PocketMine Server Hosting: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

As a developer, you understand that hosting a PocketMine server can be a challenging task. You need a reliable server with optimal performance and uptime to ensure that your users have an excellent experience. In this guide, we’ll explore PocketMine server hosting and provide you with everything you need to know to host your own server. Let’s dive in!

Chapter 1: What is PocketMine?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of server hosting, let’s first understand what PocketMine is. PocketMine is a third-party software that allows you to host a Minecraft: Bedrock Edition (also known as Pocket Edition) server. It’s an open-source platform that enables developers to create plugins, mods, and customizations for their servers.

One of the benefits of using PocketMine is that it allows you to run your own server on your own hardware. You have full control over your server, and you can customize it to your liking. However, hosting your own server comes with the responsibility of maintaining it and ensuring that it runs smoothly.

What are the requirements for PocketMine?

Before hosting a PocketMine server, you need to ensure that your server meets the minimum requirements. Here are the requirements:

Requirement	Minimum
Operating System	Linux (recommended), Windows, or macOS
RAM	1GB (2GB is recommended)
Storage	At least 1GB of free space
Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent (or higher)

Keep in mind that these are the minimum requirements, and your server’s performance will improve with better hardware.

Chapter 2: PocketMine Server Hosting Options

Now that you understand what PocketMine is and the requirements, let’s explore the different hosting options available to you.

Self-Hosting

Self-hosting is the most flexible and affordable hosting option for PocketMine servers. As mentioned earlier, you can host your server on your hardware, giving you full control over it. Self-hosting is ideal for developers who want to customize their servers and don’t want to pay for hosting services.

However, self-hosting comes with its own set of challenges. You need to ensure that your server meets the requirements, maintain it, and deal with any technical issues that arise. Additionally, if you’re hosting a server for a large number of players, you may need to upgrade your hardware, which can be costly.

Third-Party Hosting Services

Third-party hosting services are a popular option for developers who don’t want to deal with the technical aspects of hosting a server. These services offer preconfigured servers with optimal performance and uptime, allowing you to focus on developing your server.

There are several third-party hosting services available, such as Aternos, BisectHosting, and Shockbyte. These services offer different packages with varying prices and features, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Chapter 3: Setting Up a PocketMine Server

Regardless of the hosting option you choose, setting up a PocketMine server follows the same general process. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Download PocketMine

The first step is to download PocketMine. You can download the latest version from the official PocketMine website. Make sure to download the version that corresponds to the Minecraft: Bedrock Edition version you want to run.

Step 2: Install PocketMine

Once you’ve downloaded PocketMine, you need to install it on your server. The installation process varies depending on your operating system, but the official PocketMine website provides detailed instructions for each one.

Step 3: Configure Your Server

Next, you need to configure your server. The configuration files are located in the “PocketMine-MP” folder on your server. You can modify these files to customize your server’s settings, such as the server name, port, and maximum number of players.

Step 4: Install Plugins

One of the benefits of using PocketMine is that it allows you to install plugins that modify your server’s functionality. There are several plugins available, such as EssentialsX, WorldEdit, and SimpleAuth. You can install these plugins by downloading them from the official PocketMine forums and placing them in the “plugins” folder on your server.

Step 5: Start Your Server

Once you’ve configured your server and installed the plugins, you’re ready to start your server. You can start your server by running the “start.sh” file on Linux or macOS, or the “start.bat” file on Windows.

Chapter 4: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I host a PocketMine server for free?

A: Yes, you can self-host a PocketMine server for free if you have the hardware and technical knowledge to set it up. Additionally, some third-party hosting services offer free packages, such as Aternos.

Q: How many players can a PocketMine server support?

A: The number of players a PocketMine server can support depends on your server’s hardware and the number of plugins installed. Generally, a server with 1GB of RAM can support up to 10 players, while a server with 2GB of RAM can support up to 20 players.

Q: Can I install mods on a PocketMine server?

A: No, you cannot install mods on a PocketMine server. PocketMine only supports plugins, which are written in PHP.

Q: How do I update my PocketMine server?

A: To update your PocketMine server, you need to download the latest version from the official PocketMine website and replace the old files with the new ones. Make sure to back up your server files before updating to avoid losing any data.

Conclusion

Hosting a PocketMine server may seem daunting at first, but with this guide, you have all the information you need to get started. Whether you choose to self-host or use a third-party hosting service, make sure to prioritize server performance and uptime to provide your users with the best experience possible. Good luck, and happy hosting!