Bedrock Server Stuck on “Locating”: Troubleshooting and Solutions

Understanding the “Locating” Phase

What is “Locating”?

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand what the “Locating” phase actually signifies. This initial step is where the Bedrock Server prepares itself for operation. It’s essentially the server’s way of initializing, organizing essential data, and getting ready to receive connections from players. The server is tasked with several key processes during this phase. It’s loading world files, setting up the game environment, and preparing to handle player interactions. This phase isn’t instantaneous. It can take a few seconds, depending on the speed of your hardware and the complexity of your world, to complete. A larger, more intricate world with numerous structures, entities, and game modifications will naturally take longer to load than a freshly generated world.

Identifying a Stuck Server

Knowing the normal duration helps you differentiate a healthy startup from a genuine problem. A normal server might take a few moments to transition from “Locating” to “Ready.” However, if you observe the server stuck on “Locating” for an extended period—several minutes or longer—it’s a strong indication that something is amiss. There are specific indicators that help you determine if your server is genuinely stuck. These include the absence of progress in the console or server GUI, persistent status messages that don’t change, and the inability of players to connect to the server. If the server displays these symptoms, troubleshooting is essential.

Common Culprits: Understanding the Root Causes

Network Issues

Pinpointing the cause of the “Locating” problem is the first step towards fixing it. The issue can stem from various sources, including network problems, configuration errors, and hardware limitations. Let’s explore some common factors.
Network problems frequently lie at the heart of server startup issues. A shaky internet connection on the host machine, where the server software runs, can hinder its ability to locate and load the necessary data, particularly when interacting with Minecraft’s online services. This could manifest as slower-than-usual start-up times or, in severe instances, an inability to progress past the “Locating” phase. Another factor is your network’s router or firewall configuration. Often, a blocked port or a misconfigured port forwarding setting prevents external connections from reaching the server. As a result, the server might appear stuck as it struggles to establish connections. Furthermore, issues with DNS resolution, which is how your domain name is converted into an IP address, might be impacting the server’s ability to resolve the server address.

Configuration Errors

Incorrect configuration files are another common cause. The `server.properties` file is a critical component, acting as the blueprint for how your server functions. Errors within this file, such as a wrongly entered world name, an invalid server port, or incompatible settings, can prevent the server from starting correctly. The world files themselves can also be the problem. Sometimes, these files get corrupted, and when the server tries to load the corrupted data, it might get stuck. This can stem from a variety of causes, including abrupt shutdowns, hardware failures, or even issues with the game itself. If you utilize plugins or mods, these can also be sources of problems. An incompatible, outdated, or poorly configured plugin might interfere with the server’s startup process.

Hardware Problems

Hardware limitations and resource constraints can also lead to this issue. If your host machine lacks adequate RAM (Random Access Memory), the server might struggle to load the world files and manage player interactions. Insufficient memory can manifest in prolonged loading times and ultimately prevent the server from completing its “Locating” phase. Slow storage drives, like traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), can be another bottleneck. These older drives are significantly slower than solid-state drives (SSDs) and can be unable to handle the rapid data access necessary for the server to boot quickly. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) on your host computer is another potential issue. If it is overwhelmed due to other resource-intensive processes, it may cause the server’s loading to slow down, or to become stuck.

Software and Installation Problems

Incorrect server software or installation can be the source of your troubles. Make sure you have downloaded the correct version of the Bedrock Server software, matching the client version of the players who will be joining your server. An outdated server version will not be able to communicate with current clients. It’s important to install the server software correctly, and any errors during the installation process can prevent it from loading. Sometimes, if a file transfer is interrupted or incomplete, it might lead to the server failing to launch.

Troubleshooting Steps: Finding Your Solution

Network Configuration

Once you have identified the likely cause, applying the correct fixes will resolve the issue. Let’s explore some methods you can try.
Begin by verifying your network configuration. Ensure that your internet connection is stable and capable of handling the demands of a server. It’s often worth performing a speed test to check your download and upload speeds. The Minecraft Bedrock server uses specific ports to communicate (usually port 19132 for UDP and TCP). Confirm that these ports are open on your host machine’s firewall. Furthermore, verify that port forwarding is set up correctly on your router to allow external users to connect to your server.

