How to Make a Minecraft Server: Complete Beginner’s Guide

Minecraft, a game celebrated for its boundless creativity and limitless exploration, becomes even more exhilarating when you have the power to create your own world. Setting up your own Minecraft server allows you to tailor the game environment to your liking, inviting friends or a community of players to join in on the fun. Whether you’re interested in customizing your gameplay, hosting a private server for friends, or establishing a large-scale public server, creating a Minecraft server opens up a world of possibilities. But where do you begin if you’re new to server hosting?

This article is part of Rackset’s VPS & Dedicated Servers guides — browse the rest of the category for more in-depth tutorials on this topic.

This comprehensive beginner’s guide will walk you through the process of setting up a Minecraft server from scratch. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right server type and hardware requirements to configuring your server settings and managing player permissions. By following this guide, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to create a Minecraft server that suits your unique vision, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for both you and your players.

Choose and Set Up Your VPS

Creating a Minecraft server requires a reliable and powerful VPS to ensure smooth gameplay and minimal downtime. Follow these steps to choose and set up your VPS for hosting a Minecraft server.

1. Select the Right VPS Plan

When choosing a VPS plan for your Minecraft server, consider the following factors:

• RAM: Minecraft is resource-intensive, so opt for a plan with sufficient RAM to support the number of players you expect. A minimum of 2GB is recommended for small servers.
• CPU: Ensure your VPS has a powerful CPU to handle the server load and provide a seamless gaming experience.
• Storage: Choose SSD storage for faster data processing and reduced lag.
• Bandwidth: Adequate bandwidth is crucial for handling player connections and data transfer. Look for plans with high or unlimited bandwidth.

2. Choose Your Operating System

Decide on an operating system for your VPS. The most common options for hosting a Minecraft server are:

• Ubuntu: A popular choice due to its stability and extensive community support.
• CentOS: Known for its security features and enterprise-level performance.

Both options are excellent, but your choice may depend on your familiarity with the OS.

3. Set Up Your VPS

1. Access Your VPS: Use SSH to remotely access your VPS. You’ll need the IP address, username, and password provided by your hosting provider.
2. Update Your System: Ensure your VPS is up-to-date by running the appropriate update commands for your chosen OS:

• For Ubuntu: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
• For CentOS: sudo yum update

Install Java: Minecraft requires Java. Install it using the following command:

• For Ubuntu: sudo apt install openjdk-17-jre
• For CentOS: sudo yum install java-17-openjdk

With your VPS set up, you are now ready to proceed with installing and configuring your Minecraft server.

Install Java on Your VPS

To create a Minecraft server, you need to install Java on your VPS. Minecraft is built on Java, so ensuring you have the correct version installed is crucial for smooth operation. Follow these steps to install Java on your VPS:

Step 1: Check Java Installation

Before installing Java, check if Java is already installed on your VPS. You can do this by running the following command:

Read more: How Much RAM Does a Minecraft Server Need? (Vanilla, Plugins & Modded)

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java -version

If Java is installed, you will see the version number. If not, you will receive a message indicating that Java is not installed.

Step 2: Update Your Package Index

Ensure your package index is up-to-date to avoid any installation issues. Run the following command:

sudo apt update

Step 3: Install Java

Once your package index is updated, you can install the default Java Development Kit (JDK). Use the following command:

sudo apt install default-jdk

This command will install the default JDK package, which is usually sufficient for running a Minecraft server.

Step 4: Verify Java Installation

After installing Java, verify the installation by checking the version again. Use the command:

java -version

You should now see the installed version of Java, confirming that the installation was successful.

Step 5: Set JAVA_HOME Environment Variable

Setting the JAVA_HOME environment variable ensures that Java applications can locate the Java installation. Follow these steps:

1. Find the installation path using the command:

   sudo update-alternatives --config java

2. Set the JAVA_HOME variable by adding the following line to your ~/.bashrc file:

export JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/java--openjdk-amd64

3. Apply the changes by running:

source ~/.bashrc

With Java installed and configured, your VPS is ready for the next step in creating your Minecraft server.

Read more: What Is Virtual Machine (VM) – Beginners’ Guide

Download and Prepare the Minecraft Server Files

Setting up your own Minecraft server requires downloading the necessary server files. Follow these steps to ensure you have everything ready before launching your server.

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Step 1: Download the Minecraft Server Software

1. Visit the official Minecraft website and navigate to the Minecraft Server download page.
2. Download the latest version of the Minecraft server software. The file will typically be named something like server.jar.

Step 2: Create a Dedicated Folder

To keep your server files organized, it’s crucial to create a dedicated folder on your computer.

1. Navigate to your preferred location on your computer.
2. Create a new folder and name it something descriptive, like Minecraft_Server.
3. Move the downloaded server.jar file into this newly created folder.

Step 3: Install Java

Minecraft requires Java to run. Ensure you have the latest version installed:

1. Check if Java is already installed by opening a command prompt and typing java -version.
2. If Java is not installed, download it from the official Java website and follow the installation instructions.

Step 4: Accept the End User License Agreement (EULA)

Before you can start the server, you need to accept the EULA:

1. Open the Minecraft_Server folder.
2. Run the server.jar file by double-clicking it. This action will generate several files in the folder.
3. Locate the eula.txt file and open it with a text editor.
4. Change eula=false to eula=true to accept the terms.
5. Save and close the file.

Once these steps are completed, your Minecraft server files are ready, and you can proceed to configure and start your server.

