How to Create Your Own Minecraft Gaming Server. How to make a mc server

Our article is intended as a guide to get you started. You should check out the Minecraft wiki for more information, or just google it. There are many online tutorials.

How To Make a Minecraft Server – The Ultimate 2022 Guide

In this free CodaKid tutorial, we will provide step by step instructions on how to create a Minecraft server in 2022 – including how to host a server for free.

In addition to tips on how to set up free Minecraft server hosting, we provide step-by-step instructions on how to set up multiplayer games that you can play with your friends and family.

At CodaKid, we live and breathe Minecraft and teach tens of thousands of Minecraft Modding students each year using the Java programming language. We hope you enjoy this guide!

Step 2: Get the Latest Version of Java

The first step in setting up your Minecraft server is to make sure you have the latest version of Java installed. Minecraft requires Java to run the game and having the latest version will help us get our server running smoothly.

You can install the latest version of Java here. There, click on the red Download Java button as seen below:

How to make a Minecraft server

Then read and accept the terms by clicking on the red button “I Agree and start free download.

The Java installation startup file should now be in the download folder on your computer. If you need help finding your download folder, type “downloads” into your computer’s search bar and open the Downloads folder.

In the download folder, find the JavaSetup executable and run the application. A pop-up may appear asking if the application can make changes to your computer. Click to allow access, you may be asked to enter a password for these permissions.

After the application is loaded, click to install Java.

How to make a Minecraft server - Java installation

You may be asked to uninstall the previous version of Java, as keeping the old version does not help with our server configuration.

After removing previous versions, continue prompting in the window until Java is downloaded and updated.

The first step in setting up your Minecraft server should now be completed. The next step we need to take is to download and set up the actual Minecraft server folder.

Open that text document, then look at the bottom. Here’s a section that reads “eula = false”. To accept the EULA, you need to edit the EULA to say “eula = true”.

How to Create a Minecraft Server on Windows, Mac, or Linux Systems

Let’s start with the basics. Setting up the server itself requires a little bit of technical knowledge. You need to understand, at least at a basic level, how the server and the network work, and you should be familiar with the command lines as well as the hardware you use.

Some questions people ask are:

Do I need a specific type of computer to run a Minecraft server?

No. You don’t need a special computer, but you can probably set it up better on a desktop computer.

Can I run the server and play the game on the same computer?

Sure, with an explanation. It’s possible to run the server and play on the same machine, but for the best possible performance you need to have a fairly powerful system.

Can I run a Minecraft server over a wireless connection?

This is not recommended. A wired connection is much more reliable and preferred.

Do I need specialized equipment?

You can buy server hardware, but a Virtual Private Server (VPS) or dedicated server is a much easier way. You won’t have to hassle with hardware maintenance and it’s a scalable solution in case you need more server power. Plus, having a hosted server means you don’t risk exposing your network to the world.

With these points in mind, here are the steps you’ll take to set up your Minecraft server in a broad sense:

  1. Install the latest version of Java on your computer.
  2. Download the latest version of Minecraft.
  3. Set up your network and server.
  4. Start the server.
  5. Make sure you have access to the server.

Setting Up Your Minecraft Server on Linux

A Linux-hosted VPS is perfect if you aren’t expecting a large amount of players on your server, and it’s a great way to get started. If you find that you need more power, you can easily scale up. If you have larger plans, you can consider a dedicated server.

LinuxGSM is an open source command tool that works exceptionally well for deploying game servers. You’ll have to manually configure Java and point it to LinuxGSM. Click here for a detailed step-by-step guide to deploying a Minecraft server on Linux.

  1. Install the latest Java iteration. Before starting, you need to connect to the host via SSH.
  2. Create a location for the server files.
  3. Download the Minecraft server files. Check this page to make sure you have the latest version. You will also need to install and run “screen” to keep the server running even when you are not connected to it.
  4. Start the Minecraft server. When it’s finished, you need to check that the server is working properly.

Save the server.properties file and restart the server. Next, you’ll need to put your server IP address into the Minecraft health checker to see if it works.

Point your domain to the Minecraft server. Use an easy-to-remember name instead of an IP address so that your curious can find you. You can do this by updating your domain’s DNS records with an A record or a subdomain that you can point to your server’s IP address.

