Minecraft Multiplayer at Home: Locating LAN Servers

09/19/2022

Minecraft, the popular sandbox game developed by Mojang Studios, offers players the opportunity to explore, create, and collaborate with others in its expansive virtual world. While the game can be enjoyed in single-player mode, many players prefer the social experience of multiplayer gameplay. One way to enjoy multiplayer with friends and family at home is by setting up LAN (Local Area Network) servers. In this article, we will explore the steps to locate LAN servers and enjoy Minecraft multiplayer within the comfort of your own home.

What is a LAN Server in Minecraft?

A LAN server allows you to play Minecraft with other players connected to the same local network. This means that you can enjoy multiplayer gameplay with friends and family within your home, without needing an internet connection or accessing external servers. Setting up and locating a LAN server is a straightforward process that can enhance the enjoyment and camaraderie of playing Minecraft together.

Step 1: Ensure Your Devices are Connected to the Same Network

To locate a LAN server, all devices involved in the multiplayer session must be connected to the same local network. This can be achieved by connecting all devices to the same Wi-Fi network or by using an Ethernet cable to connect them to the same router or switch.

Step 2: Start a LAN World in Minecraft

One of the players in the group needs to start a LAN world in Minecraft. To do this, launch Minecraft on the device you want to use as the host, and create a new world or load an existing one. Once in the world, open the pause menu and select the "Open to LAN" option. Customize the LAN settings, such as allowing cheats or adjusting game mode, if desired. Finally, select the "Start LAN World" button to begin hosting the game.

Step 3: Locate the LAN Server on Other Devices

On the devices that want to join the LAN server, launch Minecraft and navigate to the multiplayer section of the main menu. In this section, the LAN server should automatically appear in the server list under the "Scanning for LAN Worlds" or "Local Network" category. Select the LAN server from the list and click the "Join Server" button to connect to the host's world.

Step 4: Enjoy Multiplayer Minecraft at Home

Once connected to the LAN server, all players can enjoy multiplayer Minecraft within the same world. Explore together, build collaborative projects, engage in friendly competitions, or embark on thrilling adventures. The possibilities are endless, and the experience of playing Minecraft with friends and family in the same physical space can be immensely enjoyable and memorable.

Tips for Smooth LAN Server Connection:

• Ensure all devices are running the same version of Minecraft.
• Disable any firewalls or security software that may interfere with the LAN connection.
• Restart the Minecraft game or devices if connection issues arise.
• If the LAN server does not appear in the server list, try manually adding the host device's IP address and port to join the game.
• For optimal performance, consider using a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi if possible.