Welcome, Dev! If you’re looking to host your very own Minecraft server in 2021, you’ve come to the right place. With so many hosting options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. That’s where this guide comes in – we’ve done the research and testing, so you don’t have to. In this article, we’ll cover everything from server requirements to the best hosting providers and more. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Server Requirements
- Types of Minecraft Server Hosting
- Shared Hosting Providers
- VPS Hosting Providers
- Dedicated Hosting Providers
- Cloud Hosting Providers
- Setting Up Your Minecraft Server
- Minecraft Server Plugins
- Minecraft Server Backups
- Minecraft Server Troubleshooting
- Minecraft Server FAQ
Server Requirements
Before you start looking for a hosting provider, it’s important to know what kind of server you’ll need. Here are the minimum requirements for running a Minecraft server:
Requirement |
Minimum |
|---|---|
CPU |
Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent |
RAM |
4GB |
Storage |
At least 10GB of free disk space |
Internet Connection |
Upload speed of at least 1Mbps |
Keep in mind that these are just the minimum requirements – if you plan on hosting a large server with lots of players, you may need more powerful hardware.
Choosing a Minecraft Version
Before you start looking for hosting providers, it’s also important to decide which version of Minecraft you want to host. There are two main versions: Minecraft Java Edition and Minecraft Bedrock Edition. Java Edition is the original desktop version of Minecraft, while Bedrock Edition is designed for mobile devices, consoles, and Windows 10. If you’re hosting a server for friends or a small community, Java Edition is likely the best choice. However, if you’re looking to reach a wide audience, Bedrock Edition may be the way to go since it’s compatible with multiple platforms.
Types of Minecraft Server Hosting
Now that you know what kind of server you need, it’s time to choose a hosting provider. There are several different types of hosting to choose from:
Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is the most affordable option, but it also has the least amount of resources. With shared hosting, you’ll be sharing a server with other users, which means your server’s resources (such as CPU and RAM) will be limited. This may be fine for a small server with a few friends, but it may not be enough for a large community.
VPS Hosting
VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting gives you more resources and control over your server. With VPS hosting, you’ll be sharing a server with other users, but each user gets their own virtualized environment. This means you’ll have dedicated resources that aren’t shared with others. VPS hosting is a good choice for medium-sized servers with moderate traffic.
Dedicated Hosting
Dedicated hosting gives you the most resources and control over your server. With dedicated hosting, you’ll have an entire physical server dedicated solely to your Minecraft server. This means you’ll have complete control over the server’s resources and configuration. Dedicated hosting is a good choice for large servers with high traffic.
Cloud Hosting
Cloud hosting is a newer type of hosting that’s becoming increasingly popular. With cloud hosting, your server is hosted on a network of interconnected servers, which means you’ll have access to virtually unlimited resources. This makes cloud hosting a good choice for large servers with unpredictable traffic.
Shared Hosting Providers
If you’re looking for an affordable hosting option, shared hosting may be the way to go. Here are some of the best shared hosting providers for Minecraft servers:
Shockbyte
Shockbyte is a popular hosting provider that offers affordable shared hosting plans for Minecraft servers. Their plans start at just $2.50 per month and include unlimited SSD storage, DDoS protection, and 24/7 support. They also offer a one-click installer for popular Minecraft mods and plugins.
BisectHosting
BisectHosting is another affordable hosting provider that specializes in Minecraft servers. Their plans start at $2.99 per month and include unlimited SSD storage, DDoS protection, and 24/7 support. They also offer a one-click installer for popular Minecraft mods and plugins.
ApolloHosting
ApolloHosting offers shared hosting plans specifically designed for Minecraft servers. Their plans start at $3.50 per month and include unlimited SSD storage, DDoS protection, and 24/7 support. They also offer a one-click installer for popular Minecraft mods and plugins, as well as free server transfers.
VPS Hosting Providers
If you need more resources and control over your server, VPS hosting may be a better option than shared hosting. Here are some of the best VPS hosting providers for Minecraft servers:
OVHcloud
OVHcloud offers VPS hosting plans with dedicated resources and full root access. Their plans start at $4.99 per month and include up to 8GB of RAM and 160GB of storage. They also offer DDoS protection and 24/7 support.
Hostinger
Hostinger offers affordable VPS hosting plans with dedicated resources and full root access. Their plans start at just $3.95 per month and include up to 8GB of RAM and 160GB of storage. They also offer DDoS protection and 24/7 support.
Linode
Linode offers VPS hosting plans with dedicated resources and full root access. Their plans start at $5 per month and include up to 8GB of RAM and 160GB of storage. They also offer DDoS protection and 24/7 support.
Dedicated Hosting Providers
If you need even more resources and control over your server, dedicated hosting may be the way to go. Here are some of the best dedicated hosting providers for Minecraft servers:
OVHcloud
OVHcloud offers dedicated hosting plans with full root access and up to 512GB of storage. Their plans start at $69 per month and include DDoS protection and 24/7 support.
