Demystifying LAN Servers in Minecraft on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

3 September 2023

Minecraft, the beloved sandbox game that has captured the hearts of players young and old, offers a multitude of ways to enjoy multiplayer gameplay. One of the most accessible and user-friendly methods is through LAN (Local Area Network) servers. In this comprehensive guide, we will demystify LAN servers in Minecraft on Mac, providing you with a thorough understanding of how they work and how to set up your own LAN server for seamless multiplayer adventures.

Understanding LAN Servers in Minecraft:

LAN servers, as the name suggests, allow players on the same local network to connect and play together without the need for an external server or an internet connection. Here's what you need to know about LAN servers in Minecraft on your Mac:

1. Local Network Requirement:

LAN servers work within the confines of your local network. This means that all players who wish to join the LAN server must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network or Ethernet LAN.

2. No Internet Dependency:

Unlike connecting to external multiplayer servers, LAN servers don't rely on an internet connection. This makes them an ideal choice for playing with friends or family when you're all in the same physical location.

Setting Up a LAN Server on Your Mac:

Setting up a LAN server on your Mac is a straightforward process that requires a few simple steps:

1. Launch Minecraft:

Open the Minecraft game on your Mac. Ensure that all players who want to join the LAN server also have Minecraft launched.

2. Create a New World or Load an Existing One:

You have the option to either create a new world or load an existing world to use as your LAN server. The choice is yours, and it largely depends on the type of gameplay experience you desire.

3. Open to LAN:

While in the game, press the "Esc" key to access the in-game menu. From there, select the "Open to LAN" option.

4. Configure Settings:

A new menu will appear, allowing you to configure the LAN server settings. You can choose to enable or disable cheats, choose the game mode, and set other parameters as desired. Once you've configured the settings to your liking, click the "Start LAN World" button.

5. Share the Game:

After starting the LAN server, you will receive a message indicating the port number through which other players can join. Share this information with the players you want to invite to the LAN server.

Joining a LAN Server on Mac:

Joining a LAN server from another Mac on the same local network is equally straightforward:

1. Launch Minecraft:

Open the Minecraft game on the Mac you wish to use to join the LAN server.

2. Select Multiplayer:

From the Minecraft main menu, click on "Multiplayer."

3. Locate the LAN World:

Your LAN server should automatically appear in the list of available servers under the "Scanning for games on your local network" section.

4. Join the LAN World:

Click on the LAN server to join it. You will be connected to the host's game, and you can begin playing together.

LAN servers in Minecraft on your Mac offer a fantastic way to enjoy multiplayer adventures with friends and family in the same physical location. They eliminate the need for external servers and internet connections, making them an accessible and convenient option for local gaming sessions. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can effortlessly set up and enjoy LAN servers, fostering memorable multiplayer experiences within the blocky world of Minecraft.