Introduction
Welcome, Minecraft enthusiasts! In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to install Minecraft server on Ubuntu 20.04. Minecraft is a popular sandbox video game that allows players to build anything they can imagine. Installing Minecraft server on your Ubuntu machine gives you the freedom to create your own game world and invite others to join. Let’s dive right in!
Prerequisites
Before we begin, make sure you have the following:
Item |
Description |
|---|---|
Ubuntu 20.04 Server |
The operating system on which you will install the Minecraft server |
Root Access |
You will need administrative privileges to install and manage the server |
Java Runtime Environment (JRE) |
Minecraft server requires Java to run. Install JRE using the command ‘sudo apt install default-jre’ |
Step 1: Update the System
Before installing any new software, it’s important to update the system to ensure that all packages are up-to-date. Use the command below to update the system:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Step 2: Download Minecraft Server
Download the latest version of the Minecraft server from the official website. Use the command below to download the server:
sudo wget -O minecraft_server.jar https://launcher.mojang.com/v1/objects/bb2b6b1aefcd70dfd1892149ac3a215f6c636b07/server.jar
Step 3: Create a Minecraft Server Directory
Create a new directory where you will store the Minecraft server files. Use the command below to create the directory:
sudo mkdir /opt/minecraft_server
Step 4: Move Minecraft Server to the Directory
Move the Minecraft server file to the directory you just created. Use the command below to move the server:
sudo mv minecraft_server.jar /opt/minecraft_server
Step 5: Launch Minecraft Server
To launch the Minecraft server, use the command below:
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar /opt/minecraft_server/minecraft_server.jar nogui
The Minecraft server will start, and you can access it by typing your server’s IP address into your Minecraft client.
Step 6: Configure Minecraft Server
To configure the Minecraft server, open the server properties file using the command below:
sudo nano /opt/minecraft_server/server.properties
You can customize various settings such as server name, game mode, max players, and more. Save the changes and restart the server to apply the new settings.
Step 7: Start Minecraft Server as a Service
To start Minecraft server as a service and auto-start it on boot, create a new service file using the command below:
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/minecraft_server.service
Paste the following code into the file:
[Unit]Description=Minecraft Server
After=network.target
WorkingDirectory=/opt/minecraft_server
ExecStart=/usr/bin/java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui
Restart=on-failure [Install]WantedBy=multi-user.target
Save the file and start the Minecraft server service using the command below:
sudo systemctl start minecraft_server
You can check the status of the service using the command below:
sudo systemctl status minecraft_server
Advantages and Disadvantages of Installing Minecraft Server on Ubuntu 20.04
Advantages
Installing Minecraft server on Ubuntu 20.04 has the following advantages:
👍 Ubuntu 20.04 is a stable and secure operating system that is ideal for hosting game servers.
👍 Ubuntu is open source and free, so you don’t have to pay for expensive licenses.
👍 Ubuntu has a large community of developers and users that can provide support and resources for your Minecraft server.
👍 Ubuntu is easy to install and configure, even for beginners.
Disadvantages
Installing Minecraft server on Ubuntu 20.04 has the following disadvantages:
👎 Ubuntu requires a bit of technical knowledge to set up and maintain the server.
👎 Ubuntu may have compatibility issues with certain hardware and software.
👎 Ubuntu may require additional configuration to ensure optimal performance for your Minecraft server.
👎 Ubuntu may have limited support for certain plugins or mods used in Minecraft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I install Minecraft server on Ubuntu 18.04?
Yes, you can install Minecraft server on Ubuntu 18.04 using similar steps as outlined in this guide.
Q2. How much RAM do I need to run Minecraft server?
The minimum recommended RAM is 1GB, but for optimal performance, it’s best to have at least 2GB or more.
Q3. Can I run Minecraft server on a virtual private server (VPS)?
Yes, you can run Minecraft server on a VPS, but make sure to choose a VPS plan that has enough RAM and processing power.
Q4. How do I add mods to my Minecraft server?
You can add mods to your Minecraft server by downloading the mods and placing them in the mods folder in your server directory. You may also need to modify the server properties file to enable the mods.
Q5. How do I backup my Minecraft server?
You can backup your Minecraft server by copying the server directory to a different location or using a backup plugin.
Q6. How many players can my Minecraft server host?
The number of players your Minecraft server can host depends on the amount of RAM and processing power you have. A server with 2GB of RAM can host around 20 players.
Q7. How do I update my Minecraft server?
You can update your Minecraft server by downloading the latest version from the official website and replacing the old server file with the new one. You may also need to update the server properties file to match the new version.
Q8. How do I configure server plugins?
You can configure server plugins by accessing the plugin’s configuration file and modifying the settings as needed.
Q9. Can I run multiple Minecraft servers on the same machine?
Yes, you can run multiple Minecraft servers on the same machine by creating separate directories for each server and modifying the server properties file to use different port numbers.
Q10. Can I use a graphical user interface (GUI) to manage my Minecraft server?
Yes, you can use a GUI tool such as McMyAdmin or Multicraft to manage your Minecraft server.
Q11. How do I troubleshoot common Minecraft server issues?
Common Minecraft server issues include server crashes, lag, and connectivity problems. To troubleshoot these issues, check the server logs, update your software and hardware drivers, and check your network settings.
Q12. Can I run Minecraft server on a Raspberry Pi?
Yes, you can run Minecraft server on a Raspberry Pi, but performance may be limited due to the Raspberry Pi’s hardware limitations.
Q13. How do I set up a whitelist on my Minecraft server?
You can set up a whitelist on your Minecraft server by modifying the server properties file and adding the usernames of the players you want to allow. You can also use a whitelist plugin to manage the whitelist more easily.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now know how to install and configure Minecraft server on Ubuntu 20.04. We hope this guide has been helpful in creating your own game world and inviting others to join. Remember to regularly update and backup your server to ensure optimal performance and security. Happy gaming!
Take Action Now
Start your own Minecraft server today and invite your friends to play!
Closing Disclaimer
This guide is provided for educational and informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any damage or loss of data that may occur as a result of following this guide. Use at your own risk.