Hosting a Minecraft Snapshot Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

If you’re an avid Minecraft player, you may have heard about snapshot servers. These servers allow you to play the latest updates to the game before they are officially released. Not only is this an opportunity to explore new features, but it also allows you to provide feedback to the game developers.

If you’re interested in hosting a Minecraft snapshot server, this guide is for you. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to set up your server, as well as tips for optimizing its performance. Let’s get started!

Choosing a Hosting Provider

The first step in hosting a Minecraft snapshot server is choosing a hosting provider. There are many options available, but not all of them are created equal. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a provider:

Server Location

The closer the server is to your players, the better the performance will be. Look for a hosting provider that has servers located in your target region.

Hardware Specifications

Minecraft can be resource-intensive, so it’s important to choose a hosting provider with powerful hardware. Look for a provider that offers high-end CPUs, plenty of RAM, and fast storage.

Customer Support

When something goes wrong with your server, you want to be able to get help quickly. Look for a hosting provider that offers responsive customer support.

Now that you know what to look for in a hosting provider, let’s move on to setting up your Minecraft snapshot server.

Setting Up Your Server

Step 1: Install Java

Minecraft runs on Java, so you’ll need to install it on your server. Here’s how to do it:

1. Connect to your server using SSH.
2. Run the command sudo apt update to update the package manager.
3. Run the command sudo apt install default-jre to install Java.

Step 2: Download the Server Jar File

The Minecraft server software is available for download on the official Minecraft website. Make sure to choose the snapshot version that you want to host.

Step 3: Configure the Server

Before you can start your server, you’ll need to configure it. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Server Properties

The server properties file contains settings for your Minecraft server. You can edit this file using a text editor. Here are a few settings that you may want to change:

Whitelist

If you only want certain players to be able to join your server, you can use a whitelist. To enable the whitelist, set the enforce-whitelist property to true in the server properties file. Then, add the usernames of the players you want to allow to the whitelist file.

Ops

If you want certain players to have administrative privileges on your server, you can add them to the ops list. To do this, create a file called ops.json in the server directory and add the player’s username to it.

Step 4: Start the Server

Once you’ve configured your server, you can start it by running the following command:

java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

This command starts the server with 1GB of RAM allocated. You can adjust this value depending on your server’s hardware specifications.

If you want to run the server in the background, you can use a tool like screen. Here’s how to do it:

1. Install screen by running the command sudo apt install screen.
2. Start a new screen session by running the command screen -S minecraft.
3. Start the Minecraft server inside the screen session.
4. Detach from the screen session by pressing Ctrl+A, then D.

Your Minecraft snapshot server is now up and running! Let’s move on to optimizing its performance.

Optimizing Your Server

To get the best performance out of your Minecraft snapshot server, there are a few things you can do:

Choose the Right Version

Make sure to choose a version of the Minecraft snapshot that is compatible with your server software. Check the official Minecraft website for compatibility information.

Allocate Enough RAM

Minecraft can be memory-intensive, so make sure to allocate enough RAM to your server. You can do this by editing the command that starts the server. For example, to allocate 2GB of RAM, use the following command:

java -Xmx2G -Xms2G -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

Install Plugins

Plugins can add new features to your Minecraft server and help optimize its performance. Here are a few plugins that you may want to consider:

• Paper: This plugin is a high-performance fork of the Bukkit server software.
• LimitPVP: This plugin limits player-vs-player combat to designated areas.
• ClearLagg: This plugin removes entities that are causing lag on the server.

Monitor Your Server

Keep an eye on your server’s performance by using a monitoring tool like Metrics. This tool provides detailed information about your server’s CPU and memory usage, as well as the number of players connected.

FAQ

What is a Minecraft snapshot server?

A Minecraft snapshot server allows players to test the latest updates to the game before they are officially released.

Do I need a special version of Minecraft to connect to a snapshot server?

Yes, you’ll need to switch to the snapshot version of Minecraft in order to join a snapshot server.

How do I update my snapshot server?

To update your snapshot server, simply download the latest version of the snapshot server software from the official Minecraft website and replace the old files with the new ones.

Can I run a snapshot server on my home computer?

Yes, you can run a snapshot server on your home computer, but keep in mind that it may not be as reliable or powerful as a server hosted by a professional hosting provider.

How do I add plugins to my snapshot server?

To add plugins to your snapshot server, simply download the plugin files and place them in the “plugins” directory of your server.

Can I use mods with my snapshot server?

Yes, you can use mods with your snapshot server, but keep in mind that they may not be compatible with the latest version of Minecraft.

Conclusion

Hosting a Minecraft snapshot server can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to set up your own server and start exploring the latest updates to the game. Remember to choose a reliable hosting provider, optimize your server’s performance, and keep an eye on its performance using monitoring tools. Good luck, and have fun!