Better MC Multiplayer Guide

Better MC is fully compatible with multiplayer. You can play with friends on a dedicated server, through a hosting provider, or by opening your single-player world to LAN. This guide covers all methods, from the easiest (one-click hosting) to the most advanced (self-hosted server).

Multiplayer Options Overview

Method Difficulty Cost Best For
Hosting Provider Easy From ~$5/month Long-term servers, always online, no technical setup
Self-Hosted Server Advanced Free (your hardware) Full control, experienced users
Open to LAN Very Easy Free Same network, quick sessions

Method 1: Server Hosting Provider (Recommended)

The easiest way to play Better MC multiplayer is through a hosting provider. They handle the technical setup, keep the server running 24/7, and usually offer one-click modpack installation.

BisectHosting (Official Partner)

BisectHosting is LunaPixelStudios' official hosting partner. They offer one-click Better MC server installation with all versions pre-configured.

Go to BisectHosting: Visit bisecthosting.com/p/lunapixel and select a Minecraft plan with at least 6GB of RAM.
Select Better MC: During server setup, choose "Better MC" from the modpack list and select your version (BMC4, BMC5, BMC3, or BMC2).
Start the server: BisectHosting installs the modpack automatically. Your server will be ready in a few minutes.
Share the IP: Copy the server IP from your hosting panel and share it with your friends. They connect via Multiplayer > Add Server in Minecraft.

Other Hosting Providers

Any Minecraft server host that supports Forge, Fabric, or NeoForge can run Better MC. Popular alternatives include Apex Hosting, Shockbyte, and Nodecraft. When choosing a provider, make sure they offer at least 6GB of RAM and support the mod loader for your Better MC version.

Method 2: Self-Hosted Dedicated Server

If you want full control and don't want to pay for hosting, you can run a Better MC server on your own computer or a spare machine. This requires more technical knowledge.

Server Requirements

Component Minimum Recommended
RAM 6GB allocated to server 8-10GB for 5+ players
CPU 4 cores 6+ cores (Minecraft is single-thread heavy)
Storage 15GB free SSD recommended
Java Java 17 (64-bit) Java 17 (64-bit)
Network Stable connection, port 25565 open Wired ethernet, upload speed 10+ Mbps

Setup Steps

Download the Server Pack: Go to the CurseForge page of your Better MC version. Click the "Files" tab, select the latest version, and look for "Additional Files". Download the Server Pack (not the main file — that's just a launcher manifest).
Extract the files: Create a dedicated folder (e.g., BMC-Server) and extract the Server Pack zip there.
Install Java 17: Make sure Java 17 (64-bit) is installed. Download from adoptium.net if needed. Verify with java -version in terminal.
Run the start script: The Server Pack includes a startup script (startserver.bat on Windows, startserver.sh on Linux/Mac). Run it. The server will crash on first run — this is normal.
Accept the EULA: Open eula.txt in the server folder and change eula=false to eula=true. Save the file.
Configure server.properties: Open server.properties and adjust settings:
  • max-players: Set the player limit (default 20)
  • difficulty: Set to hard for the full Better MC experience
  • view-distance: Lower to 8-10 if performance is an issue
  • server-port: Default is 25565
Allocate RAM: Edit the startup script and set memory flags: -Xmx8G -Xms8G (adjust based on your available RAM). Minimum 6G recommended.
Run the server again: Execute the startup script. Wait for the server to finish loading (you'll see "Done" in the console). This may take 2-5 minutes on first launch.
Port forwarding: To allow friends outside your network to connect, forward port 25565 (TCP) on your router to your computer's local IP address. Search "port forwarding" + your router brand for instructions.
Share your IP: Share your public IP address (find it at whatismyipaddress.com) with friends. They add it in Multiplayer > Add Server.

Method 3: Open to LAN (Easiest)

If you and your friends are on the same local network (same WiFi or ethernet), you can open your single-player world to LAN with no setup required.

Load your world: Open Better MC and load a single-player world normally.
Open to LAN: Press Escape > click "Open to LAN" > configure settings (gamemode, cheats) > click "Start LAN World".
Friends connect: Your world will appear automatically in the Multiplayer server list for anyone on the same network running the same Better MC version.

Important: LAN worlds are only accessible while you're playing. When you close Minecraft, the world goes offline. All players must have the exact same Better MC version installed.

Client Setup for Players

Every player connecting to a Better MC server must have the modpack installed on their client. The server and all clients must be running the exact same version of Better MC.

Install Better MC: All players install the same Better MC version using the installation guide.
Connect to the server: Open Minecraft > Multiplayer > Add Server > enter the server IP address > Join Server.
Allocate enough RAM: Each player should have at least 4GB allocated (6-8GB recommended). See requirements for details.

Troubleshooting Multiplayer Issues

Players can't connect to the server
Check that port 25565 is forwarded correctly on the host's router. Make sure the firewall allows Java through. Verify all players are using the exact same Better MC version. If using a hosting provider, check the server is online in the control panel.
Server crashes on startup
Most common cause: not enough RAM. Ensure you've allocated at least 6GB to the server with -Xmx6G in the startup script. Also verify Java 17 is installed — older Java versions will crash with modern Better MC versions.
"Mod missing" or "Mod version mismatch" errors
All players and the server must be running the exact same Better MC version. If the server was updated, all players need to update their client too. Don't add or remove mods from the pack unless you're sure of compatibility.
Server lag or low TPS
Better MC is resource-intensive. Try these fixes: lower view-distance to 8 in server.properties, allocate more RAM, reduce the number of loaded entities with max-entity-cramming, and ask players to avoid chunk-loading large areas simultaneously. An SSD makes a significant difference.
Players can't see each other on LAN
All players must be on the same local network and running the exact same Better MC version. Make sure the host's firewall isn't blocking Minecraft. Check that both computers are on the same subnet (same WiFi network or same router).

Multiplayer Tips

Set up a shared base Use shared storage early on. Better MC has mods like Sophisticated Backpacks and Iron Chests that make inventory management easier for groups.
Activate Waystones together Every Waystone a player activates is personal. Have all players activate village Waystones for shared fast-travel access across the world.
Tackle dimensions as a team Dimensions like the Twilight Forest and Aether have progression-locked bosses. Coordinate gear and tackle them together for a better experience.
Use voice chat Discord or a similar tool makes boss fights and exploration much smoother. The Simple Voice Chat mod may also be available depending on your version.

Need help installing the modpack first? See the download and installation guide. For performance issues, check the troubleshooting guide.