How Much Will You Pay for a Minecraft Server?

As with most things in life, how much you’ll pay for a Minecraft server really depends on what you need. If you want to experiment a bit or just need something that can handle up to 20 players, you’re looking for a Virtual Private Server ranging from $ 6 to $ 35 per month. The more active players you have on the server, the more you will pay.

However, if you are looking for better performance and more possibilities, the possibilities are endless. A dedicated Minecraft server offers top performance and features from around $ 101 per month. Whether you have a bunch of kids or programming for a game, a dedicated server has many advantages in terms of security, stability, availability, bandwidth, and memory.

Whichever route you choose, whether you choose a VPS or a dedicated server, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough money. If you want your Minecraft experience to be better in every way, make sure you have enough resources to make it all go well.

Ultimately, it’s really about how you plan on using it; but if you are unsure, we are ready to help you make your decision. Additionally, once we find out what type of setup you mean, we may be able to give you some tips on what you can do to make your gaming experience even better.

If you are thinking of setting up a Minecraft server, talk to us first. We run some of the world’s most famous Minecraft hosting platforms, so we know a bit about it. Get in touch today and let’s get started.

It’s all well and good downloading the server software and creating Batch files, but if your PC isn’t up to the task then your efforts will be totally in vain.

Why you should NOT use your personal computer to make a Minecraft server

We noticed lots of tutorials showing you how to host a server on your own computer. There are downsides to doing that, like:

  • Your home internet is not secured enough to handle DDoS attacks. Game servers are often prone to DDoS attacks, and your home network setup is most probably not secured enough to handle them. It’s most likely not powerful enough to handle a small attack.
  • You’ll need to handle port forwarding. If you’ve tried making a Minecraft server on your home network, you’ve surely stumbled upon port forwarding and had issues with it.
  • You must have your computer turned on all the time. Your electricity bills will soar and you will put unnecessary strain on your equipment. The hardware used by most servers is enterprise-class hardware, designed to support workloads, with increased stability and durability.
  • Your home internet is not fast enough. Home networks are not designed to support multiplayer games. You’ll need a much larger internet plan to even consider building a small server. Fortunately, data centers have plenty of high-speed enterprise-class internet connections so they have (or are trying to have) 100% uptime.
  • Your hardware is most likely not good enough. Again, the servers use enterprise-class hardware, the newest and fastest processors, SSDs, and more. Your personal computer most likely not.
  • You are probably using Windows / macOS on your personal computer. While this is debatable, we believe Linux is much better for hosting games. Don’t worry, you don’t really need to know everything about Linux to create a Minecraft server (though it’s recommended). We’ll show you everything you need to know.

Our tip is not to use a personal computer, although technically it is possible. Buying a cloud server is inexpensive. Below we will show you how to make a Minecraft server for cloud hosting. This is easy if you follow the instructions carefully.

Making a Minecraft Server – Requirements

There are a few requirements. You should know and know all of this before proceeding to the tutorial:

  • You need a Linux cloud server. We recommend Linode. Their prices are cheap, the services are high quality, the customer service is great, all the server hardware is high class. Check the Minecraft server requirements to find out what server you should get (resources like RAM and disk space). We recommend that you buy a server worth $ 20 per month. They support hourly prices, so if you only need a server temporarily to play with your friends you’ll pay less. Select Ubuntu 22.04 distribution when registering. Select the closest server location to which your players live during the registration process. Remember that you will be responsible for your server. So you have to secure it and manage it. If you don’t want to do this, you can get a managed server,in which case your hosting provider will likely make a Minecraft server for you.
  • You need an SSH client to connect to a Linux cloud server. PuTTy is often recommended for beginners, but we also recommend MobaXTerm. There are plenty of other SSH clients to choose from, so pick your favorite.
  • You need to configure your server (at least basic security settings). Google and you will find lots of tutorials. You can refer to the Linode Safety Guide and follow the exact steps on your Linode server.
  • Below we will deal with software requirements such as Java.

And finally, to our current tutorial:

If you have the option, save this file to the “My Awesome Server” folder. If not, just copy and paste or drag the downloaded file into the folder when it’s finished.

Step 2: Get the Latest Version of Java

Before you begin downloading the server software, there are some final preparations that you need to make.

