How to Set Up a Minecraft Server: Simple Steps
Learn how to set up a Minecraft server with easy steps. From choosing a plan to configuring settings, get started quickly and simply.
If you’ve ever wanted to create a Minecraft server but felt confused by all the steps, don’t worry. Setting up your own server is easier than it seems if you follow the right instructions. Getting friends to join your server is a different task but we’ll cover that in another guide. For now, let’s set up a Minecraft server.
By running your own server, you can customize the game in ways that are normally restricted. You can assign roles to players, control how objects appear or change in-game physics. If you’re a parent, hosting your server allows you to control who your children play with online, acting as a form of parental control.
There are two main ways to create a Minecraft server- you can either pay or avirtual private server (VPS) to host it or host the server on your own computer. While VPS approach is usually simpler, both alternatives ask for some technical know-how. Numerous hosting companies provide dedicated Minecraft hosting which streamlines the process and offers customer support when needed. If you don’t mind paying for convenience and peace of mind, this is a good alternative.
Both options have pros and cons. Hosting your own Minecraft server saves money and gives you full control, but it depends on a strong internet connection. Lag can be caused by two things: other programs running on your PC or a slow internet connection. If you’re not tech-savvy, you might also need to solve issues as they come up.
Using a web hosting service makes things much easier since they handle most of the setup and management, but it comes at a higher cost.
What You Need to Set Up a Minecraft Server
To set up a Minecraft server- firstly you need a stable internet connection. Then, decide whether to host the server on a web hosting service or on your own PC.
- Using a Web Hosting Service: All you need is the money to pay for the service. Web hosts will handle most of the technical setup for you, making the process easier.
- Hosting on Your PC: This option needs a bit more know-how. You’ll have to install Minecraft Java Edition and use command-line prompts to manage your server.
How Hard Is It to Set Up a Minecraft Server?
Setting up a Minecraft server isn’t too difficult. The real challenge comes from dealing with tasks or services you may not be familiar with, which can seem overwhelming at first. But don’t worry! There are guides that simplify the process. For example, using Hostinger’s game servers makes it easier to set up and manage everything.
If you prefer hosting on your own PC, there are step-by-step guides available to walk you through the entire process, from downloading the necessary software to configuring the server.
Time Needed to Set Up a Minecraft Server
Setting up a Minecraft server depends on your comfort with web hosting or using commands on your PC. If you choose a web hosting service it can take anywhere from an hour to a full day for payment and server activation. Some services may get you up and running within an hour, while others take longer.
If you plan to set up the server on your PC, the process can be quicker—especially if you’re already familiar with how to configure things. You can start right after downloading Minecraft Java Edition and following the steps. However, if it’s your first time, it’s best to set aside a few hours, or even an evening, to ensure everything is set up correctly.
How to Create a Minecraft Server Using Hostinger
You can create a Minecraft server using almost any web hosting plan, but some web hosts, like Amazon Web Services, Apex, and PebbleHost, are specifically tailored for Minecraft hosting. Hostinger is a great option for easy Minecraft hosting. It supports popular mods like CraftBukkit and Spigot and gives you full root access, letting you install as many modpack JAR files as you want.
Key Considerations
When setting up your Minecraft server, think about your world size, number of players, and whether you want to use mods. When setting up a Minecraft server, RAM and virtual CPU are key. A server with 2-4GB of RAM works well for up to 10 players in a small world. For larger worlds or more players, you’ll need more RAM and a better CPU to prevent lag.
If you’re starting with just a few friends, a basic plan is fine. For larger groups, you’ll need a higher-end plan. Hostinger makes it easy to upgrade as needed. Their Game Panel 1 plan offers 4GB of RAM and full root access for $13.99 per month. You can save money with annual plans or first-time signup deals.
Steps to Create a Minecraft Server on Hostinger
- Choose a Hostinger Minecraft Server Plan
Pick a plan with enough RAM and CPU to handle your game. If you’re unsure, you can check the Minecraft Wiki for hardware recommendations. - Set Up Your Server
After buying your plan, log into Hostinger. Click “Setup” and follow the steps to name your server, set a root password and choose the closest server location. Once done, you can find your server in the VPS Menu, where you’ll see details like the IP address and system resources. - Configure Your Server
Hostinger’s plans include an easy-to-use Game Panel. From the VPS Management section, click Start to launch your server, then select Panel Access to log in. From the Game Panel, create a new server instance, select the Minecraft version (such as Java Edition), and start the server. After agreeing to the Minecraft EULA, the server will be ready to go. You can manage it from the Game Panel and share the server’s IP address with friends.
With these steps, your Minecraft server is ready to host your custom world, letting you play and explore with others. Enjoy your Minecraft adventures!
How to Host a Minecraft Server on Your PC
If you want a hands-on approach to hosting a Minecraft server, you can do so on your PC. While the steps are similar for Linux and Mac, this guide focuses on Windows.
What You Need
- Minecraft Java Edition: Essential for setting up your server. Other versions won’t work.
- Java: You need to have Java installed. Download the latest version from Oracle’s website.
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Steps to Set Up Your Server
Prepare Your Files
- Create a Folder: On your desktop, right-click and select New > Folder. Name it “Server.”
- Download Server Files: Go to the Minecraft download page, scroll to the Server Software section, and download the latest Java Edition server JAR file. Drag this file into your “Server” folder.
Create a Batch File
- Create a Text File: In the “Server” folder, right-click and select New > Text Document. Name it “Startup.”
- Write the Batch Script: Right-click the “Startup” file and choose Edit. Paste the following command into the text document:
plaintext java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.1.21.jar nogui pause
Adjust the memory values if needed (e.g., change1024M
to2048M
for more memory). - Save and Rename: Save the file and rename its extension from
.txt
to.bat
. Confirm the change when prompted.
Edit the EULA
- Run the Batch File: Double-click the “Startup.bat” file. This will create additional files in your folder.
- Agree to the EULA: Open the
eula.txt
file, changeeula=false
toeula=true
, and save the file.
Run Your Server
- Start the Server: Double-click the “Startup.bat” file again to launch the server.
- Allow Network Access: If prompted by Windows Firewall, allow access to the network.
Connect to Your Server
- Launch Minecraft: Open Minecraft Java Edition.
- Add Server: Go to the Multiplayer tab, click Add Server, and enter your IP address or type “localhost” if you’re on the same PC.
- Play: Click Done to join your server. If you want friends to join, share your IP address with them.
Optional: For players outside your local network, you might need to configure port forwarding on your router.
Enjoy your Minecraft server and have fun exploring and building with others!