How to Host a Minecraft Server on Linux

Hello Dev, are you looking to host your own Minecraft server on Linux? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know to get your server up and running.

Step 1: Preparing Your Environment

Before you can start hosting your Minecraft server on Linux, you’ll need to prepare your environment. Here’s what you need to do:

1.1 Install Java

The first step is to make sure you have Java installed on your Linux machine. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo apt install default-jre

This will install the latest version of Java onto your machine. You can verify that Java is installed by running the following command:

java -version

1.2 Install Screen

Next, you’ll need to install Screen, which will allow you to run the Minecraft server in the background even when you’re not logged in. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo apt install screen

This will install the latest version of Screen onto your machine.

Step 2: Downloading and Installing Minecraft Server

Now that you’ve prepared your environment, it’s time to download and install Minecraft Server. Here’s what you need to do:

2.1 Download the Server

The first step is to download the Minecraft server jar file. You can do this by visiting the official Minecraft website and downloading the latest version of the server software.

2.2 Create a New Directory

Next, you’ll need to create a new directory where you’ll store the server files. You can do this by running the following command:

mkdir ~/minecraft-server

This will create a new directory called “minecraft-server” in your home directory.

2.3 Move the Server File

Now that you’ve downloaded the server file and created a new directory, it’s time to move the server file into the new directory. You can do this by running the following command:

mv ~/Downloads/minecraft_server.jar ~/minecraft-server/

This will move the server file from your Downloads folder into the minecraft-server folder.

2.4 Start the Minecraft Server

Now that you’ve downloaded and installed Minecraft Server, it’s time to start the server. You can do this by running the following command:

cd ~/minecraft-serverjava -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

This will start the Minecraft server with 1GB of RAM allocated to it. You can adjust the amount of RAM allocated by changing the “1024” value in both the -Xmx and -Xms parameters.

Step 3: Configuring Your Minecraft Server

Now that your server is up and running, it’s time to configure it to your liking. Here’s what you need to do:

3.1 Configure the Server Properties File

The first step is to configure the server properties file. This file contains all the settings for your Minecraft server, including the server name, port number, and game rules. You can edit this file by running the following command:

nano ~/minecraft-server/server.properties

This will open the server properties file in the Nano text editor. You can make any changes you like and then save the file by pressing “Ctrl+X” and then “Y”.

3.2 Add Plugins and Mods

If you want to add plugins or mods to your Minecraft server, you’ll need to install them first. You can find a wide range of plugins and mods online, and most will come with installation instructions. Simply follow the instructions provided and then restart your server.

Step 4: Connecting to Your Minecraft Server

Now that your server is up and running, it’s time to connect to it and start playing Minecraft with your friends. Here’s what you need to do:

4.1 Find Your Server’s IP Address

The first step is to find your server’s IP address. You can do this by running the following command:

ifconfig

This will display a list of network interfaces on your machine. Look for the interface that has an IP address starting with “192.168.” or “10.”. This is likely to be your local IP address.

4.2 Add Your Server to Minecraft

Next, you’ll need to add your server to Minecraft. To do this, open Minecraft and click on “Multiplayer” and then “Add Server”. Enter your server’s IP address and a name for your server, and then click “Done”.

4.3 Connect to Your Server

Now that you’ve added your server to Minecraft, it’s time to connect to it. Simply click on your server’s name in the server list and then click “Join Server”. You should now be connected to your Minecraft server and ready to start playing!

FAQ

That’s all there is to it, Dev! You should now have your own Minecraft server up and running on Linux. Have fun playing Minecraft with your friends!