How to Host a Java Minecraft Server for Devs

Welcome, Dev, to this ultimate guide on how to host a Java Minecraft server. Minecraft is an addictive game that has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. Hosting your own Minecraft server can be a great way to play with friends or create a community. However, setting up a server can be daunting, and that is why we have created this guide. We will take you step by step through the process, from choosing a hosting provider to configuring your server.

Choose a Hosting Provider

The first step in hosting a Java Minecraft server is choosing a hosting provider. There are many hosting providers out there, and it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. When looking for a hosting provider, there are several factors to consider.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hosting Provider

Once you have chosen a hosting provider, you can move on to setting up your server.

Set Up Your Server

Setting up your server can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry, we will guide you through the process.

Step 1: Install Java

Before you can run a Minecraft server, you will need to install Java. You can download the latest version of Java from the official website (https://www.java.com/en/download/).

Step 2: Download the Minecraft Server Software

The next step is to download the Minecraft server software. You can download the software from the official Minecraft website or from a third-party website like CurseForge.

Step 3: Configure Your Server

Now it’s time to configure your server. You will need to create a new folder on your computer to store your server files. You can name the folder whatever you like. Once you have created the folder, you can copy the Minecraft server software into it.

Open a text editor and create a new file. You can name the file “server.properties”. In this file, you can configure your server settings, such as the server name, game mode, difficulty level, and more. Save the file and put it in the same folder as the server software.

Step 4: Start Your Server

To start your server, open a command prompt window and navigate to your server folder. Type “java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.1.16.5.jar nogui” and press Enter. This will start the server. If everything is set up correctly, you should see a message that says “Done” when the server has started.

Step 5: Connect to Your Server

Now that your server is up and running, you can connect to it in Minecraft. Open Minecraft and click on “Multiplayer”. Click on “Add Server” and enter the IP address of your server. Click “Done” and then click on your server to connect to it.

FAQ

What Are the System Requirements for Hosting a Minecraft Server?

The system requirements for hosting a Minecraft server vary depending on the number of players and the size of the server. As a general rule, you should have at least 2GB of RAM, a high-speed internet connection, and a dual-core processor.

How Much Does It Cost to Host a Minecraft Server?

The cost of hosting a Minecraft server can vary greatly depending on the hosting provider and the size of the server. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $50 per month for hosting.

How Many Players Can Join My Server?

The number of players that can join your server depends on the size of your server and the resources it has available. As a general rule, you can expect to host up to 20 players on a 2GB server.

Do I Need to Port Forward to Host a Minecraft Server?

If you want players outside of your local network to be able to join your server, you will need to port forward. Port forwarding allows incoming connections to access your server through your router. The port you need to forward is 25565.

Can I Host a Minecraft Server on a VPS?

Yes, you can host a Minecraft server on a VPS. A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a virtual machine that allows you to run applications and software on it just like you would on a physical server.

Conclusion

Hosting a Java Minecraft server can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right hosting provider and some configuration, you can create a gaming community that will last for years. We hope this guide has been helpful in getting you started on your Minecraft server hosting journey. Happy gaming, Dev!