HostGator
HostGator offers dedicated hosting plans with full root access and up to 1TB of storage. Their plans start at $119 per month and include DDoS protection and 24/7 support.
Hostwinds
Hostwinds offers dedicated hosting plans with full root access and up to 12TB of storage. Their plans start at $99 per month and include DDoS protection and 24/7 support.
Cloud Hosting Providers
If you need virtually unlimited resources for your Minecraft server, cloud hosting may be the best option. Here are some of the best cloud hosting providers for Minecraft servers:
Amazon Web Services
Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers cloud hosting solutions that can be customized to fit your specific needs. They offer flexible pricing and a wide range of services, including storage, databases, and security.
Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is another cloud hosting provider that offers customizable hosting solutions. They offer a wide range of services, including storage, databases, and security, as well as support for multiple programming languages.
Google Cloud Platform
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a powerful cloud hosting solution that offers virtually unlimited resources. They offer flexible pricing and a wide range of services, including storage, databases, and security.
Setting Up Your Minecraft Server
Once you’ve chosen a hosting provider, it’s time to set up your Minecraft server. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Connect to Your Server
First, you’ll need to connect to your server using SSH. If you’re using a hosting provider, they should provide instructions for connecting to your server. Once you’re connected, you’ll need to install Java:
sudo apt install openjdk-16-jre-headlessStep 2: Download Minecraft Server
Next, you’ll need to download the Minecraft server software. You can download it from the official Minecraft website.
wget https://launcher.mojang.com/v1/objects/0dcaf542cb16b253c2a2ff4c27abb4ea51f9df6a/server.jarStep 3: Start the Server
Once you’ve downloaded the server software, you can start the server:
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar noguiThis will start the server in console mode. If you want to run the server in the background, you can use a tool like Screen:
screen -S "Minecraft Server" ./start.shMinecraft Server Plugins
One of the best things about hosting your own Minecraft server is the ability to install plugins. Plugins are add-ons that can add new features and functionality to your server. Here are some popular Minecraft server plugins:
EssentialsX
EssentialsX is a popular plugin that adds a variety of useful commands to your server, such as /spawn, /tpa, and /home. It also includes features like kit management and economy support.
WorldEdit
WorldEdit is a powerful plugin that allows you to edit your Minecraft world with ease. You can use it to create custom terrain, copy and paste structures, and much more.
McMMO
McMMO adds a variety of RPG-style features to your Minecraft server, such as skill leveling and abilities. It’s a great plugin for creating a more immersive gameplay experience.
Minecraft Server Backups
Backups are an essential part of running a Minecraft server – they ensure that you don’t lose all of your progress if something goes wrong. Here are some tips for backing up your server:
Use a Plugin
There are many plugins available that can automate the backup process for you. Some popular backup plugins include Backup and Go, Easy Backup, and Simple Backup.
Back Up Daily
It’s a good idea to back up your server at least once a day to ensure that you don’t lose too much progress if something goes wrong.
Store Backups Off-Site
Make sure to store your backups off-site (such as on a cloud storage service) to ensure that they’re safe in case of a hardware failure or other disaster.
Minecraft Server Troubleshooting
Even with the best hosting provider and plugins, you may run into issues with your Minecraft server. Here are some tips for troubleshooting common problems:
Server Crashes
If your server keeps crashing, it may be due to insufficient resources. Try upgrading your hosting plan or optimizing your server settings.
Connection Issues
If players are having trouble connecting to your server, make sure that your server is online and that you’ve configured your firewall correctly.
Lag
If your server is experiencing lag, it may be due to high traffic or poorly optimized plugins. Try optimizing your server settings and removing any unnecessary plugins.
Minecraft Server FAQ
What is the best hosting provider for Minecraft servers?
The best hosting provider for Minecraft servers depends on your specific needs. Some popular options include Shockbyte, BisectHosting, and OVHcloud.
Can I host a Minecraft server on my own computer?
Yes, you can host a Minecraft server on your own computer. However, this may not be the best option if you have limited resources or an unstable internet connection.
Do I need to buy Minecraft to host a server?
No, you don’t need to buy Minecraft to host a server. However, you will need to download the Minecraft server software from the official Minecraft website.
How many players can join a Minecraft server?
The number of players that can join a Minecraft server depends on the server’s resources and configuration. A small server may only support a handful of players, while a dedicated server can support hundreds or even thousands of players.
Do I need to know how to code to host a Minecraft server?
No, you don’t need to know how to code to host a Minecraft server. However, some basic knowledge of server configuration and command-line interfaces may be helpful.
Conclusion
Hosting your own Minecraft server can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. With this guide, you should now have a better understanding of the server requirements, hosting options, and troubleshooting tips for Minecraft servers. Whether you’re hosting a small server for friends or a large community, there’s a hosting provider and setup that’s right for you. Happy hosting, Dev!