How to Host a Minecraft Server on Linux – A Complete Guide for Devs

Minecraft has been around for over a decade, and its popularity only seems to be increasing with time. With more and more players joining the game every day, hosting a server has become a great way to bring people together and enjoy the game together. In this article, we’ll go over how to host a Minecraft server on Linux – an operating system that is widely used by many developers. So, if you’re a dev looking to set up your own Minecraft server, this guide is for you!

Why Host a Minecraft Server on Linux?

Before we get into the technical details of how to host a Minecraft server on Linux, let’s first discuss why you should choose this operating system over others. Here are some of the main reasons:

Cost-Effective

One of the biggest advantages of hosting a Minecraft server on Linux is that it’s cost-effective. Linux is a free and open-source operating system, which means that you don’t have to pay for any licenses or subscriptions. This can save you a lot of money in the long run, especially if you plan on running your server for a long time.

Stable and Secure

Linux is known for its stability and security, which makes it a great choice for hosting a Minecraft server. Unlike other operating systems, Linux is less prone to crashes and security breaches, which can help keep your server up and running smoothly.

Flexible and Customizable

Linux is highly flexible and customizable, which means that you have more control over your server. You can install and configure different software packages and settings to optimize your server’s performance and meet your specific needs.

Requirements for Hosting a Minecraft Server on Linux

Before we dive into the steps for hosting a Minecraft server on Linux, let’s first go over the requirements:

Setting Up a Minecraft Server on Linux

Step 1: Install Java

The first step to hosting a Minecraft server on Linux is to install Java. Minecraft requires Java to run, so it’s essential that you have it installed on your server.

To install Java, you can use your distribution’s package manager. For example, if you’re using Ubuntu, you can use the following command:

sudo apt-get install default-jre

Alternatively, you can download Java from the official website and install it manually.

Step 2: Download and Install Minecraft Server

The next step is to download and install the Minecraft server software. You can download the software from the official Minecraft website.

Once you’ve downloaded the software, navigate to the directory where you want to install the server and run the following command:

java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

This will start the Minecraft server and create the necessary files and folders. You can then configure the server settings to your liking, such as changing the server name, setting a whitelist, or adjusting the game rules.

Step 3: Connect to the Server

After you’ve set up the server, you’ll need to connect to it to start playing. To do this, open the Minecraft client and click on the “Multiplayer” option. Then, click on “Add Server” and enter the server’s IP address or domain name.

You should now be able to connect to the server and start playing Minecraft with your friends!

FAQ

Q. Can I host a Minecraft server on my personal computer?

A. Yes, you can host a Minecraft server on your personal computer, but it’s not recommended. Hosting a server requires a lot of resources, and running it on your personal computer can slow down your system and affect your gaming performance.

Q. How many players can I host on my Minecraft server?

A. The number of players you can host on your Minecraft server will depend on the specifications of your server. As a general rule of thumb, you should have at least 2GB of RAM for every 10 players.

Q. How do I update my Minecraft server?

A. To update your Minecraft server, simply download the latest version of the server software and replace the old files with the new ones. You should also make backups of your server files before updating, just in case anything goes wrong.

Q. Can I install plugins on my Minecraft server?

A. Yes, you can install plugins on your Minecraft server to add new features and functionality. There are many plugins available, including ones for anti-griefing, economy systems, and more.

Q. How do I backup my Minecraft server?

A. To backup your Minecraft server, you can simply copy the server files to another location. You can also use backup software or plugins to automate the process and make it easier.

Conclusion

Hosting a Minecraft server on Linux can be a great way to bring people together and enjoy the game together. With the right setup and configuration, you can create a stable and secure server that meets your specific needs. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can start hosting your own Minecraft server on Linux in no time!