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Minecraft's got an "Open to LAN" feature, which can be used to set up a local server when two computers running Minecraft are on the same network. Some young relatives of mine use this to play together whenever they're in the same house, but they'd like to be able to play together from their respective residences.

A server is not optimal because it's a bit complex. I've tried using Tunngle to spoof that the computers are on the same connection to no avail.

How can I convince Minecraft's "Open to LAN" that their two separate computers are on the same network?

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    I've never actually used it, but isn't this what Hamachi is for? – Shinrai Jan 7 '14 at 17:49
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    Use Hamachi or Tungle etc. – BadSnowflake Jan 7 '14 at 17:50
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    @Shinrai I think Hamachi is typically used to create minecraft servers without a portforward. The idea here is to use minecraft's internal option and not a full portforward. – ian5v Jan 7 '14 at 21:07
  • @iananananan - By my understanding Hamachi is a VPN, so it should behave like a LAN. – Shinrai Jan 8 '14 at 22:36
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Using Hamachi, here's how I solved the problem.

Briefly:

  • Join a Hamachi Network on both computers
  • Hit Open to LAN on one (the host)
  • Join hamachi-ip:port in direct connect Minecraft option, where port is the port listed by the host Minecraft when you hit Open to LAN, and the IP is the Hamachi IP of the host device.
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You need a VPN. Tunngle is a good solution for games if you can deal with the ads, otherwise use Hamachi if you're prepared for the possibility of having to deal with configuring adapter priority. Hamachi is a lot more friendly toward creating private networks, which is a plus if you don't want your server to be raided by strangers.

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  • Using Tunngle, open to LAN showed nothing. What's the process? – ian5v Jan 8 '14 at 1:15
  • @iananananan you need to join the same network. – kotekzot Jan 8 '14 at 6:22
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    In tunngle you can create a private network with your username and desired password. Your friend(s) can then search for your username in tunngle and connect with your set password. If they have connected succesfully you should see them in the lobby. Then they can connect with your local ip and port that minecraft provides on login. – Marco Geertsma Apr 24 '14 at 8:30
  • @MarcoGeertsma I seem to recall Tunngle being rather uncooperative when I tried to create a private network, perhaps this has changed in recent years. – kotekzot Apr 24 '14 at 9:49
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I haven't tried it yet but http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/1448177-minecraft-open-to-internet-v05/ looks interesting.

One side would run this program, and give the other side its internet IP and the port number, and then the other side should be able to connect as if it was a normal server.

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