Everything you need to know about hosting Minecraft modded servers

Greetings Dev! Are you interested in hosting a Minecraft modded server? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to successfully set up and host your own Minecraft modded server. Whether you’re a seasoned Minecraft player or just starting out, we’ve got you covered.

What is a Minecraft modded server?

Before we dive in, let’s first discuss what a Minecraft modded server is. In short, a modded server is a Minecraft server that has been modified with various plugins and mods. These mods can add new gameplay features, change the look and feel of the game, or even add entirely new dimensions to explore.

Hosting a Minecraft modded server can be a bit more complicated than hosting a vanilla server, but with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can do it. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Choosing the right hosting provider

The first step in hosting a Minecraft modded server is choosing the right hosting provider. While it’s possible to host a server on your own computer, we generally recommend using a hosting provider for better performance and reliability.

There are many hosting providers out there, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Some popular options include:

Hosting Provider
Price (per month)
Features
Shockbyte
$2.50 – $40
Unlimited SSD storage, DDoS protection, 24/7 support
Apex Hosting
$4.49 – $39.99
Automatic backups, custom JAR support, one-click modpack installation
Nodecraft
$9 – $32
Automatic updates, unlimited player slots, 24/7 support

Do your research and choose a hosting provider that fits your needs and budget.

Factors to consider when choosing a hosting provider

There are several factors to consider when choosing a hosting provider for your Minecraft modded server:

Performance and reliability

Your server’s performance and reliability are crucial to providing a good experience for your players. Look for a hosting provider with fast servers and a high uptime guarantee.

Price

Hosting prices can vary widely, so make sure you choose a provider that fits your budget. Keep in mind that the cheapest option isn’t always the best.

Support

Make sure your hosting provider offers good customer support in case you run into any issues.

Features

Some hosting providers offer additional features like automated backups, one-click modpack installations, and custom JAR support. Consider what features are important to you.

Scalability

If you plan on growing your server and adding more players, make sure your hosting provider has the infrastructure to support your growth.

Step 2: Installing the Minecraft server software

Once you’ve chosen a hosting provider, the next step is to install the Minecraft server software. Most hosting providers make this process relatively easy by providing a control panel or web interface.

If you’re installing the server software on your own computer, you can download it from the official Minecraft website.

System requirements

Before you begin, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements for running a Minecraft server:

  • At least 2 gigabytes of RAM (4GB recommended)
  • A 64-bit operating system
  • A fast internet connection

Installing the server software on a hosting provider

If you’re using a hosting provider, the process for installing the server software will vary depending on the provider. In general, you’ll need to follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your hosting provider’s control panel or web interface.
  2. Look for an option to install a Minecraft server and click it.
  3. Choose the version of Minecraft you want to install (make sure it’s compatible with your mods).
  4. Choose any additional server options (such as server location or server type).
  5. Click “Install” and wait for the server software to be set up.

Installing the server software on your own computer

If you’re installing the server software on your own computer, follow these steps:

  1. Download the Minecraft server software from the official Minecraft website.
  2. Create a new folder on your computer and extract the server software to it.
  3. Double-click the “eula.txt” file and change “false” to “true” (this indicates that you agree to the Minecraft server software license).
  4. Double-click the “start.bat” file to start the server software.
  5. The first time you run the server, it will generate some files and folders. Once it’s done, stop the server by typing “stop” in the console window.
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Step 3: Installing mods on your server

Now that you’ve installed the Minecraft server software, it’s time to start adding mods to your server. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on the type of mods you want to install.

Option 1: Installing mods manually

If you’re only installing a few mods, you can do it manually by following these steps:

  1. Download the mod files from a reputable source (such as CurseForge).
  2. Locate the “mods” folder on your server (this should be in the same directory as the server software).
  3. Copy the mod files into the “mods” folder.
  4. Restart the server.

Option 2: Using a modpack launcher

If you’re installing a lot of mods or a complex modpack, it may be easier to use a modpack launcher like Twitch or Technic.

To use a modpack launcher, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install the modpack launcher.
  2. Select the modpack you want to install.
  3. Click “Install” and wait for the launcher to download and install all the necessary files.
  4. Launch the modpack and connect to your server.

Step 4: Configuring your server

With the Minecraft server software installed and your mods in place, it’s time to configure your server to your liking. Depending on the mods you’ve installed, you may need to tweak various settings to get everything running smoothly.

Here are a few things you may want to configure:

Server properties

The server.properties file is where you can configure various settings for your Minecraft server, including game rules, player limits, and server difficulty. You can edit this file directly or use your hosting provider’s control panel to make changes.

Mods and plugins

If you’re using mods and plugins on your server, you may need to configure them to work together properly. Check the documentation for each mod or plugin to see what settings you can adjust.

Backups

It’s always a good idea to regularly back up your server in case anything goes wrong. Some hosting providers offer automatic backups, but you can also use a plugin like Backup Pro to manually back up your server.

Step 5: Inviting players to your server

With your server up and running, it’s time to invite some players to join in the fun. There are a few different ways to do this:

Option 1: Direct connect

The easiest way to invite players to your server is to give them your server’s IP address and have them connect directly to it. To find your server’s IP address, open the server.properties file and look for the “server-ip” setting.

Option 2: Using a server list

You can also list your server on a server list such as Minecraft Server List or Planet Minecraft. This allows players to find your server easily and join with just a few clicks.

FAQ

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

A: Hosting prices can vary widely depending on the hosting provider and the level of service you require. Expect to pay anywhere from $2.50 to $40 per month.

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

A: Yes, but keep in mind that hosting a server on your own computer can be more difficult and may not provide the same level of performance and reliability as a hosting provider.

Q: Do I need to know how to code to host a Minecraft modded server?

A: No, but a basic understanding of server configuration and the Minecraft modding ecosystem will be helpful.

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Q: Can I make money hosting a Minecraft modded server?

A: Yes, but it’s important to read and follow the Minecraft server EULA to avoid any legal issues.

Q: How many players can I have on my Minecraft modded server?

A: This depends on the server hardware and hosting provider you choose. Most hosting providers offer plans with varying player limits.

Q: How do I update my Minecraft server software?

A: This depends on the hosting provider you choose. Most providers offer an easy way to update your server software through their control panel or web interface.

That’s it, Dev! We hope this guide has helped you successfully set up and host your own Minecraft modded server. Remember, hosting a server can be a lot of work, but it’s also a rewarding experience that can bring together friends and players from all over the world.