minetest

Run the Minetest game engine

TLDR

Start Minetest in client mode

$ minetest

Start Minetest in server mode by hosting a specific world

$ minetest --server --world [name]

Write logs to a specific file

$ minetest --logfile [path/to/file]

Only write errors to the console

$ minetest --quiet

--version
    Display version information and exit.

--help
    Display help information and exit.

--info
    Display more extensive information about the application.

--server
    Run Minetest as a dedicated server.

--address

    The IPv4 or IPv6 address the server will listen on. Default: `0.0.0.0`.

--port
    The port number for the server to listen on. Default: 30000.

--world
    Specify the name of the world to load or create. If no worldname is provided, the engine will use 'world' by default.

--gameid
    Specify the gameid. If no gameid is provided, the engine will use 'minetest' by default.

--config
    Use an alternative config file.

DESCRIPTION

Minetest is a free and open-source voxel game engine, allowing users to create and explore various worlds. It's inspired by games like Minecraft, but offers a more flexible and customizable platform. The engine supports numerous mods, allowing players to extend the game's functionality and create unique experiences. These mods can add new blocks, items, creatures, game mechanics, and more.
Minetest emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible for both players and mod developers. Servers can host multiple players, enabling cooperative building and exploration, or competitive gameplay depending on the mods installed. The engine is written in C++ and uses the Lua scripting language for modding. It is cross-platform, running on various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, macOS, and Android. The game is lightweight and has low system requirements compared to other voxel games.

CAVEATS

Mod support and functionality depend on individual mod quality and compatibility. Some mods may require specific dependencies or configurations. Ensure that your graphics drivers are up-to-date for optimal performance.

RUNNING A SERVER

To run a Minetest server, use the '--server' option. Configuration is primarily managed through the minetest.conf file. The configuration file dictates server settings like maximum players, port, address, and game ID. When running a server, it is important to configure the `minetest.conf` file appropriately. Also using `screen` or `tmux` is essential in order to detach the server from the shell.

MODDING

Mods are written in Lua and can be placed in the 'mods' directory within the Minetest installation or world folder. Mods can add new content, change game mechanics, or even create entirely new games within the Minetest engine.

HISTORY

Minetest was created by Perttu Ahola (celeron55) and released in November 2010. It was initially created in C++, it quickly became a popular platform for modding and community development due to its focus on openness and extensibility. Over the years, it has evolved through contributions from numerous developers, resulting in a robust and versatile game engine. The development is ongoing with new features and improvements being added continuously.