Namely, you need to make sure you have the latest version of Java installed on your computer as this is the programming language used by Minecraft.

To do this, open the control panel application on your computer, go to “Programs and Features” and look for the Java icon. Once found, select the update tab and click “Update Now”.

If you can’t find Java at all in the control panel, you’ll need to download it from scratch here.

Step 3: Download the Java Edition Minecraft Server Software

Minecraft: Java Edition server download page

From this page you can download the latest version of the Minecraft: Java Edition server file. This file is trustworthy as it comes directly from Mojang Studios. Mojang studio

After completing the first two steps, you can now start setting up your Minecraft server.

To get started, you need to download the appropriate software. There are many sources for this on the Internet, but for the sake of cybersecurity, we recommend that you get it directly from Mojang Studios on the Minecraft site.

Click the link on this page to download the “server.jar” file. There is a good chance that your web browser may be trying to warn you about a suspicious file. For example, Google Chrome will display the message “This type of file may damage your computer”.

This is not cause for concern as your browser cannot verify this unusual download. Rest assured you have the file from a trustworthy source (Minecraft site) so it’s completely legal.

Click “Save” (or the browser equivalent), then make sure the file is stored in an easily accessible place. You don’t want it just hanging around in your downloads folder as the rest of the process is just going to be a mess.

If you see such a warning in your browser, just click “Save” or its equivalent. Google

If you sign up for free Minecraft hosting, most likely it will have a limited amount of resources including memory, bandwidth, and hardware. The free Minecraft plan also limits the ability to add mod packs and plugins, which can prevent users from getting the best experience.

What is a Minecraft Server?

The Minecraft server allows many people to play together in the same Minecraft world. There are different ways to deal with this, so it’s important to understand your options.

You can rent a server through a third party such as Apex Hosting or Hostinger. It does almost everything for you, but you have to pay a monthly service fee for it. It can be as high as $ 5, depending on the service you’re using.

You can start the server yourself. This saves you paying a monthly fee and also gives you complete control over how the server is serviced. This article focuses on creating your own Minecraft server without using any third party services.

Minecraft also runs personal multiplayer servers, called Realms, just for you and your friends. With Realm, your Minecraft world is online and always available, even when you log out.

A boy playing on a Minecraft server

Things to Consider Before Hosting a Minecraft Server

The benefits of hosting your own Minecraft server

  • You can have full control over the entire server at all times. If you want something done, you can do it as soon as you can do it yourself. There is no need to rely on someone else to do something for you.
  • You have the option to upgrade your computer, but you want to increase performance. Many hosting companies offer higher bonuses for higher specs, but if you have the latest generation CPU, maximum RAM, and the largest and most powerful graphics card, your server may be one of the most powerful servers on the market.
  • Setting up and learning to configure your network can be fun. You will learn about various networking features that you probably wouldn’t need to know otherwise.
  • It won’t cost you anything but the cost of running your computer. It costs money to use a hosting company, but hosting your own server will only pay you what it costs to maintain your computer.

Hosting your own Minecraft server can be very rewarding, but it does come with a few downsides that you should understand before trying it yourself.

  • You will need the appropriate hardware to run your own server. This includes a PC running Windows 7 or a Mac running macOS 10.4 or later. While it’s possible to host your own server on a Chromebook, it’s beyond the scope of this tutorial.
  • Along with a suitable computer, you will need an active internet connection and access to a router.
  • Your computer specifications that are needed depend a lot on the type of server you are using and how many players are on it at the moment. The more players log into your server, it will require more RAM and a more advanced CPU. The same goes for adding mods to the server. You can get away with a few gigabytes of RAM if you only play Vanilla (which means no mods!), But as soon as you start adding these awesome mods you’ll want to double, triple, or even quadruple the amount of RAM allocated to your server.
  • Since you will need to run the server from your computer, you will need a decent internet connection that is wired to your computer that can handle all players simultaneously. Nobody wants to log into the Minecraft server just to lag and restart every 15 minutes to restart the modem. Keep in mind that while a computer is required to run the server, your friends can play on your server from any platform as long as they are using the exact same version of Minecraft that you are using. For example, if you are using the server na Minecraft Java Edition 1.16.4, your friends will need to have Minecraft Java Edition 1.16.4 installed on their device.
  • You are entirely responsible for how this server works. If anything goes wrong, that’s your problem. Players will rely on you to fix any problems or bugs they may have, and if disputes do arise between players, you are often the person who can take care of them.
  • It’s not just about downloading a program and turning on your computer. You will need to configure your network and router, learn about port forwarding, and you may need to use the command line to edit configuration files.
  • The above requirements can lead to cyber attacks on your computer and private information. You can expose your network to security threats such as DDoS attacks. If your IP address falls into the wrong hands, someone may find sensitive information about you, such as your address! So be careful if you choose this route and make sure you follow these steps safely. If you want to run your own server but don’t want to host it yourself, check out our article on using Apex server hosting.

