Since Minecraft was launched in 2009, millions of players have enjoyed it by creating their worlds, facing challenges and dangers and, ultimately, having fun and developing their creativity in equal measure. And what can we say about the younger players? Children around the world play or have played Minecraft, which is even used as an educational tool in some schools. That’s why we are going to explain how to create a homemade Minecraft server.
And Minecraft is an online game. A game that requires the client program, for the player, and the Minecraft server program that houses the pixelated world that so characterizes Minecraft. A world that we can customize and manipulate according to the rules that we set for the server. Come on, you can access an online Minecraft server or create your own.
Having your own Minecraft server has its advantages. You will prevent your children from dealing with strangers about whom we know nothing. We will prevent them from viewing content or activities that may not be appropriate for their age. And we will allow them to have fun and enjoy themselves in a virtual world created specifically for them. And for those who want to invite, of course.
Your own Minecraft server for kids
Minecraft is a game that is suitable for children aged 7 and up. However, the activities and games that are recreated in your virtual world, depending on the server chosen, can raise that age limit to 10 years or more. Being such a versatile game, it is inevitable that there will be different types of players, different activities, and preferences. That’s why there are Minecraft servers for different ages.
If your kids play Minecraft or want to and you’re not sure if it’s a good idea, you’re in luck. You are not the first parent to have that fear. That’s why there are Minecraft servers for kids. Designed so that the youngest members of the house can learn, have fun, and become familiar with the Internet, online games, and other activities that, sooner or later, they will do on the Internet.
The dangers of Minecraft are the same ones we can find on the street. Being an online game with chat, we can find foul language, bad behavior, players who break the rules or prevent others from having fun freely… Hence the suitability of creating your server or accessing one designed for minors.
Here is a list of Minecraft servers for kids. They have rules of behavior, offer activities for minors, and have solutions if someone crosses the line. Most are in English, but they have Spanish-speaking users.
But if what you want is to control the Minecraft server and avoid problems and unforeseen events online, we will tell you how to create it yourself. So your child or children can have fun in the world of Minecraft without surprises. And it’s easier than it seems.
How to create an online Minecraft server
Whether you want to play with your children or you prefer to let them have fun on their own, having your own Minecraft server is (almost) all the advantages. You can configure it your way, control who plays, turn chat on or off, allow certain activities or games, etc. What’s more, your children will be able to play with their friends on that same server instead of “hanging out” on an external server. Another advantage is that you can create your server for free.
A few years ago, to have your own Minecraft server you needed to install it on your computer. But the Minecraft community has grown so much that there are now services that make it easy to create private servers. They are stored on an external computer but only whoever you decide will have access to it. It is the fastest and easiest way thanks to names like Aternos or Minehut. Both are free and allow you to customize your server in every aspect.
Whether you choose Aternos or Minehut, you will have to register as a user. You provide an email address, a password, and a few more details and that’s it. With Aternos you can use your Google ID to go faster. Once you have your account created, you can start creating servers. For now, one will suffice.
We will have to assign a name to the Minecraft server. The assistant will tell you if the name is free or if you should think of another one. You can also choose the type of server since there are several versions of Minecraft. For example, the classic one is available online from the browser. There is also the Java version, available for PC and Mac. Or the Bedrock version, which is compatible with the Windows 10 client and mobile versions (Android, iPhone, iPad). Depending on where your child wants to play, it will be better for you to choose one or the other.
Customize and maintain your Minecraft server
Even if it’s miles away, the Minecraft server you’ve created works like a regular one. So you will have to activate or turn it on when you want to use it and turn it off when you don’t want your children to play. There you must agree on a few hours of play. To invite other players there is a shared link or URL. On the other hand, there are many options to edit. In Aternos they are in Spanish, so it will be easy for you to recognize them. In any case, both Aternos and Minehut offer tutorials and help.
Over time, we can customize the Minecraft server by adding custom worlds with games, activities, or various adventures. It is also possible to load mods or plugins to add new scenarios, activities, or game possibilities. And of course, we have the possibility of deactivating monsters, NPCs, animals, regulating the level of difficulty, limiting the players who can enter, the game mode, etc. At first, while your children play Minecraft, you will play to customize the game itself. Sooner or later you will achieve a child-friendly play space.
On the player’s part, to access the server you just have to open the Minecraft client, go to the Servers tab, and click on Add Server. We indicate the name, the link we have seen, and the port it uses. That data is in the server configuration that we have created. And that’s it. Once they have entered the server, they can give free rein to their imagination and have a great time with everything that Minecraft offers.
Play classic Minecraft online
If you don’t want to complicate things, you can choose to use classic Minecraft. It is a web version of the original Minecraft from 2009. Its peculiarities are that you can play it from the browser, without installing additional applications. And through the generated link that you will see when you enter the game, you can play with up to 9 other players. Also from the web browser. It’s that simple.
Disadvantages? You cannot save the game or the changes, so it is a way to get started in Minecraft and have a good time without headaches but without aspiring to create large constructions for weeks. For that, you will have to go to the other versions of Minecraft. But to begin with, it’s not bad at all.
