How To Make A Great Minecraft Server
You've conquered The Nether, slain Ender Dragons, and created your own pixelated copy of King's Landing. Now what? You may be wondering what to do next. Thanks to the plethora of options available with custom Minecraft servers, building your own Minecraft server could be just the remedy you're looking for.
Maybe you've played around with some mods on your own. Perhaps you have tried your hand at one the thousands of online player-run server. You could be a complete Minecraft beginner or a seasoned player. You're probably reading this article because you want to know how to create a Minecraft server. Let's get started.
History of Minecraft
Minecraft was first released in 2011 by Markus Pearson, a Swedish developer. Minecraft is a blocky, visual game that combines blocksy characters with objects. It quickly became a household name thanks to its unique visual style.
Minecraft is special because it gives players the freedom to play how they want. Minecraft is a game that offers a variety of gameplay elements, including combat, exploration, combat and resource gathering. Minecraft has sold over 17 million copies across multiple platforms, as of May 2019. This impressive statistic makes Minecraft the greatest-selling videogame of all time.
Minecraft is a game that combines environmental destruction, exploration, combat and resource gathering.
The high level of customization available is a key factor in this game's success. This is not just true for single-player games, but also for multiplayer. After all, isn't mining imaginary diamonds and chopping down blocky trees more fun with friends?
Here's where the role of privately-owned Minecraft servers comes into play.
For those of you looking to change up your Minecraft experience but feeling hesitant about the added responsibilities of running your own server, there are a wide variety of specialized servers available online. MinecraftServers.org lists thousands upon thousands of privately-hosted servers. Alongside each option, it features in-depth information on what makes each server unique. By offering different experiences such as PvP, Roleplaying, Factions, and Challenges, these servers can vary widely from one to another. The result is an almost infinite number of new experiences within the familiar setting of Minecraft's existing framework.
However, sometimes, playing on a server built to someone else's specifications just isn't enough. We all want to have some control over our lives. Why should digital life be any different? By hosting your own Minecraft server, you are gaining exactly that: the power to build your world the way you desire and share that world with other players.
Hosting your server gives you the power to change Minecraft's variables. By tweaking things like spawn rates of enemies and NPCs, overall difficulty, and physical parameters, you can shape the internal parameters of the game. That's not all though. You can also make modifications server-wide with the wide range of mods created outside the game.
Hosting your server allows you to control how the game is played and who plays it. Maybe you're a parent desiring greater control over your child's online interactions, or an avid role-player seeking like-minded players. You can create the community you want by setting your own server.
Like most things in Minecraft there is no real limit to your imagination.
Getting Started
There are a few things that you should know to start.
First, a Minecraft server doesn't have to be on a top-of-the-line machine. That being said, it is advised to use a desktop over a laptop. The performance and hardware of a desktop will usually be better than that of a laptop or similar device. This is especially true if the user is also playing on the same machine hosting the server. Both tasks require more processing power in order to keep everything running smoothly.
Second, a wired ethernet connection is recommended over the use of wireless internet. A faster connection will improve game performance, and reduce lag.
Third, home-hosting is not recommended, even though it may be possible. Home connections are generally slower and personal computers are usually weaker. Without enough RAM, the game's performance will be poor. For this reason, you are better off utilizing professional hosting services.
*NOTE: If you're curious about what specs to look for in a Minecraft server, check out Jason's guide on Minecraft Server Buying. Still have questions? Our sales team will be happy to help you build a Minecraft server. They'll gladly walk you through it.
Fourth, it is highly recommended that you use a server hosting provider running Debian 9 and Ubuntu 18.04. Both options offer stable and safe environments that are perfect for learning the basics.
Fifth, Minecraft runs using Java. Before you set up your server, make sure Java is updated. You can download it from Java’s official website. If you are unsure if Java is installed on your computer or what version it is, you may open the command prompt and use the command "java -version". If Java is installed, the query will return a version. This number can be compared against the Java's latest version to confirm that your version matches.
Keep your server secure right from the beginning. It's easier to prevent access from unauthorized users than it is to remove access once they're already in. Updates are automatically installed. You have a better chance to close loopholes before they are exploited. Setting Up Your Minecraft Server
Don't worry, the above image is intentionally misleading. You don't have to use any power tools if you don't intend to build your server.
A Minecraft server doesn't have to be on a top-of-the-line machine.
However, before you can set up your Minecraft server, you will need the following:
Java Minecraft can be ordered through Minecraft's official website.
The latest version Minecraft Multiplayer Server
OpenJDK, an open-source Java implementation: OpenJDK installation instructions are available on their official site. Now it's the time to set up your server. These steps will help you get your server up-and-running.
Open your terminal and enter the command mkdir Minecraft_Server. This creates a directory specific to your Minecraft server.
Next, you will need to place the server.jar file that you just downloaded into your newly created directory.
To list all directories, enter the command "ls".