Steps for Creating a Minecraft Server

1. Getting Started: Download the Latest Version of Java

Still here? Great! Let’s start creating our own Minecraft server.

We can start by creating a new folder where all our downloads will be stored. You can put this anywhere you like, but I find the easiest way to create a new folder on the desktop.

In our examples, we’ll put everything in a folder named “My Awesome Server” right on the desktop. To create a folder on the desktop, right-click on any open space on the desktop and click “New Folder”. Then you can rename the folder to whatever you choose.

After creating the folder, you need to start downloading the files necessary to host your own server. Let’s start by making sure you have the latest version of Java on your computer. You can do this by clicking here or by going to https://www.java.com/en/download/. This link should lead to a proper download whether you are using a Mac or a PC.

Add the installer to the folder we created in the previous step. After downloading the installer, double-click it and follow the prompts.

2. Download the Server.jar File

After downloading the latest version of Java, you need to download the server.jar file.

If you are tracking along with the images / gifs in this tutorial, you may find that you have a different version number than the one shown. Alright, the steps should be the same.

You may get a warning from your computer that this file may be harmful. This is a normal warning for any .jar file. If you don’t know where it comes from, you should worry about it. That being said, I think we can trust Minecraft in this case.

If you have the option, save this file to the “My Awesome Server” folder. If not, just copy and paste or drag the downloaded file into the folder when it’s finished.

3. Create Your Server Configuration Files

After placing the server.jar file in the “My Awesome Server” folder, double-click it or right-click and open it to create the configuration files automatically.

There is an EULA (End User License Agreement) that you must accept to prevent immediate server failure. Open the EULA file (depending on your computer this could be eula.txt) and change eula = false to eula = true. Then go to File> Save or hit ctrl + s to save this document.

4. Run Your Server

Double-click the server.jar file again. You’ll now generate some new files as well as see your server boot up.

If your goal was to create your own Minecraft server to play with your friends on the same internet connection as you, you’ve made it to the end. Congratulations!

For friends using the same internet connection, log in to Minecraft and click the Multiplayer tab and they should find your server you just created. Note that you both need to use the same version of Minecraft.

Just below the command block line is a line that indicates the maximum number of players that can join the server. The default value shown here is “max-players = 20” so if you want a smaller server please change this number to a lower one or if you want to host a lot of people you can increase it.

Find the Best Web Host for Your Minecraft Server

There are many web hosts that offer Minecraft servers, including Amazon Web Services, Apex, Hostinger, and PebbleHost, so your first step should be to shop around. You will find different server requirements depending on the size of your Minecraft world, the number of players that will connect to your server, and whether or not you want to install mods. Sure, you’ll pay more out of your pocket if you buy a larger plan, but many web hosts allow you to move from a lower tier to a higher tier without too much fuss. So if you’re just starting out, it may be safer to start with a smaller plan and upgrade later as your needs increase.

The most important thing to consider is the allocation of RAM and virtual processor. The quality of the server and the number of players depends on the server memory. 2GB of RAM can handle up to 10 players before lag creeps into the game. The allocation of the virtual processor affects the smoothness of the game; the more CPUs or higher quality CPUs power your server, the better. As mentioned before, if you just want to play with a handful of friends, all you need is a basic plan. However, if you’re hoping to grow your community, you’ll need to invest your money in a high-end hosting subscription.

Let’s take a look at PebbleHost for this example. The budget plan allows you to choose the version of Minecraft you want to run, including the latest edition. PebbleHost also allows you to specify the type of server you want to run, including the PC Java version, the highly customized Spigot version, and the console / mobile version of Bedrock. For example, a server for Vanilla Minecraft (Java Base PC) or Minecraft 1.17 costs $ 5 per month and comes with a recommended allocation of 5GB of RAM.

