How to Host a Minecraft Server for Free 24/7

Welcome, Dev! If you’re a fan of Minecraft, you’ve probably considered hosting your own Minecraft server. Unfortunately, most hosting services charge a fee for this service, making it difficult for some avid gamers to create their own server. But don’t worry, in this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to host a Minecraft server for free 24/7. Let’s get started!

Choosing the Right Server Software

The first step to hosting a Minecraft server is to choose the right server software. Here are some of the most popular options:

For the purpose of this guide, we will be using the Spigot server software. It’s easy to set up, offers great performance and it’s highly customizable.

Step 1: Install Java

The first thing you’ll need to do is ensure you have Java installed on your computer. You can check if you have Java installed by typing “java -version” into the command prompt or terminal.

If you don’t have Java installed or have an outdated version, you can download the latest version from the official Java website.

Step 2: Download Spigot

Next, you’ll need to download the Spigot server software. You can download the latest version of Spigot from the official website.

Once you’ve downloaded the file, you’ll need to move it to a new folder on your computer. This will be the folder where you’ll run the server from.

Step 3: Set Up the Server

Now it’s time to set up the server. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Open a text editor like Notepad or Sublime Text.
2. Paste the following into the editor:

java -Xms512M -Xmx1024M -jar spigot.jar noguipause

3. Save the file as “start.bat” in the same folder where you downloaded the Spigot server software.
4. Double click on the “start.bat” file to launch the server.

Your Minecraft server is now up and running! But it’s not yet accessible to others.

Port Forwarding

In order for other players to connect to your server, you’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router. Here’s how:

Step 1: Find Your Router’s IP Address

First, you need to find your router’s IP address. You can do this by opening the command prompt or terminal and typing “ipconfig” in Windows, or “ifconfig” in Mac or Linux.

Look for the “Default Gateway” entry. This is your router’s IP address.

Step 2: Open Your Router’s Configuration Page

Next, you need to open your router’s configuration page. To do this, open a web browser and type your router’s IP address into the address bar.

You will be prompted to enter your router’s username and password. If you’ve never changed this, the default username and password will usually be “admin” and “password,” respectively.

Step 3: Set Up Port Forwarding

Once you’ve logged in to your router’s configuration page, look for the “Port Forwarding” or “Virtual Server” section.

Click on “Add” or “New” to create a new port forwarding rule. You will need to enter the following information:

• The name of the rule (e.g. “Minecraft Server”)
• The external port (25565 by default)
• The internal IP address of the computer running the Minecraft server
• The internal port (also 25565)
• The protocol (TCP, UDP or both)

Save the rule and restart your router. Your Minecraft server should now be accessible to other players.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I host a Minecraft server for free?

A: Yes, you can! There are several hosting options that offer free Minecraft servers, but they may come with certain limitations.

Q2: How much RAM do I need to host a Minecraft server?

A: The amount of RAM you need will depend on the number of players on your server. As a general guideline, you’ll need at least 1GB of RAM for a server with fewer than 10 players, and up to 4GB for a server with more than 20 players.

Q3: Can I customize my Minecraft server?

A: Yes, you can! The Spigot server software allows you to install plugins and mods that can customize your gameplay experience.

Q4: Can I run a Minecraft server on a Raspberry Pi?

A: Yes, you can! However, the performance may not be as good as a dedicated server.

Q5: How do I update my Minecraft server?

A: To update your Minecraft server, simply download the latest version of the server software and replace the old files with the new ones. Make sure to back up your server files before updating.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev! You now know how to host your very own Minecraft server for free 24/7. Remember to follow the steps carefully and always keep your server up to date to ensure the best performance.