How to Host Minecraft Server on Azure: A Complete Guide for Devs

Hey Dev, are you looking for a reliable and scalable platform to host your Minecraft server? Azure is the perfect solution for hosting your game server on the cloud. In this article, we will guide you through the process of hosting your Minecraft server on Azure. We will cover everything from setting up your Azure account to configuring your Minecraft server. So, let’s dive in!

Section 1: Getting Started with Azure

Before we begin hosting our Minecraft server on Azure, we need to create an Azure account. Creating an Azure account is quite simple, and it only takes a few steps.

Step 1: Create an Azure Account

To create an Azure account, follow these steps:

Step 1
Go to the Azure website and click on the “Sign Up” button.
Step 2
Fill in the required details, including your email address and credit card information. Don’t worry, Microsoft won’t charge you unless you exceed the free usage limits.
Step 3
Verify your email address and phone number.
Step 4
Create a new Azure subscription.
Step 5
Once your subscription is set up, you are ready to start hosting your Minecraft server on Azure.

Step 2: Create a Virtual Machine on Azure

Now that we have an Azure account, we can create a virtual machine to host our Minecraft server. Follow these steps:

Step 1
Log in to the Azure portal.
Step 2
Click on the “Virtual machines” tab on the left-hand sidebar.
Step 3
Click on the “Add” button to create a new virtual machine.
Step 4
Fill in the required details, including the VM name, username, and password.
Step 5
Select the appropriate VM size based on your requirements.
Step 6
Create a new resource group or select an existing one.
Step 7
Select the appropriate region based on your location.
Step 8
Select the appropriate image. We recommend using the Ubuntu Server image.
Step 9
Configure the network settings and click on the “Review + create” button.
Step 10
Review the details and click on the “Create” button to create your virtual machine.

Congratulations! You have now created a virtual machine on Azure. Let’s move on to the next section, where we will install and configure Minecraft on the virtual machine.

Section 2: Installing and Configuring Minecraft on Azure

Now that we have created a virtual machine on Azure, we need to install and configure Minecraft on it. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Install Java on the Virtual Machine

The first step is to install Java on the virtual machine. Follow these steps:

Step 1
SSH into your virtual machine.
Step 2
Run the following command to update the package list:
sudo apt-get update
Step 3
Run the following command to install Java:
sudo apt-get install default-jre
Step 4
Verify that Java is installed by running the following command:
java -version

Step 2: Download and Install Minecraft

The next step is to download and install Minecraft on the virtual machine. Follow these steps:

Step 1
SSH into your virtual machine.
Step 2
Run the following command to create a new directory for Minecraft:
mkdir minecraft
Step 3
Change to the Minecraft directory:
cd minecraft
Step 4
Download the Minecraft server file using the following command:
wget https://launcher.mojang.com/v1/objects/...
Step 5
Rename the downloaded file to “minecraft_server.jar”:
mv minecraft_server.1.16.5.jar minecraft_server.jar

Step 3: Configure Minecraft Server Settings

The final step is to configure Minecraft server settings. Follow these steps:

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Step 1
Create a new Minecraft server configuration file:
nano server.properties
Step 2
Add the following lines to the configuration file:
server-ip=0.0.0.0
server-port=25565
max-players=20
Step 3
Save the configuration file and exit.
Step 4
Start the Minecraft server using the following command:
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

Congratulations! You have now successfully installed and configured Minecraft on Azure. Your Minecraft server should be up and running.

Section 3: FAQs

Q1. How much does it cost to host a Minecraft server on Azure?

A1. The cost of hosting a Minecraft server on Azure depends on the size of the virtual machine and the amount of usage. Microsoft offers a free trial, which provides $200 of Azure credits for the first 30 days. It is important to monitor the usage and stay within the free limits to avoid any unexpected charges.

Q2. Can I use my Azure credits to host a Minecraft server?

A2. Yes, you can use your Azure credits to host a Minecraft server. However, it is important to keep in mind that the credits have an expiration date and must be used within a specific time frame.

Q3. Can I host multiple Minecraft servers on Azure?

A3. Yes, you can host multiple Minecraft servers on Azure by creating multiple virtual machines and following the same installation and configuration process.

Q4. Can I use a different operating system to host my Minecraft server on Azure?

A4. Yes, you can use a different operating system to host your Minecraft server on Azure. However, the installation and configuration process may vary based on the operating system.

Q5. Can I access my Minecraft server from anywhere?

A5. Yes, you can access your Minecraft server from anywhere using the server IP address and port number.

Conclusion

Hosting a Minecraft server on Azure is a reliable and scalable solution for game servers. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up your Minecraft server on Azure in no time. Remember to keep an eye on your usage and stay within the free limits to avoid any unexpected charges. Happy gaming!