The basic steps for creating a server are more or less the same no matter which service you choose. Here is a brief description of what to do:

Choose a plan that is suitable for the total RAM you’ll need to run Minecraft properly.

Configure your server by specifying the region, game version and add-ons.

Check your information, create an account with the provider if necessary, and submit your payment information. After the payment is confirmed, you will receive information on how to access the server.

Copy the IP address that your hosting service provides to access the server. Please note that you must use the version of Minecraft you signed up for when purchasing a VPS.

Launch Minecraft, click the Multiplayer tab, and then click the Add Server tab. Enter your server information there.

That’s it! Enjoy your new server-hosted Minecraft world and share your IP address with your friends to play together.

The process is a bit more complicated if you want to take a more hands-on approach and host a Minecraft server on your own computer. You can create a Minecraft server on a Linux or Mac computer, and the process is basically the same. However, we will walk you through the process of creating a Minecraft server on your Windows PC.

Get Minecraft Java Edition and the Latest Java

There are a few key programs you need to get started if you want to host a Minecraft server on your computer. First, you need Minecraft Java Edition. If you own any other version of Minecraft, be it the console or the Windows 10 edition, you can’t host your own custom server. If you have Minecraft Java, you’ll need to install Java (or update to the latest version).

Head to the Java Devkit website or click https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase/javase-jdk8-downloads.html and search for x64 Windows Installer.

Click the download link, accept the terms of service, and run the file when the download is complete.

This will open the installation wizard. Go through the installation process and close the window when it is finished.

A Linux-hosted VPS is perfect if you aren’t expecting a large amount of players on your server, and it’s a great way to get started. If you find that you need more power, you can easily scale up. If you have larger plans, you can consider a dedicated server.

Conclusion

Playing Minecraft can be a great and rewarding experience, no matter what your age. Having a dedicated server allows you to enjoy it even more. Create a place where you and your friends can play whenever they want, or build a strong community of hardcore gamers.

If you want Minecraft to be more exciting, you should consider creating a private Minecraft server. You are guaranteed to have a lot more freedom while playing Minecraft.

Luckily, in this article, you learned how to make a Minecraft server on Linux (Ubuntu and CentOS), Windows, and macOS. What’s great, the steps are easy to follow and don’t cost a fortune.

If you have any questions or want to show off how you defeated the End Dragon, feel free to let us know in the comments.

Minecraft Server FAQs

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about Minecraft servers.

Can you make a Minecraft server for free?

Yes, you can create a Minecraft server for free, however there are some limitations.

If you sign up for free Minecraft hosting, most likely it will have a limited amount of resources including memory, bandwidth, and hardware. The free Minecraft plan also limits the ability to add mod packs and plugins, which can prevent users from getting the best experience.

Another choice is to self-host the server, which may come at a cost. You’ll need a high-performance computer that needs to be always powered on, and a fast internet connection to prevent lag. Maintaining and securing the server will also require technical expertise.

Therefore, your best option is to go for an affordable and reliable Minecraft server hosting plan.

Do Minecraft servers make money?

The short answer is yes. As long as you follow the Guidelines for Commercial Use of Minecraft, running Minecraft servers can be profitable. There are many monetization methods you can participate in, from charging server access and membership fees to asking for donations and sponsorships.

How much does it cost to run a Minecraft server?

Hostinger offers various Minecraft hosting plans ranging from $ 8.95 to $ 29.95 per month. They use VPS servers with dedicated resources for each user.

Our plans include a minimum of 2GB of RAM on an SSD, free MySQL, protection against DDoS attacks and an uptime guarantee of 99.99%. Each plan also comes with advanced protection and full root access, so you can install any mod pack and plugin.

Is 2 GB RAM enough for Minecraft server?

Yes, 2 GB RAM is enough to run a Minecraft server for up to 10 players. With this amount of disk space, you can install up to 10 basic mods and plugins. Coupled with a processor with at least 2 cores, 2GB of RAM can give players a smooth experience.

Jordan is a digital author at Hostinger. With its knowledge of information systems and web development, it aims to help novice programmers and entrepreneurs build their technical skills. In his spare time he travels and writes freestyle.

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