Minecraft LAN Party Server Requirements

Key Takeaways

Point	Details
CPU single-core speed is	CPU single-core speed is the most critical hardware factor for hosting a Minecraft LAN server.
Allocate at least 1	Allocate at least 1 GB of RAM to the server process (-Xmx 1G), plus extra memory for the operating system and desktop environment.
The required Java version	The required Java version changes with Minecraft updates; JRE 21 is required for versions 1.20.5 and later.
Players connect using the	Players connect using the host's local IP address; no port forwarding is required for a pure LAN party.
The Java Edition client	The Java Edition client explicitly displays 'Multiplayer (LAN)' in its window title when connected to a local server.
Use the soft max heap argument (`-XX	SoftMaxHeapSize=1G`) to manage memory efficiently during long sessions.

Planning a Minecraft LAN party? You don't need a datacenter—just a capable PC on your local network running the official server.jar. This quick reference covers exactly what you need for a smooth local multiplayer session with Minecraft Java Edition.

Hardware Requirements for a Dedicated LAN Server

The most critical component is your CPU. Minecraft's server tick rate relies heavily on single-threaded performance, though it can use a few cores.

A CPU with good single-core performance. A CPU with good single-core performance.

Memory is the next bottleneck. The server process needs a guaranteed minimum allocation, and your operating system requires its own pool to avoid laggy desktop performance.

At least 1 GB of RAM allocated for the server to run (-Xmn 128M -Xmx 1G). At least 1 GB of RAM allocated for the server to run (-Xmn 128M -Xmx 1G). If you are using Windows or a desktop-based Linux distribution, you should have at least 1 GB of additional physical RAM in the computer, so the graphics on the desktop don't become laggy. If you are using Windows or a desktop-based Linux distribution, you should have at least 1 GB of additional physical RAM in the computer, so the graphics on the desktop don't become laggy.

Software and Java Version Requirements

The Minecraft server is a Java application, so the correct runtime environment is mandatory.

A Java runtime (JRE), version 8 or higher. A Java runtime (JRE), version 8 or higher. The specific version required has risen over time. For the latest releases: For version 1.20.5, JRE version 21 is required. For version 1.20.5, JRE version 21 is required.

Network Configuration for Local Play

The beauty of a LAN party is that no port forwarding or public IP configuration is required. All traffic stays on your local router. Players connect via the host's local IP address (e.g., 192.168.x.x:25565). You can verify the connection type directly from the game client.

the window title also specifies the type of multiplayer server the player is on, such as on a LAN or third-party server. If applicable, the window title also specifies the type of multiplayer server the player is on, such as on a LAN or third-party server.

Tuning Your Server for Performance

The official Minecraft server requirements page recommends specific Java arguments for a LAN party setup to manage memory efficiently. For example, setting a soft cap at 1 GB while allowing the server to use up to 2 GB when necessary. In your server.properties file, keep simulation-distance and max-players reasonable for your hardware to prevent lag as your world grows.

For more details on running the server software itself, check out our Java Edition Server Software Quick Reference. You can also find a full list of configuration options in our Minecraft Server.properties Reference.