Protocol FAQ

People very, very often have questions regarding the Minecraft Beta Protocol, so we'll try to address some of the most common ones on this document. If you're still having trouble, join us on IRC, channel #mcdevs on irc.freenode.net.

Is the protocol documentation complete?

Depending on your definition, yes! All packet types are known and their layout documented. Some finer details are missing, but everything you need to make functional programs is present. We have a script that monitors for new versions of the client and notifies us, allowing us to quickly document new packets.

What's the normal login sequence for a client?

See Authentication for communication with minecraft.net

The recommended login sequence looks like this, where C is the client and S is the server:

1. Client connects to server
2. C->S 0x02 handshake
3. S->C 0xFD encryption request - server sends its public key and 4 random bytes
4. Client generates symmetric key (shared secret)
5. Client authenticates via session.minecraft.net
6. Client encrypts these 4 bytes with the servers public key.
7. C->S 0xFC encryption response - client encrypts shared secret with server's public key and sends along with encrypted 4 bytes
8. Server checks that the encrypted bytes match
9. Server decrypts shared secret with its private key
10. Server checks player authenticity via session.minecraft.net
11. S->C 0xFC encryption response - empty payload meaning two zero length byte arrays and two zero shorts
12. Server enables AES stream encryption
13. Client enables AES stream encryption
14. C->S 0xCD - Payload of 0 (byte)
15. S->C 0x01 login
16. S->C : Either kicks (invalid login) or sends a login response
17. S->C : Sends pre-chunks and chunks and entities
18. S->C : Sends spawn position
19. S->C : Sends inventory [Need to verify this since inventory changed] (beta 1.1_02: looks like Window items with type=0, then a Set slot with window id = -1 and slot = -1)
20. S->C : Tell the client they're ready to spawn by sending a position + look packet. Note: The stance and Y should be swapped when the server sends it to the client (See Protocol Page)!
21. C->S : Sends a position + look packet to confirm the spawn position, with the stance and Y swapped back to the correct positions

I think I've done everything right, but…

…my player isn't spawning!

After sending the common-sense packets (Handshake, Login, Inventory, Compass and Pre-chunk/Chunk pairs) you need to finally send the player their initial position for them to leave the "Loading Map" screen.

…my client isn't receiving complete map chunks!

Main article: How to Write a Client

The standard Minecraft server sends full chunks only when your client is sending player status update packets (any of Player (0x0A) through Player Position & Look (0x0D)).

…all connecting clients spasm and jerk uncontrollably!

For newer clients, your server needs to send 49 chunks ahead of time, not just one. Send a 7x7 square of chunks, centered on the connecting client's position, before spawning them.