Configuration File Review

Carefully inspect and rectify any configuration errors in the `server.properties` file. Check your `server.name`, this is the name that will be displayed to the players and ensure it’s how you want it to be. The `level-name` setting is crucial; it specifies the name of your world folder. Any incorrect spelling or a different world name from the actual folder may cause the server to stall. Make sure the `difficulty` setting is what you want, the gamemode, and other settings such as `max-players` are configured as per your requirements.

World File Testing

Consider checking whether there may be issues with your world files. If problems persist, try temporarily setting a different world to load, such as a fresh world. This helps determine if the issue is with the current world or with the server’s settings.

Resource Management

Address resource limitations and hardware bottlenecks. If your server is running on a machine with limited RAM, allocate additional RAM. In some cases, upgrading to an SSD can provide a significant boost in server performance, reducing loading times. Additionally, monitor your CPU usage using your host operating system’s task manager. If it’s consistently close to 100%, close unnecessary background applications.

Software Reinstallation

Another solution is reinstalling the Bedrock Server software. Make sure you’re downloading the latest stable release from the official Minecraft website. After downloading, completely uninstall your current version of the server. Next, install the fresh download. Ensure that the installation process goes without error.

Plugin/Mod Troubleshooting

If you’re using plugins or mods, disable these temporarily to determine if they are the issue. Start by disabling each mod and plugin individually. If the server starts without issue after a mod has been disabled, that particular mod is the culprit. Update plugins/mods to their most recent versions. Consider updating the versions of your mods and plugins. Newer versions of the mods are often compatible with your server, and they usually have less bugs. Reinstall plugins or mods and make sure they are compatible with the server version.

Other Troubleshooting Tips

If the problems persist, there are other options you can try. Try restarting your server from the start and closing all applications when doing so. If that doesn’t help, the last resort could be restarting your computer to solve the issue.

Advanced Troubleshooting: Digging Deeper

Server Logs

When simple fixes don’t resolve the “Locating” problem, advanced troubleshooting techniques become necessary.
Server logs contain a wealth of information. They provide detailed accounts of events, errors, and warnings during server operation. By accessing the server logs, you gain valuable insights into the root cause of the problem. Search for specific error messages or unusual behaviors. These logs can shed light on the reason the server gets stuck on “Locating,” whether it is due to corrupted world files, plugin issues, or network connectivity issues.

Console Commands

Familiarize yourself with console commands, especially those related to server management. In situations where the server is partially functioning, commands such as `/stop` might enable a clean shutdown, allowing you to restart and troubleshoot.

Seeking External Assistance

There will be times when you must seek help. If you can’t identify the problem, consult online communities. The Minecraft community is vast, with numerous forums, Reddit threads, and Discord servers dedicated to assisting players and server owners. Search for “Bedrock Server stuck on Locating” and you’ll find tons of discussions, solutions, and potential workarounds. If you are a paid server owner, you can consult with the hosting provider’s support team, as they can have the tools and the experience to help you.

Preventative Measures: Avoiding the Problem in the Future

Regular Backups

Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering the “Locating” issue again. These measures are aimed at creating a more stable and reliable server environment.
Regularly backing up your server files is essential. This involves creating copies of your world data, configuration files, and plugin/mod folders. Backups provide a safety net, ensuring you can restore your server to a working state if problems arise.

Keep Software Updated

Keep your server software and plugins updated. Staying current with the latest versions of your server software and plugins is crucial. Updates frequently include bug fixes, performance enhancements, and compatibility improvements.

Monitor Resources

Monitor your server resources, paying close attention to CPU, RAM, and storage usage. This helps in identifying potential bottlenecks before they cause issues.

Good Network Practices

Maintaining good network hygiene ensures a reliable connection to your server. Make sure you have a stable internet connection, and consistently configure your port forwarding settings.

Conclusion

The “Locating” problem can be a major setback. Addressing the issue often requires a systematic approach, starting with an understanding of the underlying causes, and then moving on to methodical troubleshooting. From network connectivity and configuration issues to hardware limitations and plugin conflicts, various factors may be responsible. However, by implementing the solutions outlined in this guide, players can regain control of their server and players can embark on countless adventures. With a mix of technical skills, persistence, and community assistance, you will be able to create an enjoyable experience.