Since the process of the Minecraft sandbox works only in multiplayer mode and flexibility. Consequently, the development team is unable to utilize the potential of predefined rules of firewall systems to let player plays the Minecraft game on Linux ( operating system).


We are pretty sure that this has brought multiple questions to your mind. Right? Therefore, let’s respond to all of them in a sequenced and gradual manner.


What is Firewall?


To initiate the questioning on why one is at a lose while using the firewall for their Minecraft server on Linux, you need to begin by understanding the “What is Firewall” first.


A firewall is a network security systems that authorize the incoming and outgoing network traffic or data whether they will come on or not based on a predetermined set of rules. In case firewall security systems find the traffic (that is trying to enter into a network) matches the predefined security rules then it will let them enter otherwise it’ll deny or block them.


Similarly, if the security setup of the firewall systems finds the outgoing traffic does not match the rules then also it won’t let them exit from the network. This is because a firewall acts as a barrier between the data and the network and decides what traffic is needed to enter or leave to protect the network from threats like hacking and unauthorized access.


What is Minecraft Server?


The Minecraft server is a program that allows the players to connect with the internal mode of the game. And, lets the player play the game in a multiplayer mode together with other players. The Minecraft server is responsible for all the activities that are performed in the game
environments such as managing players' interactions and their communication with each other.


Apart from that, the Minecraft server is also responsible for every single activity players perform in the shared world of the game. Basically, there are two editions of the Minecraft sandbox which are Java Edition Server and Bedrock Edition Server but here, the Bedrock Edition Server will be used.


This is because, this server is compatible with diverse devices such as Windows, Mobile Console, and more. This edition allows administrators of Minecraft to build or customize the gameplay such as Survival, Creative, and Adventure.


What is Linux?


If you’re a developer then you’re well aware of Linux, a widely recognized operating system that offers a user-friendly environment for every task similar to Windows & macOS. If you are not familiar with it then let’s be.


Linux is an operating system that manages the hardware and software resources of the computer systems to give an instant on-time demanded presentation to the user. Linux allows systems to run the application smoothly and perform the task seamlessly.


Linux is an open-source operating system, therefore anyone is able to customize its source code and manage it as per their need. Utilizing the potential of this operating system, developers can uplift their working progress and innovate it as well.


Why to configure a firewall for Minecraft Server?


We expect that you have been intimated with each aspect of this blog such as the Firewall, Minecraft server, and Linux operating system. Therefore, now we’ll move to the concept of why there is a need to configure the firewall again when it’s already a predefined set.


As we have mentioned that Firewall is a security systems that allow only the data to enter or exit which matches with its predefined set of rules. In contrast, the sandbox of the Minecraft server needs multiple players to play the game so it isn't essential that the security level of each player should match with the firewall setup.


However, in order to maintain the security level, using the firewall systems in Minecraft games is really necessary to keep it away from unauthorized access & hacking scenarios. For this reason, configuring the firewall systems in a customized manner is essential for hosting a Minecraft Server on a Linux system.


Benefits of Allowing a Minecraft Server Through a Firewall on Linux


Here, we’ll discuss all the benefits that one will get if will allows a Minecraft server through the firewall systems on a Linux system.


The isolation of services:


Using the firewall for the Minecraft server on Linux, you will allow the Minecraft traffic only to enter into the game. Instead of giving access to the other service’s users on the machine. This will be very practical for reducing the risk of the cross-service attack.


Support to multiple instances:


If you are going to host multiple services to drive smoothness in your game then there firewall will handle the scenario perfectly by managing the traffic for each server separately. This will not only separate the server’s traffic but will also assist in ensuring the optimal performance and security of the game.


The trust of the community:


This is a fact that a secure server is also practical in driving trust among the players and also helps in encouraging new players to join the same.


Custom setup of rules:


Firewalls carry a set of predefined rules to maintain the security of the server but apart from that also offer the custom option. Therefore, using the custom option you can make your own security rules for your IP addresses, deadline access, and traffic prioritization. This will assist you in handling the control over connections.


Control the Access:


By configuring the specific rules for your Minecraft game you can control the access or management by identifying which ports and protocols are accessible only. This will also minimize the exposure of the threats.


The management simplicity:


If you are new to Linux operating systems and firewall interface then you are required to use UFW (uncomplicate firewall) and iptables. This is because both of these tools provide a smooth and user-friendly interface for configuring and managing the custom firewall security rules.


Heighten Security:


The firewall systems heighten your server security by protecting the server from unauthorized users and potential attacks such as DDoS. As a consequence, you can worry less about the security level of the gameplay.


Monitoring while Logging:


As firewall will monitor each & every activity of the players and their data on their incoming & outgoing, therefore it’ll identify the potential issues & attacks of the game.

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How to set up a Minecraft Server on a Linux firewall?


To set up the firewall systems for a Minecraft server on Linux, you need to go through the following steps. Hence, let’s start!


Ensure the Firewall is Installed (If not installed, then go through the code)-


Most of the Linux systems use firewall tools like UFW (Uncomplicated firewall) or Firewalled which can be the best option for you as well. Therefore make sure to choose the right firewall tools to install.


In case, the firewall is not installed on your operating system then you can follow the below-mentioned code to install it:


sudo apt install ufw

Identity the Default Minecraft Server-


The Minecraft server uses port number 25565 as a default, therefore you are also required to use this port through the firewall to host the game on Linux. Since the utilization of the other port can drive the issues in installation.


Allow the Minecraft traffic through the firewall-


Here you are required to configure the firewall systems through port number 25565 for the incoming traffic of the Minecraft game. This will ensure that the players are connecting to the right Minecraft server.


To allow the port, you need to use the below command for each UFW and iptables.


For UFW (uncomplicated Firewall):


sudo ufw allow 25565/tcp

For iptables:


sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 25565 -j ACCEPT

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Activate the Firewall system-


If the firewall system has been activated yet then you need to enable it first. This will help in pushing the rules that you have set up according to your specific traffic of Minecraft game.


In case, the firewall has not been activated yet then you need to use the following command to make it enable:


For UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall):


sudo ufw enable

For firewalled:


sudo systemctl start firewalld
sudo systemctl enable firewalld

Analyze & verify Firewall’s status-


Once, you have configured the firewall process then you need to check out it’s status to make sure that the essential rules are already in place and the Minecraft server post is already open.


For UFW:


sudo ufw status

For iptables:


sudo iptables -L

Test the connection-


Once you have set everything then you can start the Minecraft server and can ask a player to connect. This will make sure that the firewall has been configured properly and is able to allow the external players to come in into the server and play it.


Final Thought


This write-up will explore each & every detail on the firewall Minecraft server allows Linux from beginning to finalization by covering what it is and how to configure it including the benefits.


Therefore, if you are new to firewall Minecraft servers allowing Linux then be a pro by having the proper guidance through our article.