How To Make A Great Minecraft Server
You've defeated the Ender Dragon, conquered and built your own pixelated version of King's Landing. What now? Although Minecraft is a game with endless possibilities, once you've played the base game, you might be asking "How do I recreate that feeling of magic I felt my first time around?" Thanks to the plethora of options available with custom Minecraft servers, building your own Minecraft server could be just the remedy you're looking for.
Maybe you've experimented with mods on your laptop. Perhaps you have tried your hand at one the thousands of online player-run server. It's possible that you are a complete Minecraft novice who is just starting out, or maybe you're not even a Minecraft player at all. You're probably reading this article because you want to know how to create a Minecraft server. Let's begin with the basics.
History of Minecraft
Minecraft, a sandbox survival video game, was released for the first time in 2011. With its distinctive visual style, comprised entirely of blocky characters and objects, Minecraft has quickly transcended the world of video games and grown into a household name.
Minecraft is unique because it allows players freedom to play the way they want. Minecraft has many gameplay options that combine environmental destruction, architectural construction and exploration with combat, resource gathering, crafting, and combat. Minecraft has sold more that 176 million copies across all platforms as of May 2019. This makes Minecraft the most popular video game ever.
Minecraft has many gameplay elements that combine environmental destruction, architectural construction and exploration with combat, resource gathering, crafting, and combat.
High levels of customization are a major reason for this success. MINECRAFT PROFILES This is not just true for single-player games, but also for multiplayer. Aren't mining for imaginary diamonds and cutting down blocky trees more fun when you have friends?
Here's where the role of privately-owned Minecraft servers comes into play.
If you are looking to spice up your Minecraft experience, but feel hesitant about taking on the extra responsibilities of running your own server yourself, there are many online servers that can help. The website MinecraftServers.org lists thousands of popular privately-hosted servers. Alongside each option, it features in-depth information on what makes each server unique. These servers offer a variety of experiences, including PvP, Roleplaying and Factions, as well as Challenges. This creates an almost infinite number new experiences within the familiar Minecraft framework.
However, sometimes, playing on a server built to someone else's specifications just isn't enough. We all want to have some control over our lives. Why should our digital lives be any other? By hosting your own Minecraft server, you are gaining exactly that: the power to build your world the way you desire and share that world with other players.
Hosting your server gives you the power to change Minecraft's variables. By tweaking things like spawn rates of enemies and NPCs, overall difficulty, and physical parameters, you can shape the internal parameters of the game. That's not all though. You can also make modifications server-wide with the wide range of mods created outside the game.
Hosting your server allows you to have full control over how the game plays. Maybe you're a parent desiring greater control over your child's online interactions, or an avid role-player seeking like-minded players. By setting up your own server you can determine the type of community you want to build.
Like most things in Minecraft there is no real limit to your imagination.
Getting Started
These are the basics to get you started.
First, a Minecraft server doesn't have to be on a top-of-the-line machine. However, it is recommended that you use a desktop instead of a laptop. A desktop will typically perform better than a notebook or its equivalent. This is especially true when a user is using the same machine as the server. To keep everything running smoothly, it takes more processing power to do both.
Second, a wired ethernet connection is recommended over the use of wireless internet. A faster connection will improve game performance, and reduce lag.
Third, although home-hosting is possible, it is not recommended. MINECRAFT PROFILES Home connections are slower than personal computers and generally less reliable. The game's quality will suffer if there is not enough RAM. For this reason, you are better off utilizing professional hosting services.
*NOTE: If you're curious about what specs to look for in a Minecraft server, check out Jason's guide on Minecraft Server Buying. Are you still unsure? Our sales team will be happy to help you build a Minecraft server. They will be happy to help you.
Fourth, it is highly recommended that you use a server hosting provider running Debian 9 and Ubuntu 18.04. Both options provide safe and stable environments ideal for learning the basics.
Fifth, Minecraft runs using Java. Before you set up your server, make sure Java is updated. It can be downloaded from Java's official site. If you're not sure if Java is installed or which version it is, you can open the command window and use the command java-version. This query will return a version number if Java is installed. This number can be compared to the latest Java version to verify that your version is up-to-date.
Finally, make sure you secure your server from the beginning. It's easier than removing access once they're in to your server. Install updates as they are released. Your system will be more likely to close loopholes before these become exploited. Setting Up Your Minecraft Server
Don't worry, the above image is intentionally misleading. You won't need any power tools to set up your server, assuming you're not building it from scratch.
A Minecraft server doesn't have to be on a top-of-the-line machine.
However, before you can set up your Minecraft server, you will need the following:
A copy of Java Minecraft, which can be purchased through Minecraft's official website
The latest version of the Minecraft Multiplayer Server
OpenJDK (an open-source implementation of Java): installation instructions for OpenJDK can be found on their official website Now it's time to setup your server. These are the steps to get your server running.
Open your terminal and type the command "mkdir Minecraft_Server" This creates a directory specific to your Minecraft server.
Next, place the server.jar you just downloaded in your newly created directory.
Enter the command ls to list out your directories.
Use cd Minecraft_Server to change your current directory to your server's designated folder.