To move your current directory into the server's designated folder, use cd Minecraft_Server
To launch the server, use the command java -Xms1G -Xmx1G -jar server.jar. Xms and Xmx represent the starting and maximum RAM respectively, and server.jar is the name of your Minecraft server's version number. If you're using Minecraft server.1.15.2.jar (current as of this articles publication), then your command should look something like this:
java -Xms1024M -Xmx1024M -jar minecraft_server.1.15.2.jar
You can add any additional information to the end of the line if you need it. Use nogui if you want to start the server without its graphical user interface, or -o true to tell the server to run in online mode, only allowing access by authenticated users.
After entering the command above you should see the output below:
[main/ERROR] Failure to load properties from file.
[main/WARN] Failed to load the eula.txt
[main/INFO] You must agree to the EULA to run the server. For more information, visit eula.txt
If you are a first-time user of the server, a EULA (End User License Agreement), file must be created. Before you can play, you need to agree to the EULA. You can do this using your favorite text editor, or by using the following command in your command window: nano eula.txt
Once you have opened the text file, change eula from false to true. eula=true This is a sign that you have read the license agreement and agree to it.
Now you can save the file and launch your server again. You can save the file and launch your server again. Creating a Startup Script
You can also run your server every time you wish using the command line shown above. Alternatively, it's a good idea to create a script that will run the command for you instead.
Start by creating a brand new document. This document can be named however you like, but we will use server.sh for the sake this article.
Within the new document, enter the following lines:
#!/bin/sh
java -Xms1024M -Xmx1024M -jar minecraft_server.1.14.4.jar
Once you have created your document in the terminal, enter chmod +x server.sh
You can now use the command if you want to start your server.
/server. sh to start it and stop it.
Lastly, to make sure your server runs correctly without an SSH connection, it is advised to run your server from within a GNU Screen session. To do this, use the screen command before running your startup script. If you have already signed the EULA, the console will automatically generate the configuration files. When you're ready to begin playing on your new server, just follow these 4 easy steps:
start by opening your Minecraft client and logging in.
Select "Multiplayer", from the list on your home screen, and click "Add Server."
After creating a name, enter your IP Address into the appropriate fields. Once you're done click "Done".
Click "Join Server" and you can play. Your server has now been set up. The Minecraft Wiki can be consulted if you have any questions or encounter any issues. You may find it useful for your particular needs.
Customizing Your Minecraft Server
When your server.sh is run for the first time, a world is created using the default set variables. Let's say, however that you wish to create your custom variables for the server's world. Probably customization is what got you interested hosting your own server.
How do you do it? Easy.
Open the server.properties folder. Once you have opened the server.properties file, you will see a long listing of properties that has numbers and true/false statement associated with them. By tweaking the variables in this list, you can control how the world on your server is generated.
Scroll down until you see the line "spawn-monsters=true" if you want a world without monsters spawning. Change the true to false. Monsters won't be able to spawn in your world unless this value is restored to its default setting.
It's cool, right?
For a full list of available variables and explanations of the parameters they control, check out this page of the Minecraft wiki. just keep in mind, in order for any changes to take effect, you'll need to restart your server.
But what if you don't have enough options? Maybe you're interested in customizing your server beyond those variables intrinsic to the game. It is possible to do this, but it requires external modifications.
There are many websites and videos on the internet that list the best Minecraft mods. There are many mods to choose from. It is important to know how each mod works, as well as potential conflicts. A quick Google search will get you started if you are interested in adding mods on to your server.
Are you looking for a good place to start? MINECRAFTMODS.com provides a wide range of mods available for download that you can start exploring.
Next Steps
So, your server is up and running, you've altered the default variables, and you've even added a few external mods. Now what?
Now that you have learned how to create a Minecraft server, it is time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Unless you are planning to play in a world without other players, you will need to invite them to your server. These people could be your friends or even strangers. No matter what, you need to give them something to make them want to play on the server.
Ultimately, what truly separates the best Minecraft servers from the rest is the community that supports them. Establishing guidelines for your community; hiring staff to police and enforce expectations; coming up with intriguing events that keep your players engaged. These are the things that will make your server stand out. You can advertise your server online through Youtube and Twitch to encourage new players.
A strong Minecraft server can even be profitable for its owner. Your digital world can be made a source of income by selling unique cosmetic products or joining memberships. Many thousands of players are housed on some of the most well-known servers. This can be leveraged in a way that makes them six figures every month.
Chances are, you have a lot to learn before you reach these top-performing servers. Communities aren't built overnight. Regardless, the fact remains that these Minecraft servers all started the same way. Someone took a chance and decided to host their own server.
Ultimately, what truly separates the best Minecraft servers from the rest is the community that supports them.
Your world is now up and running. You can decide where you go and what activities you engage in.
Now it is your turn!
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Written by Sean Kelly
Additional Links
Are you looking for more information on Minecraft Be sure to check out our comprehensive Minecraft Server Buying Guide.
When you're ready to build your ideal Minecraft server, head over to our complete list of instant deployment and custom built dedicated servers. Need personal assistance with your server build? Get in touch with our sales team.
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