanying explanations - just configure according to them.
Same as Windows, divided into with and without public IP, but most Linux users are on cloud servers which usually have public IPs.
With public IP, just open the firewall. For cloud providers, open the firewall in the server console.
Without public IP, you'll need tunneling to connect. frp deployment tutorial: frp
The general process is:
frpc.toml./frpc -c frpc.tomlAfter starting the tunnel, copy the node address to the client to connect. For mod servers, ensure server and client mods are synchronized.
For remaining content, refer to MCSManager Docs
That's about it for the basic tutorial. It's written roughly, but it should basically get things running and playable.
There's actually room for optimization, like switching JDK to Zulu, or running frp directly on MCSM. But I'm lazy and don't feel like writing more.
You can figure it out yourself - import frpc directory → startup command frpc -c frpc.toml, and it runs.
I might consider writing an advanced tutorial later, including automatic client mod sync with server, integrating skin servers like LittleSkin, or even self-hosting a skin server.
Of course, that's for later. Let me slack off first.
2025-11-25 Update:
Advanced tutorial is here! Minecraft Multiplayer and Server Hosting Advanced Tutorial - Skin Server Authentication
I'll write a tutorial on automatic client mod updates in a while, but for now, let me slack off.