How to Host a Minecraft Server 24/7: A Step-by-Step Guide for Devs

Hey Dev, are you tired of playing Minecraft on a public server with strangers? Do you want to create your own personalized Minecraft world with your friends and family? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of hosting your very own Minecraft server 24/7. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Choosing a Hosting Provider

The first step towards hosting your own Minecraft server is to choose a hosting provider. There are many hosting providers available in the market, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Some popular hosting providers include:

Hosting Provider	Price	Features
Shockbyte	$2.50/month	24/7 Support, DDoS Protection, Multicraft Control Panel, Automatic Backups
Hostinger	$8.95/month	99.9% Uptime Guarantee, Dedicated IP, Unlimited SSD Storage, Free Domain Name
APEX Minecraft Hosting	$4.49/month	Unlimited Player Slots, Instant Setup, Free Subdomain, Automatic Offsite Backups

Once you’ve chosen a hosting provider, sign up for an account and select a plan that meets your requirements.

Step 2: Installing Java

Before you can install your Minecraft server, you need to install Java on your server. Most hosting providers already have Java pre-installed, but if it’s not, you can install it manually. Here’s how:

Step 2.1: Check if Java is Installed

To check if Java is installed, log in to your server using SSH (Secure Shell). Once you’re logged in, type the following command:

java -version

If Java is installed, the version number will be displayed. If it’s not installed, you’ll see an error message.

Step 2.2: Install Java

If Java is not installed, you can install it using the following command:

sudo apt-get install default-jre

This will install the default Java Runtime Environment (JRE) on your server.

Step 3: Downloading and Installing Minecraft Server

Now that you’ve installed Java on your server, it’s time to download and install the Minecraft server. Here’s how:

Step 3.1: Download the Minecraft Server

Go to the official Minecraft website and download the server software. Make sure to select the correct version that matches your Minecraft client version.

Step 3.2: Create a Minecraft Server Directory

Create a directory on your server where you want to store the Minecraft server files. You can name it whatever you want.

mkdir minecraft-server

Step 3.3: Move the Minecraft Server to the Directory

Move the downloaded Minecraft server file to the directory you just created. You can use the following command:

mv ~/Downloads/minecraft_server.jar ~/minecraft-server/

Step 3.4: Start the Minecraft Server

To start the Minecraft server, navigate to the Minecraft server directory and type the following command:

java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

This will start the Minecraft server in console mode. You can access the server console by typing the following command:

screen -r minecraft

Now that you’ve successfully installed the Minecraft server, it’s time to configure it according to your preferences.

Step 4: Configuring Minecraft Server

Configuring your Minecraft server is an important step to ensure that your server runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are some configurations that you might want to change:

Step 4.1: Whitelisting Players

If you want to restrict access to your Minecraft server to only certain players, you can use the whitelist feature. To do this, open the server.properties file and set whitelist=true. Then, add the usernames of the players you want to whitelist to the whitelist.json file.

Step 4.2: Changing the World Seed

If you want to create a new Minecraft world with a different seed, you can change it in the server.properties file under the level-seed tag.

Step 4.3: Enabling Command Blocks

If you want to enable command blocks on your Minecraft server, you can set enable-command-block=true in the server.properties file.

Step 4.4: Backing up your Minecraft Server

Regularly backing up your Minecraft server is important to ensure that your data is safe in case of any mishaps. You can use the backup feature in your hosting provider’s control panel or use a plugin like Backup to automate the backup process.

Step 5: Inviting Players to Join Your Minecraft Server

Now that you’ve set up your Minecraft server, it’s time to invite your friends and family to join. Here’s how:

Step 5.1: Share the Server IP Address

Share the IP address of your Minecraft server with the players you want to invite. You can find the IP address in the server.properties file or in your hosting provider’s control panel.

Step 5.2: Port Forwarding

If your server is behind a router, you need to forward the port to allow external connections. To do this, log in to your router’s control panel and add a new port forwarding rule for port 25565 (default Minecraft port).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much does it cost to host a Minecraft server?

A: The cost of hosting a Minecraft server varies depending on the hosting provider and the plan you choose. Some hosting providers offer plans as low as $2.50/month, while others can cost up to $50/month.

Q: How much RAM do I need to host a Minecraft server?

A: The amount of RAM you need to host a Minecraft server depends on the number of players and plugins you want to run. A minimum of 2GB of RAM is recommended for a small server with up to 10 players.

Q: Can I run a Minecraft server on my own computer?

A: Yes, you can run a Minecraft server on your own computer. However, it’s not recommended as it can affect the performance of your computer and your internet connection.

Q: Can I customize the game settings on my Minecraft server?

A: Yes, you can customize the game settings on your Minecraft server by editing the server.properties file. You can change the game mode, difficulty level, and other settings according to your preferences.

Q: Can I install plugins on my Minecraft server?

A: Yes, you can install plugins on your Minecraft server to add new features and enhance the gameplay experience. Popular plugins include Essentials, WorldEdit, and PermissionsEx, among others.

Congratulations, Dev, you’ve successfully learned how to host your own Minecraft server 24/7. We hope you have fun creating your own personalized Minecraft world with your friends and family. Happy gaming!