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How to Install and Run a Pokemon Showdown Private Server on Windows 11: Complete Guide and Troubleshooting Steps

Setting up your own Pokémon Showdown private server on Windows 11 can be a rewarding project, especially if you want to customize your battles or create a private community. This guide walks you through the entire process in simple, clear steps.

Whether you are new to servers or have some experience, you’ll find the instructions easy to follow. We will also cover troubleshooting tips to help you fix common problems along the way.

By the end, you will have a working Pokémon Showdown private server running on your Windows 11 machine, ready for you and your friends to enjoy.

Let’s get started with the basics and move step-by-step to ensure success.

Quick Note: Prerequisites Before You Begin

  • Node.js Installed: Pokémon Showdown runs on Node.js, so make sure you have it installed. We recommend the latest LTS version.
  • Internet Connection: Required to download files and dependencies.
  • Basic Command Line Knowledge: You’ll use Command Prompt or PowerShell for some steps.
  • Administrator Rights: Some installations may require you to run commands as an administrator.
  • Git Installed (Optional): Helpful for cloning the server repository, but you can also download the files manually.

Step 1: Install Node.js on Windows 11

Node.js is the platform that runs the Pokémon Showdown server code. Without it, the server won’t work.

  1. Visit the official Node.js website at https://nodejs.org.
  2. Download the latest Long-Term Support (LTS) version for Windows.
  3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts.
  4. Make sure the option “Add to PATH” is checked during installation so you can run Node.js commands from anywhere.
  5. After installation, open Command Prompt and type node -v to check if Node.js was installed correctly. It should display the version number.

Why is this important? Installing Node.js correctly ensures the server code can run smoothly and lets you manage dependencies easily.

Step 2: Download or Clone the Pokémon Showdown Server Files

You need the actual Pokémon Showdown server code. You have two options:

Option A: Using Git (Recommended)

  1. If you don’t have Git installed, download it from https://git-scm.com/download/win and install it.
  2. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
  3. Navigate to the folder where you want the server files by typing cd pathtofolder.
  4. Run the command: git clone https://github.com/smogon/pokemon-showdown.git
  5. This will download the latest server files into a folder named pokemon-showdown.

Option B: Manual Download

  1. Go to the Pokémon Showdown GitHub repository: https://github.com/smogon/pokemon-showdown.
  2. Click on Code > Download ZIP.
  3. Extract the ZIP file to your desired location.

Why clone or download? This step ensures you have the latest server code and all necessary files to run the private server.

Step 3: Install Server Dependencies

Dependencies are additional Node.js packages required for the server to operate. Installing them is crucial.

  1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
  2. Navigate to the pokemon-showdown folder where you downloaded or cloned the files: cd pathtopokemon-showdown.
  3. Run the command: npm install

This command reads the package.json file and installs all required packages.

Why do this? Without these dependencies, the server won’t start or function correctly.

Step 4: Configure Your Pokémon Showdown Server

Before running the server, you need to set some basic configurations.

  1. In the pokemon-showdown folder, locate the file named config/config-example.js.
  2. Make a copy of this file and rename it to config/config.js.
  3. Open config/config.js in a text editor like Notepad.
  4. Here, you can customize server name, ports, and other options. For a basic setup, you can leave most settings as default.
  5. If you want your server to be accessible only on your local network, set the bindaddress to 'localhost' or leave it blank.

Why configure? Customizing configurations lets you control who can access the server and how it behaves.

Step 5: Start Your Pokémon Showdown Server

Now that everything is installed and configured, it’s time to launch the server.

  1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
  2. Navigate to the pokemon-showdown folder.
  3. Run the command: node pokemon-showdown
  4. You will see the server starting up. Once it says something like “Listening on port 8000”, your server is running.
  5. Open your web browser and go to http://localhost:8000 to access your private Pokémon Showdown server.

Note: If you want to change the port, adjust it in config/config.js before starting the server.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Server Won’t Start or Shows Errors

  1. Check Node.js Version: Run node -v. Make sure it is the LTS version.
  2. Verify Dependencies: Run npm install again to ensure all packages are installed.
  3. Port Already in Use: If you see a message about the port (usually 8000) being busy, change the port number in config/config.js to an unused port.
  4. Run as Administrator: Sometimes permissions prevent the server from binding to ports. Try running Command Prompt as Administrator.

Cannot Access Server from Other Devices

  1. Check Firewall Settings: Windows Firewall may block incoming connections. Allow the port you are using through the firewall.
  2. Bind Address: Ensure bindaddress in config.js is set to '' or your local IP address, not just localhost.
  3. Network Connection: Make sure both devices are on the same network.

Server Crashes or Freezes

  1. Update Node.js and Server Files: Sometimes bugs are fixed in newer versions.
  2. Check Logs: Look at the console output for error messages.
  3. Restart Server: Stop the server with Ctrl + C and start again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I run multiple Pokémon Showdown servers on one machine?

Yes, by assigning different ports to each server in the config.js file, you can run multiple instances simultaneously.

Is it safe to run a private server on my personal computer?

Yes, as long as you configure firewall and access settings properly. Avoid exposing your server to the public internet without proper security.

Can I customize Pokémon Showdown gameplay on my private server?

Yes, Pokémon Showdown is open-source. You can modify game files, add custom formats, and change server behavior, but this requires coding knowledge.

How do I update my server to the latest version?

If you cloned the repository with Git, navigate to your server folder and run git pull to fetch updates. Then run npm install again if needed.

What if I want to share my server with friends online?

You will need to configure port forwarding on your router and ensure your firewall allows incoming connections on the server port. Be cautious about security.

When Nothing Works

If you encounter persistent issues, consider these final steps:

  • Visit the official Pokémon Showdown GitHub page for issues and community help: https://github.com/smogon/pokemon-showdown/issues
  • Check forums and Discord channels where experienced users can assist.
  • Reinstall Node.js and the server files from scratch to rule out installation errors.
  • Use a virtual machine or different PC to test if your current setup has conflicts.

Conclusion

Installing and running a Pokémon Showdown private server on Windows 11 is straightforward when you follow the steps carefully. Starting with Node.js installation, downloading the server files, installing dependencies, configuring settings, and finally launching the server will get you up and running quickly.

Remember to troubleshoot common problems like port conflicts and firewall restrictions, and make sure your configurations match your desired setup. With patience and attention to detail, you can host your own private battles and enjoy full control over your Pokémon Showdown experience.

Enjoy your battles and happy server hosting!

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