Accept the Minecraft EULA

Before you can successfully start your Minecraft server, you need to accept the Minecraft End User License Agreement (EULA). This step is crucial as it ensures compliance with Mojang’s terms and conditions. Follow the steps below to accept the EULA:

Locate the EULA File

1. Navigate to the directory where you installed your Minecraft server files.
2. Look for a file named eula.txt. This file is generated when you first run the Minecraft server.

Edit the EULA File

To accept the EULA, you need to modify the eula.txt file. Here’s how:

• Open the eula.txt file using a text editor of your choice. If you’re on Windows, you can use Notepad. For macOS or Linux, you might prefer editors like TextEdit or Nano.
• Inside the file, you will find a line that reads: eula=false.
• Change this line to eula=true. This change indicates that you agree to the terms of the Minecraft EULA.

Save and Close the File

After editing the file, make sure to save your changes:

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• In your text editor, click on Save or press Ctrl + S (Windows) or Cmd + S (macOS).
• Once saved, close the text editor.

Restart Your Server

With the EULA accepted, you can now restart your Minecraft server to apply the changes:

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1. Return to your command prompt or terminal window.
2. Run the command to start your Minecraft server again. This will ensure that the server recognizes the EULA acceptance and continues the startup process.

Congratulations! You have successfully accepted the Minecraft EULA, allowing your server to run without any legal issues.

Configure Your Minecraft Server Settings

Once you have successfully set up your Minecraft server, the next step is to configure its settings to suit your preferences. This involves editing the server properties file to customize the game environment and player experience. Follow these steps to configure your Minecraft server settings:

Access the Server Properties File

1. Navigate to the directory where your Minecraft server files are located.
2. Locate the server.properties file. This file contains all the configuration options for your server.
3. Open the server.properties file using a text editor of your choice, such as Notepad or TextEdit.

Key Configuration Options

The server.properties file includes various settings that you can modify. Here are some of the key options you might want to adjust:

• motd: Sets the “Message of the Day” displayed in the server list. Customize it to give your server a unique name or greeting.
• max-players: Determines the maximum number of players who can join the server simultaneously.
• gamemode: Sets the default game mode for players. Options include survival, creative, adventure, and spectator.
• difficulty: Determines the difficulty level of the game, such as peaceful, easy, normal, or hard.
• pvp: Enables or disables player versus player combat on the server.
• white-list: Activates the whitelist feature, allowing only players on the list to join the server.

Save and Restart the Server

1. After making the desired changes, save the server.properties file.
2. Restart your Minecraft server for the new settings to take effect. This can usually be done by stopping and starting the server application.

With these configurations, your Minecraft server will be ready to provide a customized gaming experience for you and your friends.

Open Port 25565 and Start Your Server

Once you have set up your Minecraft server files, the next crucial step is to open port 25565 on your network. This port is essential for allowing external connections to your server, enabling players from around the world to join your Minecraft world. Below are the steps to open the port and start your server.

Step 1: Access Your Router Settings

1. Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar. This IP address is typically something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
2. Log in using your router’s admin credentials.

Step 2: Locate Port Forwarding Section

1. Once logged in, navigate to the port forwarding section. This may be under categories such as “Advanced,” “NAT,” “Firewall,” or “Virtual Server.”
2. Click on “Add New” or “Create New Rule” to set up a new port forwarding rule.

Step 3: Set Up Port Forwarding

• Enter the internal IP address of your server. You can find this by typing ipconfig in Command Prompt on Windows or ifconfig on Linux.
• Set both the internal and external port to 25565.
• Select “TCP/UDP” as the protocol, if available. Otherwise, choose “TCP.”
• Save the settings and reboot your router if necessary.

Step 4: Start Your Minecraft Server

1. Navigate to your Minecraft server directory.
2. Run the server by executing the command:

   java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui

3. Once the server starts, you can share your external IP address with friends so they can join.

Using Rackset’s hosting solutions ensures a smooth and reliable experience, with optimized network configurations that simplify port forwarding and provide robust security. This makes it easier for you to manage and scale your Minecraft server without the hassle of complex network setups.

Conclusion

Creating your own Minecraft server is an exciting journey that allows you to customize your gaming environment and share it with friends or the gaming community. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you have learned how to set up a server, configure it to your liking, and ensure it runs smoothly. Whether you’re hosting a small server for friends or building a large community, the key is to maintain and update your server regularly for the best experience.

As you continue to explore the world of Minecraft server hosting, consider the benefits of using a reliable hosting provider like Rackset. With our robust infrastructure and dedicated support, you can focus on crafting your virtual world while we handle the technical details. Explore Rackset hosting solutions to enhance your Minecraft server experience today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic requirements to create a Minecraft server?

To create a Minecraft server, you need a computer with a stable internet connection, at least 4GB of RAM, and the latest version of Java installed. Ensure your system meets the game’s minimum requirements for optimal performance.

How can I make my Minecraft server accessible to friends?

To make your server accessible, you’ll need to configure port forwarding on your router, typically for port 25565. Share your public IP address with your friends so they can connect to your server.

Is it possible to run a Minecraft server on a VPS?

Yes, running a Minecraft server on a VPS is a popular choice as it provides better performance and uptime. A VPS allows you to manage server resources efficiently and is accessible from anywhere.

Can I customize my Minecraft server with mods?

Yes, you can customize your Minecraft server with mods by using a modded server software like Forge or Bukkit. Ensure that all players have the same mods installed to avoid compatibility issues.

How do I keep my Minecraft server secure?

To keep your server secure, regularly update your server software and plugins to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong passwords, whitelist players, and consider using a firewall to protect your server from unauthorized access.