Forget Netflix—Here’s Why You Should Build a Minecraft MCP Server Instead

Introduction:

What if you could build something fun, technical, and nostalgic—all in one weekend?

If you’ve ever played Minecraft, you’ve probably wondered: How do people create custom servers and mods? The answer lies in building your own MCP Server—a Minecraft server powered by the Mod Coder Pack (MCP).

Whether you're a Java developer, modding enthusiast, or weekend tinkerer, setting up an MCP server is one of the most rewarding projects you can take on. It’s not only fun—it’s educational, too.

In this guide, I’ll break down why you should build an MCP server this weekend, what you’ll learn in the process, and how to actually do it.

What Is an MCP Server?

The Mod Coder Pack (MCP) is a toolkit that decompiles and recompiles Minecraft’s source code—making it easier to build custom mods, blocks, commands, biomes, tools, and gameplay mechanics.

An “MCP server” refers to a custom multiplayer server powered by modded Minecraft code—allowing you to create a totally new world that’s not limited by the original gameplay.

Think of it as your own sandbox for game development.

Why Build One? 6 Reasons to Try This Weekend

1. Learn Real Java Coding in a Fun Way

Minecraft is written in Java, so customizing your server means you’re working with real, object-oriented programming. Instead of building boring console apps, you’ll:

Extend base classes

Handle server-client events

Inject custom behavior into mobs, commands, and terrain

It’s a practical, fun way to learn or reinforce Java development skills.

2. Build Something Tangible in 48 Hours

Most programming projects are either too complex or too boring to finish quickly. Not this one.

You can go from vanilla Minecraft to a custom modded server in just a couple of hours—adding new mobs, items, or commands that your friends can interact with. There’s immediate payoff, and that’s motivating.

3. Impress Recruiters or Classmates

If you’re a student, junior developer, or someone looking to stand out in a portfolio—this is your goldmine.

“Built a Minecraft MCP server with custom game mechanics and networked multiplayer support” sounds far more impressive than “completed a calculator app.”

It shows you can work with:

Reverse engineering tools

Networking

OOP principles

Problem solving

4. Host Events with Friends

With your MCP server up, you can invite friends to your customized Minecraft world. Think of:

PvP arenas with your own weapons

Minigames with custom rules

Roleplay servers with scripted quests

Even a small feature—like a new enchantment or mining behavior—can drastically change gameplay.

5. Explore Game Development Principles

Want to get into game dev but don’t know where to start?

MCP lets you explore:

Tick-based game loops

Entity-component systems

Event-driven programming

Game balancing

All within a familiar and forgiving environment.

6. It’s 100% Free and Open Source

You don’t need a Unity license or an Unreal Engine certification. MCP and Minecraft Forge are open-source tools you can install in minutes.

All you need is:

Java SDK

Minecraft (Java Edition)

A basic IDE like IntelliJ or Eclipse

What You’ll Learn by Building an MCP Server

Here’s what you’ll pick up during this weekend project:

Skill Real-World Use Case

Java OOP & inheritance Enterprise development, API design

Socket programming Multiplayer games, real-time apps

Custom commands CLI tools, scripting engines

Decompiling & recompiling Reverse engineering, code patching

Event-driven coding UI design, system event handling

Build automation (Gradle) CI/CD, backend development workflows

How to Build Your Own MCP Server in 5 Steps

1. Install Java Development Kit (JDK)

Make sure you have Java 8 or Java 17 installed (MCP versions vary in compatibility).

bash

java -version

If not installed, download from: https://adoptium.net

2. Download Minecraft Java Edition

You’ll need the Java version of Minecraft installed and launched at least once.

3. Get MCP or Forge Modding Toolkit

Download MCP toolkit (legacy): https://mcp-reborn.net

Or use Minecraft Forge SDK: https://files.minecraftforge.net

4. Set Up Your Dev Environment

Open the project in Eclipse or IntelliJ

Run the setup scripts (e.g., gradlew setupDecompWorkspace for Forge)

Explore the src/main/java folder for modding

5. Add Your First Mod

Example: A simple custom command

java

public class CommandHello extends CommandBase {

public String getCommandName() {

return "hello";

}

public void processCommand(ICommandSender sender, String[] args) {

sender.addChatMessage(new ChatComponentText("Hello from your MCP Server!"));

}

}

Register the command in your main mod file and build it using Gradle.

Tips for a Better Server Build

Use Forge if you want plugin/mod support

Add OptiFine or Sodium for performance

Set up a basic GUI menu using Java Swing if you want customization

Consider using Spigot or PaperMC if you prefer performance-first multiplayer setups

Final Thoughts: Make Your Weekend Count

There’s something deeply satisfying about modifying a game you love. You’re not just playing Minecraft—you’re engineering it.

By building an MCP server:

You become the architect of your own world

You sharpen real programming skills

You open doors to game dev, modding, and Java engineering

So why not skip Netflix this weekend and build something unforgettable?

Call to Action:

Have questions or want to showcase your own server? Drop a comment below and let’s build something cool together!