How to Set Up a Remote Host Minecraft Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Welcome, Dev! Are you tired of hosting a Minecraft server on your own PC and want to upgrade to a remote host? In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up a remote host Minecraft server, step by step. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to create a server that’ll allow your friends to join from anywhere in the world. Let’s dive in!

What is a Remote Host Minecraft Server?

A remote host Minecraft server is a server hosted on an external machine, meaning that it’s not hosted on your own PC. This external machine is known as a “host”, and it’s usually a dedicated server that’s designed to run game servers, like Minecraft. By hosting your game server remotely, you’ll be able to enjoy better performance, stability, and scalability.

Before we get started, let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

Item
Minimum Requirements
Operating System
Windows 7 64-bit or newer, or Linux
RAM
At least 4GB (8GB recommended)
Storage
At least 10GB of free space
Internet Connection
At least 10Mbps upload and download speed
External IP Address
You’ll need a static external IP address to host a Minecraft server

Step 1: Choose Your Server Host

The first step is to choose a server host that meets your requirements. There are many different Minecraft server hosting providers available online, and each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a server host:

Cost

The cost of hosting a Minecraft server can vary depending on the provider you choose, the server specifications, and the location of the server. Some hosts offer cheaper plans with limited resources, while others offer more expensive plans with better performance and additional features. Consider your budget and choose a provider accordingly.

Location

The location of your server host can affect the latency and connection quality for players joining your Minecraft server. Try to choose a server host that’s located close to the majority of your players to ensure the best possible experience.

Support

If you’re new to hosting a Minecraft server, it’s essential to choose a provider that offers good support. Look for hosts that provide 24/7 technical support, live chat, and knowledge base articles to help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Features

Not all server hosts offer the same features, so it’s important to choose a provider that comes with the features you need. Some hosts offer automated backups, DDoS protection, and easy server management tools, while others may not. Consider which features are essential for your server and choose a provider accordingly.

Once you’ve chosen a server host, it’s time to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Purchase Your Server Plan

After you’ve chosen your server host, it’s time to purchase your server plan. Most hosts offer a variety of plans with different specifications and prices, so choose one that’s suitable for your needs and budget.

During the checkout process, you’ll need to provide some information and make the payment. Some hosts may require you to provide a valid email address, phone number, or billing address for verification purposes.

After you’ve completed the checkout process, you’ll receive an email with your server login details, including an IP address, username, and password. Keep this information safe, as you’ll need it to access your server.

Step 3: Access Your Server

Now that you’ve purchased your server plan, it’s time to access your server. To do this, you’ll need to use an FTP client to connect to your server’s FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server. Some popular FTP clients include FileZilla, Cyberduck, and WinSCP.

To connect to your server’s FTP server, you’ll need to enter the server IP address, username, and password. Once you’ve connected, you’ll be able to upload your Minecraft server files to the server.

Step 4: Install Minecraft Server

After you’ve connected to the server using FTP, it’s time to install the Minecraft server files. To do this, you’ll need to follow these steps:

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Step 1: Download the Minecraft Server Files

First, you’ll need to download the Minecraft server files from the official Minecraft website. You can download the latest version of the server files from this link: https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download/server/

Step 2: Upload the Minecraft Server Files to Your Server

Next, you’ll need to upload the Minecraft server files to your server using an FTP client. Create a new folder on your server called “minecraft_server” and upload the server files to this folder.

Step 3: Launch the Minecraft Server

After you’ve uploaded the server files, it’s time to launch the Minecraft server. To do this, you’ll need to run the following command in your server’s console:

java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

This will launch the Minecraft server with 1GB of RAM allocated. If you want to allocate more RAM, you can change the “-Xmx” and “-Xms” values accordingly. For example, if you want to allocate 2GB of RAM, you can use the following command:

java -Xmx2048M -Xms2048M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

Once you’ve launched the Minecraft server, it’s time to configure some settings.

Step 5: Configure Your Minecraft Server

After you’ve launched the Minecraft server, it’s time to configure some settings. To do this, you’ll need to edit the “server.properties” file in your server’s root directory. Here are some essential settings that you should configure:

Server Name

You can change the name of your server by editing the “server-name” property in the “server.properties” file. This name will be displayed in the Minecraft server list.

Server Port

The default Minecraft server port is 25565, but you can change it by editing the “server-port” property in the “server.properties” file. Make sure to open the new port on your firewall to allow players to connect.

Server Difficulty

You can set the difficulty of your Minecraft server by editing the “difficulty” property in the “server.properties” file. The available options are “peaceful”, “easy”, “normal”, and “hard”.

There are many other settings that you can configure, such as game rules, world settings, and server commands. Refer to the Minecraft wiki for more information on these settings.

Step 6: Invite Your Friends

Now that you’ve set up your remote host Minecraft server, it’s time to invite your friends to join. To do this, you’ll need to share your server’s IP address and port number with them. They can then connect to your server by entering the IP address and port number in the Minecraft client.

Before inviting your friends, make sure to configure any necessary server settings, such as whitelisting players or setting up permissions. You can do this using server plugins, such as Bukkit or Spigot.

FAQ

1. Can I run a Minecraft server on my own PC?

Yes, you can run a Minecraft server on your own PC, but it’s not recommended. Hosting a server on your own PC can cause performance issues, stability issues, and security risks.

2. How much does it cost to host a Minecraft server?

The cost of hosting a Minecraft server can vary depending on the provider you choose, the server specifications, and the location of the server. Some hosts offer cheaper plans with limited resources, while others offer more expensive plans with better performance and additional features.

3. How many players can join my Minecraft server?

The number of players that can join your Minecraft server depends on the server specifications, the number of plugins installed, and the internet connection speed. Most hosts offer plans that support up to 100 players or more.

4. What is the difference between a dedicated server and a VPS?

A dedicated server is a physical machine that’s dedicated to running game servers, whereas a VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a virtual machine that shares resources with other VPSes on the same physical machine. Dedicated servers usually offer better performance and more resources, but they’re also more expensive.

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5. How can I protect my Minecraft server from DDoS attacks?

Most hosts offer DDoS protection as part of their server plans, but you can also use server plugins, such as DenyHosts or Fail2Ban, to protect your server from DDoS attacks.

6. Can I install mods on my Minecraft server?

Yes, you can install mods on your Minecraft server, but you’ll need to make sure that the mods are compatible with your server version and that your players have the same mods installed on their clients.

Conclusion

Hosting a remote host Minecraft server can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to choose a reliable server host and configure your server correctly. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to create a server that’ll allow your friends to join from anywhere in the world. Good luck, and have fun!