To launch the server use the command Java -Xms1G or -Xmx1G to run the command server.jar. Xms and Xmx represent the starting and maximum RAM respectively, and server.jar is the name of your Minecraft server's version number. If you're using Minecraft server.1.15.2.jar (current as of this articles publication), then your command should look something like this:
java -Xms1024M -Xmx1024M -jar minecraft_server.1.15.2.jar
Additional information can be added at the end of this line if necessary. Use nogui if you want to start the server without its graphical user interface, or -o true to tell the server to run in online mode, only allowing access by authenticated users.
You should see the following output after you have entered the command:
[main/ERROR]: Failed to load properties from file: server.properties
[main/WARN] - Failed loading eula.txt
[main/INFO] You must agree to the EULA to run the server. For more information, visit eula.txt
If you are new to running the server, you will need to create an EULA file. Before you are able to play, you must agree to the EULA. This can be done in your favorite text editor. Or, you can use the following command to open a command window: nano.eula.txt
Once you have opened the file, change the eula value from false to true. This is a sign that you have read the license agreement and agree to it.
You can now save the file and launch your server once again. If you fail to update this field in the file eula.txt, your server will shut down immediately after starting up. Creating a Startup Script
You can run your server using the full command line described above. A script can be created to run the command on your behalf.
Start by creating a brand new document. This document can be named however you like, but we will use server.sh for the sake this article.
In the new document, add the following lines:
#!/bin/sh
java -Xms1024M -Xmx1024M -jar minecraft_server.1.14.4.jar
Now that you've created your document, in the terminal, type chmod +x server.sh.
Now, you can use the command "Start server" to get it started.
/server. sh to start it, and stop to halt it.
Finally, it is recommended to run your server within a GNU Screen session to ensure that it runs properly without an SSH connection. To do this, run your startup script before you use the screen command. Assuming that you have already accepted the EULA, your console should automatically start generating the necessary configuration files. These are the four steps you need to follow in order to play on your new server.
Start by opening Minecraft Client and logging on.
Select "Multiplayer" in the list at the top of the screen, then click on "Add Server."
Enter a name to your server, then enter the IP Address into appropriate fields. Click "Done" when you are done.
Then, in order to play, just click "Join Server." Your server is now up and running. The Minecraft Wiki can be consulted if you have any questions or encounter any issues. It contains a surplus of additional information you may find useful for your specific needs.
Customizing Your Minecraft Server
The default set of variables is used to create a world when your server.sh script runs for the first time. Let's say, however that you wish to create your custom variables for the server's world. You probably chose customization to host your server.
How do you do it? Easy.
Open the server.properties folder. Once the file is opened, you will see a long list with properties and true/false statements. You can modify the variables in this list to control how the world is generated on your server.
Scroll down the list until it spawns no monsters. Change the true to false. Monsters will not spawn in your environment unless this value has been changed to its default setting.
You think that's pretty cool?
This page on the Minecraft wiki contains a list of all available variables and explanations about the parameters they control. Remember that any changes will not take effect unless your server is restarted.
But what if you don't have enough options? You may be interested in customizing server settings beyond those that are part of the game. External modifications are required to accomplish this.
There are many websites and videos on the internet that list the best Minecraft mods. With so many options, it's important to understand how each mod functions as well as any potential conflicts it may have with other mods. If you're interested in adding mods to your server, a quick Google search should get you well on your way to doing just that.
Looking for a good starting place? MINECRAFTMODS.com provides a wide range of mods available for download that you can start exploring.
Next Steps
You have now set up your server and modified the default variables. What's next?
Now that you have learned how to create a Minecraft server, it is time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. You'll need other players to join the server, unless you want to play in an unpopulated world. These might be friends or possibly even strangers. You need to offer something unique if you want people playing on your server.
Ultimately, what truly separates the best Minecraft servers from the rest is the community that supports them. Establishing guidelines, hiring staff to enforce and police your expectations, and creating interesting events to keep your players engaged. These are the elements that will make your server unique. You can promote your server online by posting videos via Youtube or Twitch. This will encourage new players to join.
A strong Minecraft server can even be profitable for its owner. Through the integration of membership fees or by selling unique cosmetic items, you can turn your digital world into a source of income. Some servers host thousands of players. This can be leveraged in a way that makes them six figures every month.
You may still have some work to do before you reach the top-performing servers. After all, communities aren't built overnight. Regardless, the fact remains that these Minecraft servers all started the same way. Someone took a chance, and decided to host their server.
Ultimately, what truly separates the best Minecraft servers from the rest is the community that supports them.
Now that your world has started to run, you can choose where and what you do.
Now it's your turn!
Have a question about Minecraft servers or a specific story you'd like to share? Leave a comment in this section.
If you found this article helpful please share it on all your social media platforms. Don't forget to like us Facebook!
Written by Sean Kelly
Additional Links
Are you looking for more information about Minecraft? Be sure to check out our comprehensive Minecraft Server Buying Guide.
When you're ready to build your ideal Minecraft server, head over to our complete list of instant deployment and custom built dedicated servers. Need personalized assistance with your server building? Get in touch with our sales team.
Looking for more great content to share? Interested in cPanel, Virtual Private Servers, or Colocation? You can find more industry insight and news in our recent posts.
