What Is a Minecraft Bedrock Server?

Minecraft is one of the most popular video games of all time, with over 140 million monthly active players as of 2020. The game allows players to explore, gather resources, craft tools and structures, and engage in adventures and battles in a randomly generated sandbox world. 

While Minecraft can be played solo in singleplayer mode, one of the most appealing parts for many players is the multiplayer experience. Through Minecraft servers, players can come together online to collaborate, compete, or just socialize within shared Minecraft worlds.

What is a Minecraft Bedrock Server? A Minecraft Bedrock Server is a dedicated multiplayer server for the Bedrock Edition of Minecraft, which allows cross-play between different platforms such as Windows 10, consoles, and mobile devices. The server allows players to create and join shared worlds, engage in adventures together, and participate in a variety of gameplay modes such as standard survival or mini-games. Setting up a server involves downloading the Minecraft Bedrock Dedicated Server software, configuring gameplay settings, enabling port forwarding, and optionally installing mods and plugins to customize the gameplay.

There are two main editions of Minecraft – Java Edition and Bedrock Edition:

• Java Edition is the original PC version of Minecraft developed by Mojang. 
• Bedrock Edition is the multi-platform version of Minecraft that allows cross-play between Windows 10, consoles, mobile devices, and more.

Minecraft Bedrock servers specifically allow players on the Bedrock Edition of the game to play together online. This guide will cover everything you need to know about these servers.

How to Set Up a Minecraft Bedrock Server

To host your own Minecraft Bedrock server, you’ll need access to a Windows 10 or Linux system that meets the minimum system requirements:

• Processor: At least a dual core CPU, quad-core recommended
• Memory: 6+ GB RAM 
• Network: Ethernet connection recommended 

Key software requirements:

• Windows 10 or Ubuntu Linux 
• Minecraft Bedrock Dedicated Server software

Once you have a compatible system, follow these steps to configure your Bedrock server:

1. Download the Minecraft Bedrock Dedicated Server software from Minecraft.net.
2. Run the server software to initialize basic files like server.properties.
3. Adjust server configuration settings in server.properties:
   • gamemode – Default gameplay mode
   • difficulty – World difficulty 
   • allow-cheats – Allow cheat commands
   • max-players – Max players online
4. Set up port forwarding on your router to allow external connections.
5. Consider installing plugins and mods to customize gameplay.
6. Run the server executable to launch your Minecraft Bedrock server!

With these steps complete, your Bedrock Edition server will be online and ready for players to join.

Joining and Playing on a Minecraft Bedrock Server

There are a couple different methods players can use to find and connect to Minecraft Bedrock servers:

• Direct Connection: Enter the server’s IP address and port directly into Minecraft 
• Server Listings: Search for Bedrock servers on sites like MinecraftMultiplayer.com
• Realms: Join official Minecraft Realms servers

Once you’ve found a Bedrock server to join, follow these steps:

1. Select Multiplayer from the main Minecraft menu.
2. Click Add Server and enter the server’s IP address and port. 
3. Click Join Server – you may need to authenticate with Xbox Live.
4. Play on the server and interact with other players!

Bedrock servers support up to 30 players online simultaneously. Gameplay is similar to standard Minecraft survival multiplayer, but features like chat and commands may differ between servers.

Optimizing the Bedrock Multiplayer Experience

To help ensure a smooth and fun experience while playing on Minecraft Bedrock servers, keep these tips in mind:

• Reduce lag by closing unused apps and processes on your device.
• Verify your internet connection meets the recommended 10+ Mbps for upload and download speeds.
• Adjust video settings to maximize performance – lower render distance, disable vsync, etc.
• Use mods and plugins to optimize server performance and functionality. Popular options include:
  • ServerPerformancePlugin – Reduces lag
  • ClearLagg – Improves server tick speed
  • Essentials – Adds chat and commands
  • GeyserMC – Enables Java Edition connections
• Foster a great server community by setting ground rules and moderating chat. Welcoming new players helps build a friendly environment.

Going Beyond Survival – Bedrock Minigames and More

In addition to standard Minecraft survival mode, Minecraft Bedrock servers can be configured to offer a wide variety of new gameplay experiences:

Minigames

Many servers use plugins to create fast-paced minigames, including:

• Skyblock – Survive on a floating island
• Spleef – Knock players off platforms
• BedWars – Destroy enemy beds

Roleplaying

For a more immersive experience, roleplaying servers allow you to take on character roles and advance storylines.

Factions

Join factions like pirates, ninjas, zombies, and more to battle for control of the server.

Creative

Unleash your creativity with unlimited resources on creative servers.

Technical

Engineer projects with redstone components, devices, and automated farms.

By using different gamemodes, mods, and plugins, server owners can support all kinds of new gameplay options to keep the multiplayer experience fresh and exciting.

The Future of Minecraft Bedrock Servers

As Minecraft continues to evolve, what does the future hold for Bedrock servers? Here are some upcoming developments to keep an eye on:

• Expanded official support – Mojang is working to improve Bedrock server software with more functionality and mod support built-in.
• Unified server version – A unified Minecraft server for both Java and Bedrock is planned to allow full cross-play.
• New multiplayer features – Updates will continue to enhance multiplayer with new minigames, chat, user interface, and social systems.
• Improved performance – Server optimizations from Mojang along with new hardware will enable massive servers with hundreds of concurrent players. 
• Community growth – With the huge Bedrock player base across Windows and consoles, expect active server communities to continue growing.

Advancements in these areas will help Minecraft Bedrock servers become more powerful, user friendly, and accessible for players wanting to enjoy Minecraft multiplayer.

Conclusion

Minecraft Bedrock servers allow players on mobile, console, and Windows 10 platforms to play Minecraft online together through multiplayer worlds and minigames. 

Setting up a Bedrock server requires the Windows/Linux server software and some basic configuration like port forwarding. Players can search for servers and connect using direct IPs or server listings.

Mods, plugins, and different gamemodes enable new types of multiplayer gameplay beyond standard survival. As Mojang continues improving the Bedrock server experience, the possibilities for fun community play will keep expanding.

Whether you want to host your own small server for friends or join massive public servers, Minecraft Bedrock multiplayer provides endless opportunities for cooperative and competitive play together. So grab some diamonds, craft some armor, and get ready for adventure – your Minecraft Bedrock server awaits!