Server

Minecraft servers allow players to play online or via a local area network with other people. Internally, the game runs a server for single-player games, this was done in order to make the single-player game experience consistent with the multi-player experience and make it so that changes made to the game such as bug fixes apply to both single-player games and multi-player games. Official server software is only available on Java Edition in the release state. Bedrock Edition server software is currently in Alpha.

Types of servers
Multiple archetypes of Minecraft servers exist, distinguished by the unique gameplay features, rules, and societal structures which they implement. No two servers are the same, and frequently the line between archetypes is blurred or indistinguishable. Many special types of servers rely on the use of map editors or the creative game mode to build custom maps and the CraftBukkit server software to provide additional features. Some of these servers are more PVP orientated, some involve aspects of Survival, Creative and Adventure mode, some have a built-in economy, and some of them contain built-in minigames.

Hosting a server
There are many tools provided for players to be able to manage and host a server. Note that servers have requirements in order to run efficiently and smoothly.
 * The default multiplayer software is free of charge and is available by Mojang for Windows, macOS, and Unix-like systems (Linux, BSD...). See the Minecraft multiplayer server tutorial and Mojang's Minecraft multiplayer server download page for help.
 * Opening a world to LAN provides a server that is only accessible to other people in your local network unless you setup port forwarding on your router. See the setting up a LAN world tutorial for more information.
 * External server clients such as Bukkit, Spigot, and Sponge provide players a way to add plugins to a server. These are generally used for larger servers that run plugins to ensure griefer protection, non-vanilla commands (e.g.), custom minigames, etc.
 * Rented servers are servers which are hosted externally by another company. These hosted servers are (usually) not provided free of charge - the player must rent them on a regular basis.
 * Realms are Mojang's official hosting service which allows a limited amount of players onto a server. Note that the Java Realms are still separate from Realms for other versions of Minecraft.
 * Dedicated Servers are servers that provide a wider range of power sources. These servers are much more flexible and allow for almost complete control.

See Tutorials for tutorials on how to use these programs.

Managing and maintaining a server
Servers are generally managed by administrators and operators. The administrator generally takes responsibility for the server. It may be that the server is running from their machine, or that they simply have jurisdiction over a server. Operators generally assist the administrators to moderate a server and to prevent unruly players and griefers. Both operators and administrators have access to various commands in order to ensure the smooth running of the server. On a default server, players are assigned as operator or administrator by using the command, or by editing the   in the server directory, then restarting the server.

Local servers do not strictly require access to minecraft.net, and so can be played on an isolated local network with no internet connection. They use minecraft.net as a repository of player skins and also a database containing a list of accounts, preventing hackers and griefers from using false names while on such a server. This and other settings are modified by editing the server.properties text file.

The server saves the level in the "world" folder every 30 seconds if chunks have been modified, by default.

Kick messages
Kick messages are messages that are displayed when an operator kicks the player, or the player has issues connecting to the server.


 * End Of Stream (Client message) – The server has stopped sending data to the client
 * Internal Server Error:java.net.Minecraft – The server is sending unknown information to the client, usually from a server mod
 * Internal exception: java.io.IOException: Received string length longer than the maximum allowed ([Number]>256) – A chat message that the client sent to the server exceeded the maximum character limit.
 * Internal Server Error – The server generated an exception when handling the client's request.
 * Disconnected - The player disconnected by using the Disconnect button in the Main Menu
 * Illegal characters in chat – The client was denied sending certain characters, such as the § symbol
 * disconnect.spam - The client is sending chat messages too quickly
 * Read timed out – The server can't find the player's connection
 * Bad login – The client is running in offline mode and can't connect to an authenticated server
 * Outdated client (Please use {version}) – The server is running a more recent version of Minecraft than the client is
 * Outdated server (I'm still on {version}) – The client is running a more recent version of Minecraft than the server is
 * You are banned from this server (Maybe followed by Reason: {reason} and/or Your ban will be removed on {date}) – Self-explanatory, the client is banned and will remain banned until pardoned by an admin
 * You have been IP banned. - The client's IP has been banned.
 * Kicked by an operator. - The client has been disconnected using the command.
 * Flying is not enabled on this server - The client tried to fly for longer than 5 seconds in Survival or Adventure mode
 * Attempting to attack an invalid entity - ??, Happens when a client tries to hit themselves (using mods)
 * Illegal stance - ??, Happens when a client is extremely high or low
 * Illegal position - The client is beyond X/Z: ±30,000,000 (±32,000,000 in 1.6.4 and lower.)
 * You have died. Game over, man, it's game over! - The client is dead but tried to join in Hardcore mode.
 * You have been idle for too long! - The client was idle for a longer time than allowed.
 * Out of memory! - This only happens when your memory is 100%, or if one traveled past X/Z: ±34,359,738,368 in Beta 1.7.3 or lower (see Far Lands). (It shows up on the F3 Debug screen)