Free Minecraft Server Hosting 1.16.5: The Ultimate Guide for Devs

Hello Devs! Building and exploring in Minecraft has never been more exciting with the latest version 1.16.5. However, hosting your own Minecraft server can be costly and challenging. Fortunately, there are free Minecraft server hosting options available for those on a budget. In this article, we will explore the top free Minecraft server hosting providers for 1.16.5 and guide you through the process of setting up and managing your own server. Let’s get started!

What is Minecraft Server Hosting?

In Minecraft, players explore and build in a virtual world with others. To achieve this, all players connect to a server through the internet. A Minecraft server host is a company that provides the technology and infrastructure to run the server. This includes bandwidth, storage, and processing power. Without a server host, it would be impossible for players to connect and play.

Why Use Free Minecraft Server Hosting?

While there are many paid Minecraft server hosting providers available, not everyone has the budget to pay for hosting. Additionally, some gamers may want to experiment with hosting before investing money in a paid service. Whatever the reason may be, free Minecraft server hosting can be an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Free Minecraft Server Hosting Provider

Before choosing a free Minecraft server hosting provider, there are several factors to consider:

Factor	Description
Uptime	How often the server is available online
Player Limit	How many players can connect to the server at once
RAM Limit	How much RAM is available for the server to use
Storage Limit	How much storage is available for the server
Plugins	What plugins are allowed on the server

All of these factors can impact your gaming experience and the functionality of your server. It’s important to evaluate each option carefully.

Top Free Minecraft Server Hosting Providers for 1.16.5

1. Server.pro

Server.pro is a well-known free Minecraft server hosting provider that offers reliable and accessible services. It allows up to 12 players on its free plan and provides up to 1GB of RAM. Additionally, Server.pro offers 24/7 support and a user-friendly control panel. It also features automatic backups and easy plugin installation. However, the free plan does not allow FTP access, and players may experience lag during peak hours.

2. Aternos

Aternos is another popular free Minecraft server hosting provider that offers up to 20 players on its free plan. It provides unlimited RAM and storage, making it an excellent option for larger gaming communities. Aternos also features a user-friendly interface and automatic backups. However, the servers may experience downtime during peak hours or when undergoing maintenance.

3. Minehut

Minehut is a free Minecraft server hosting provider that offers a unique and customizable experience. It features a drag-and-drop plugin editor and allows players to customize their servers with ease. Minehut also offers a user-friendly interface and 24/7 support. However, the servers have a limit of 10 players and 512MB of RAM, making it less suitable for larger gaming communities.

Setting Up Your Free Minecraft Server Hosting

Step 1: Choose Your Hosting Provider

Before setting up your server, you must choose a hosting provider that meets your needs. Evaluate each option based on uptime, player limit, RAM limit, storage limit, and allowed plugins.

Step 2: Create an Account

Once you have chosen your hosting provider, create an account with your email address and desired username. Some hosting providers may require additional information, such as your name or address.

Step 3: Create Your Server

After creating your account, you can create your server. Choose the version of Minecraft that you want to host, and select the server type (Vanilla, Spigot, or Forge). Customize your server by selecting the number of players, RAM, and storage. Finally, give your server a name and description.

Step 4: Install Plugins

If you want to add plugins to your server, you can do so through your hosting provider’s control panel. Search for the desired plugin and click ‘Install.’ Once the installation is complete, restart your server to apply the changes.

Managing Your Free Minecraft Server Hosting

Backups

Regularly backing up your server ensures that you don’t lose progress or data in case of an outage. Most hosting providers offer automatic backups, but it’s important to check the frequency and retention period. Additionally, you can manually backup your server through your control panel.

Upgrades

If you want to upgrade your server’s player capacity, RAM, or storage, you can do so through your hosting provider’s control panel. These upgrades may come at an additional cost, so it’s important to evaluate your budget and needs carefully.

Player Management

As the server owner, you have the ability to manage and moderate players on your server. This includes banning or kicking players who violate server rules, setting player limits, and promoting players to moderators or administrators. Use these tools to create a safe and enjoyable gaming environment for everyone.

FAQ

Can I Use Mods with Free Minecraft Server Hosting?

Yes, some free Minecraft server hosting providers allow mods on their servers. However, it’s important to check the hosting provider’s policies and compatibility with the desired mod before installation.

How Many Players Can Join a Free Minecraft Server?

The number of players that can join a free Minecraft server depends on the hosting provider and plan. Most free plans allow between 10 and 20 players.

Do Free Minecraft Server Hosting Providers Offer Technical Support?

Yes, most free Minecraft server hosting providers offer technical support through email, live chat, or forums. However, response times may vary depending on the provider and the issue.

Can I Change Hosting Providers?

Yes, you can change hosting providers at any time. However, it’s important to carefully evaluate the new provider’s policies and requirements before making the switch.

Do Free Minecraft Server Hosting Providers Have Ads?

Many free Minecraft server hosting providers display ads on their servers and control panels. However, certain providers offer ad-free plans for an additional cost.

Conclusion

Hosting a Minecraft server can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be costly. Luckily, free Minecraft server hosting providers offer a budget-friendly option for those on a tight budget. When choosing a provider, evaluate factors such as uptime, player limit, RAM limit, storage limit, and allowed plugins. Once you have chosen a provider and set up your server, use tools such as backups, upgrades, and player management to create a safe and enjoyable gaming environment for everyone. Happy hosting!