Welcome, Devs! If you’re looking to host a Bedrock server, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of setting up and maintaining your very own Bedrock server. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to server hosting, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
What is Bedrock Server?
Before we dive into the details of hosting a Bedrock server, let’s first discuss what exactly Bedrock Server is. Bedrock Server is a server software that allows players to connect and play together in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. Bedrock Edition is the version of Minecraft that is available on multiple platforms, including Windows 10, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. Bedrock Server is designed specifically for this version of Minecraft and allows players across these different platforms to play together in the same world.
Now that you know what Bedrock Server is, let’s move on to the steps for hosting your own server.
Step 1: Choosing Your Server Host
The first step in hosting a Bedrock server is choosing your server host. There are a variety of options available, including dedicated server hosts, cloud hosting services, and even setting up your own server at home. Each option has its pros and cons, so it’s important to do your research and choose the option that works best for you.
Dedicated Server Hosts
Dedicated server hosts are companies that specialize in hosting game servers. They typically offer pre-configured servers that are optimized for gaming and come with features like automatic backups and 24/7 support. Some popular dedicated server hosts for hosting a Bedrock server include:
Server Host |
Price |
Features |
|---|---|---|
MCProHosting |
$7.99/month |
DDoS protection, automatic backups, 24/7 support |
Nodecraft |
$9.98/month |
1-click installation, SSD storage, 24/7 support |
BisectHosting |
$7.99/month |
Unlimited player slots, instant setup, 24/7 support |
When choosing a dedicated server host, be sure to consider factors like price, server location, and features offered. You’ll also want to make sure the host supports Bedrock Server specifically, as some hosts may only support the Java Edition of Minecraft.
Cloud Hosting Services
Cloud hosting services like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure allow you to set up virtual servers in the cloud. This option requires a bit more technical know-how, but can be more affordable than a dedicated server host. Some popular cloud hosting services for hosting a Bedrock server include:
Cloud Hosting Service |
Price |
Features |
|---|---|---|
AWS EC2 |
Starts at $0.005/hour |
Scalable, customizable, pay-as-you-go |
Microsoft Azure |
Starts at $13.33/month |
Scalable, pay-as-you-go, 99.95% uptime guarantee |
DigitalOcean |
$5/month |
SSD storage, cloud firewalls, 99.99% uptime guarantee |
Cloud hosting services are a more flexible option than dedicated server hosts, as they allow you to easily scale up or down as needed. However, they do require more technical knowledge to set up and maintain.
Setting Up Your Own Server
If you’re tech-savvy and want to set up your own server at home, you can do so by setting up a Minecraft server on your own computer or by purchasing a dedicated server and setting it up yourself. This option is the most customizable, but also requires the most technical know-how and can be more expensive than using a dedicated server host or cloud hosting service.
Once you’ve chosen your server host, it’s time to move on to the next step: installing Bedrock Server.
Step 2: Installing Bedrock Server
The next step in hosting a Bedrock server is installing the Bedrock Server software. This process will vary depending on your server host, so be sure to follow their specific instructions. In general, the process involves:
Downloading the Bedrock Server Software
The first step in installing Bedrock Server is downloading the software from the official Minecraft website. You can download the software here. Be sure to download the version that corresponds to your server host’s operating system.
Unpacking the Server Software
Once you’ve downloaded the server software, you’ll need to unpack it. This can typically be done using a program like 7-Zip or WinRAR. Simply right-click on the downloaded file and select “Extract Here”.
Running the Server Software
Once you’ve unpacked the server software, you can run it by double-clicking on the “bedrock_server.exe” file. The server will take a few moments to start up, and you should see a command prompt window open.
Now that you’ve installed Bedrock Server, it’s time to move on to the next step: configuring your server settings.
Step 3: Configuring Your Server Settings
Before you can start playing on your Bedrock server, you’ll need to configure your server settings. This includes setting up things like server name, max players, and game mode. Here’s how to do it:
Accessing Your Server Settings
Your server settings can be accessed by editing the “server.properties” file in your Bedrock Server folder. To do this, navigate to the folder where you installed Bedrock Server and open the “server.properties” file in a text editor like Notepad.
Configuring Your Server Settings
Once you’ve opened the “server.properties” file, you can begin configuring your server settings. Some of the most important settings to configure include:
Server Name
The “server-name” setting determines the name of your server as it appears in the server list. You can set this to anything you like, but be sure to keep it under 35 characters.
Max Players
The “max-players” setting determines the maximum number of players that can connect to your server at once. Set this to a value that works for your server and your computer’s capabilities.
Game Mode
The “gamemode” setting determines the default game mode for your server. You can set this to “survival”, “creative”, or “adventure”.
Difficulty
The “difficulty” setting determines the difficulty level of your server. You can set this to “peaceful”, “easy”, “normal”, or “hard”.
Once you’ve configured your server settings, be sure to save the “server.properties” file and restart your server for the changes to take effect.
Step 4: Managing Your Bedrock Server
Now that your Bedrock server is up and running, you’ll need to know how to manage it. This includes things like adding plugins and managing player permissions. Here’s what you need to know:
Adding Plugins
Plugins are add-ons that can enhance the functionality of your server. To add plugins to your Bedrock server, you’ll need to use a third-party program like PocketMine-MP. This program allows you to add and manage plugins for your server. You can download PocketMine-MP here.
Managing Player Permissions
Player permissions determine what players are allowed to do on your server. You can manage player permissions using a plugin like PurePerms. This plugin allows you to set up groups with different permissions and assign players to those groups. You can download PurePerms here.
FAQ
Can I Host a Bedrock Server for Free?
While it is possible to host a Bedrock server for free using programs like PocketMine-MP, these free options may not offer the same level of performance and reliability as a paid server host or cloud hosting service. If you’re serious about hosting a Bedrock server, we recommend investing in a dedicated server host or cloud hosting service.
How Much RAM Does My Server Need?
The amount of RAM your server needs will depend on a variety of factors, including the number of players on your server and the number of plugins you’re running. As a general rule, we recommend a minimum of 1GB of RAM for a small server, and 2-4GB for a larger server with more players and plugins. Be sure to check the recommendations of your server host or cloud hosting service for more specific guidelines.
How Do I Update Bedrock Server?
To update Bedrock Server, simply download the latest version from the official Minecraft website and replace the “bedrock_server.exe” file in your server’s folder with the new version. Be sure to back up your server files before updating to avoid any potential data loss.
How Do I Backup My Server?
To back up your server, simply copy the entire Bedrock Server folder to a separate location on your computer or upload it to a cloud storage service like Dropbox or Google Drive. You can also use a plugin like SimpleBackup to automate the backup process.
How Do I Ban a Player?
To ban a player from your server, use a plugin like PurePerms to set up a “banned” group with no permissions. Then, add the player you wish to ban to this group. Alternatively, you can use a ban plugin like BanHammer to ban players directly.
That’s it, Devs! You should now have everything you need to host your very own Bedrock server. Good luck, and have fun!