Running a local Minecraft Bedrock server on Linux is perfect for playing with your kids on the same network. Minecraft Bedrock is incredibly fun for family gaming sessions, and setting up your own server gives you complete control over the experience.

Setting Up the Server

Use the excellent itzg/minecraft-bedrock-server Docker container. Create a folder e.g. minecraft and in that folder the file docker-compose.yml:

services:
  bds:
    image: itzg/minecraft-bedrock-server
    environment:
      EULA: "TRUE"
    ports:
      - "19132:19132/udp"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/data
    stdin_open: true
    tty: true

Then create a folder data and start your server with:

docker compose up -d

Installing the Client

Install the Minecraft client using Flatpak:

flatpak install io.mrarm.mcpelauncher

Note: You’ll need a paid Microsoft/Mojang Android version.

Adding Custom Maps

Download amazing community maps from CurseForge. These come as .mcworld files.

To install a map:

  1. Extract the world: Rename .mcworld to .zip and unzip it in data/worlds/
  2. Configure the server: Edit data/server.properties and set the level name. For example: level-name=Island Survival with 30 Trial Chambers
  3. Restart: docker compose restart

The world folder name must match exactly what you put in level-name.

Connect and Play

Your server will be discoverable in the “LAN Games” section of Minecraft Bedrock. Kids can easily join from tablets, phones, or other computers on your network.

This setup is perfect for controlled, family-friendly gaming where you have full control over the world and can enjoy quality time together exploring amazing community-created maps!

Happy gaming :)