macOS Installation

This guide covers installing and running a PowerNukkitX server on macOS (Intel or Apple Silicon).

Prerequisites: Java 21+

PowerNukkitX requires Java 21 or newer. We recommend using the Homebrew package manager to manage Java on macOS.

1. Install Java via Homebrew

Open the Terminal application and execute:

brew install openjdk@21

After installation completes, link the JDK so that macOS can locate it:

sudo ln -sfn /opt/homebrew/opt/openjdk@21/OpenJDK.jdk /Library/Java/JavaVirtualMachines/openjdk-21.jdk

(If you are on an older Intel Mac, replace /opt/homebrew with /usr/local).

2. Verify Installation

Verify that Java 21 is active on your current terminal path:

java -version

You should see output matching version 21.

Setting Up the Server

1. Create a Server Folder

Create a folder to hold your server configuration and game worlds:

mkdir ~/pnx-server
cd ~/pnx-server

2. Download the Server JAR

Download the latest powernukkitx.jar from the Official PowerNukkitX GitHub Releases Page and move it into your ~/pnx-server folder.

3. Create the Startup Script

PowerNukkitX requires specific Java reflection access flags to startup. Creating a shell script makes launching the server easier:

1. Create a script file in your terminal:

   nano start.sh

2. Paste the following lines into the file:

   #!/bin/bash
   java -jar --add-opens java.base/java.lang=ALL-UNNAMED --add-opens java.base/java.io=ALL-UNNAMED powernukkitx.jar

3. Save and close the file (Ctrl + O, Enter, then Ctrl + X).
4. Grant execute permissions to the script:

   chmod +x start.sh

Launching the Server

To start the server, execute the startup script in your Terminal:

./start.sh

• First-run Wizard: If you are running the server for the first time, complete the setup wizard in the console:
  • Type y to accept the license agreement.
  • Choose your language (e.g. eng for English).
  • Configure the MOTD (server name) and port.
• Type stop in the console and press Enter to shutdown the server gracefully.

Troubleshooting macOS Setup

"Developer cannot be verified" or Gatekeeper warnings

macOS security may block Java or the launcher. If a prompt prevents execution:

1. Open System Settings on your Mac.
2. Navigate to Privacy & Security.
3. Scroll down to the security section and click Allow Anyway next to the blocked Java or terminal process notification.