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

Hey Dev! If you’re looking to host your Minecraft server on Microsoft Azure, you’re in the right place. Azure is a cloud computing platform that offers scalability, flexibility, and reliability, making it an excellent choice for hosting your game server. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up your own Minecraft server on Azure on a budget.

1. Creating an Azure Account

The first thing you need to do is create an Azure account. If you don’t already have one, you can sign up for a free trial or a pay-as-you-go subscription. The pay-as-you-go option is recommended for hosting a Minecraft server as it provides more flexibility and control over your resources.

Once you’ve created your Azure account, you’ll need to create a new virtual machine (VM) to host your Minecraft server. Here’s how:

1.1. Creating a Virtual Machine

To create a new virtual machine, follow these steps:

Action
Description
1. Click on “Create a resource” on the Azure portal dashboard.
This will open the Azure Marketplace.
2. Search for “Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS.”
This is the recommended operating system for hosting a Minecraft server on Azure.
3. Click on “Create.”
This will open the “Create Virtual Machine” wizard.
4. Set the virtual machine name.
You can choose any name you want as long as it’s unique.
5. Choose the VM size.
You can select the size based on your budget and requirements.
6. Set the username and password.
This will be used to log in to the VM.
7. Configure networking.
You can choose to use the default settings or customize them.
8. Review and create the VM.
Make sure to review the settings before creating the VM.

1.2. Opening the Required Ports

Now that you’ve created the VM, you’ll need to open the required ports to allow Minecraft to communicate with the outside world. Here’s how:

Action
Description
1. Click on the virtual machine you just created.
This will open the VM’s settings.
2. Click on “Networking.”
This will show you the VM’s networking settings.
3. Click on “Add inbound port rule.”
This will open the “Add inbound security rule” wizard.
4. Set the following values:
Protocol
TCP
Priority
100
Source
Any
Destination port ranges
19132-19133
Name
MinecraftServer
5. Click on “Add.”
This will add the inbound port rule.

2. Installing Minecraft Server on Azure VM

Now that you’ve created the VM and opened the required ports, it’s time to install Minecraft server on it. Here’s how:

2.1. Updating the System

Before installing any software, it’s always a good idea to update the system to ensure that you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. Here’s how:

Action
Description
1. Log in to the VM using SSH.
You can use any SSH client to connect to the VM.
2. Run the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
3. Wait for the update and upgrade to finish.
This may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.

2.2. Installing Java

Minecraft server requires Java to run. Here’s how to install Java on your Azure VM:

Action
Description
1. Run the following command:
sudo apt install -y default-jdk
2. Wait for the installation to finish.
This may take a few minutes depending on your internet speed.
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2.3. Downloading and Installing Minecraft Server

Now that you have Java installed, it’s time to download and install Minecraft server:

Action
Description
1. Create a new directory for your Minecraft server:
mkdir minecraft-server
2. Change to the new directory:
cd minecraft-server
3. Download the latest version of Minecraft server:
wget https://launcher.mojang.com/v1/objects/…
4. Change the permissions of the downloaded file:
chmod +x minecraft_server.*.jar
5. Run the server:
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.*.jar nogui

3. Configuring Minecraft Server on Azure VM

Now that you have Minecraft server up and running on Azure, it’s time to configure it to your liking. Here are some tips:

3.1. Configuring Server Properties

You can configure Minecraft server by editing the server.properties file. Here are some common settings:

Setting
Description
gamemode
The default game mode for new players.
difficulty
The difficulty level of the game.
max-players
The maximum number of players allowed on the server.
motd
The message displayed to players when they join the server.
pvp
Whether or not players can attack each other.

3.2. Adding Plugins and Mods

Minecraft server supports plugins and mods that can enhance your gameplay experience. Here’s how to install them:

Action
Description
1. Download the plugin or mod you want to install.
You can find them on various websites.
2. Copy the downloaded file to the “plugins” or “mods” folder in your Minecraft server directory.
You may need to create these folders if they don’t exist.
3. Restart the Minecraft server.
The plugin or mod should now be installed and working.

4. FAQ

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

The cost of hosting a Minecraft server on Azure depends on various factors such as VM size, storage, bandwidth, and location. You can use the Azure pricing calculator to get an estimate of the cost.

4.2. Can I use a pre-configured Minecraft server image on Azure?

Yes, Azure Marketplace offers pre-configured Minecraft server images that you can use to quickly set up your own server.

4.3. Can I use Azure to host a multiplayer Minecraft server?

Yes, Azure is an excellent choice for hosting a multiplayer Minecraft server as it offers scalability, flexibility, and reliability.

4.4. How many players can I host on my Minecraft server on Azure?

The number of players you can host on your Minecraft server on Azure depends on various factors such as VM size, available resources, and network bandwidth.

4.5. Can I host a Minecraft server on Azure for free?

Azure offers a free trial that you can use to host your Minecraft server for a limited time. However, for long-term hosting, you’ll need to sign up for a pay-as-you-go subscription.

That’s it, Dev! We hope this guide has helped you set up your own Minecraft server on Azure. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.

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