How to Host a Minecraft Server 24/7 for Free

Welcome, Dev! If you’re looking for a way to host a Minecraft server that’s available around the clock without spending a dime, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll show you how to set up and run a Minecraft server 24/7 without paying a cent. We’ll be covering the entire process step by step, so even if you’re completely new to Minecraft servers, you’ll be able to follow along easily. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Choose Your Server Software

The first step to hosting a Minecraft server 24/7 for free is to choose your server software. There are a number of different options available, but we recommend using PaperMC. It’s a fork of the popular Spigot software and is both lightweight and easy to set up.

Why Choose PaperMC?

There are a few good reasons to choose PaperMC over other server software options:

To get started with PaperMC, go to the PaperMC downloads page and download the latest version.

Step 2: Set Up Your Server

Once you’ve downloaded PaperMC, it’s time to set up your server. Here’s how:

1. Create a New Folder

Create a new folder on your computer where you want to store your server files. You can name this folder whatever you like.

2. Download Minecraft Server Files

Next, go to the Minecraft server download page and download the server files for the version of Minecraft you want to use.

3. Move Server Files to Your New Folder

Move the server files you just downloaded to the new folder you created in Step 1.

4. Run the Server

To run the server, open a terminal window or command prompt and navigate to the folder where you saved the server files. Then, type the following command:

java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui

This will start the server. You can now connect to it using the Minecraft client.

Step 3: Configure Your Server

Now that your server is up and running, it’s time to configure it to your liking. Here are some things you might want to do:

1. Set Server Properties

Open the server.properties file in your server folder and configure the settings to your liking. You can set things like the server name, maximum number of players, and whether or not the server should be in survival mode.

2. Install Plugins

If you want to customize your server even further, you can install plugins. You can find a variety of plugins on Bukkit or Spigot. To install a plugin, simply download the .jar file and place it in the plugins folder in your server directory.

3. Set Up Port Forwarding

If you want other people to be able to connect to your server over the internet, you’ll need to set up port forwarding. This varies depending on your router, so you’ll need to consult your router’s manual or do some research online to figure out how to do this.

Step 4: Keep Your Server Running 24/7

Now that your server is up and running, you’ll need to keep it running 24/7. Here are some tips:

1. Use a Dedicated Computer

One way to keep your server running 24/7 is to use a dedicated computer. This could be an old computer that you’re no longer using, or even a Raspberry Pi.

2. Use a Server Hosting Service

Another option is to use a server hosting service. There are a number of free options available, such as Aternos and Server.pro.

3. Use a VPS

You could also use a virtual private server (VPS) to host your server. This will allow you to run your server on a remote machine, which means you won’t have to worry about keeping your own computer running 24/7.

FAQ

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

A: The amount of RAM you need depends on the number of players and plugins you plan to have on your server. As a rule of thumb, you should allocate 1GB of RAM per 10 players.

Q: How do I whitelist players on my server?

A: To whitelist players, open the whitelist.json file in your server directory and add the player’s name and UUID to the list.

Q: How do I install mods on my server?

A: Mods are installed differently than plugins. You’ll need to download the mod files and place them in the mods folder in your server directory.

Q: How do I change the server port?

A: Open the server.properties file in your server directory and change the server-port setting to the port number you want to use.

Q: How do I make my server public?

A: To make your server public, you’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router. You’ll also need to share your server’s IP address with other players.

Conclusion

Hosting a Minecraft server 24/7 for free is definitely possible, but it does require some setup and configuration. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to set up your own server and keep it running around the clock. Whether you’re hosting a server for yourself and your friends or you’re looking to build a community, hosting your own server is a great way to enjoy Minecraft on your own terms. Good luck!