Minecraft is such a game that assembles millions around the globe into its vast point of view regarding creation and exploration.
Playing the single-player mode of this game may be pleasurable, but hosting your personal Minecraft server might take your game to another dimension altogether.
Consequently, you could then team up with your friends to build, explore, and create more stuff in it. In this post, we are going to take a look at why VPS is one of the best options to host Minecraft and will also cover how to set up properly.
1. Performance and Resources
In a VPS, the resources are all yours, and you will not have to share the CPU, RAM, or storage with any other user. This will mean smooth gameplay with very minimal lag, which is important for an appealing Minecraft experience. For example, a normal VPS plan may give one 4GB of RAM and a quad-core CPU, which is ideal for running a mid-sized server with more than a few players on it.
2. Full Control and Customization
When you opt for a VPS, you also gain root access to your server environment. This in turn will enable you to install whatever plugins and mods you wish to run. Be it running a vanilla server, running a modded server, or even running a Bukkit server with plugins installed on it, you are free to do so.
3. Cost-Effective
While dedicated servers can indeed be costly, VPS hosting is somewhat more economical with many of the same advantages. You can often find good VPS hosting for as low as $10 to $30 per month, depending on the resources you need.
4. Scalability
When your server starts to get more well-known, the consumption of more resources may be required. This is where VPS hosting can assist you in upgrading your plan without migrating servers to accommodate more players and plugins.
How to Set Up Your Minecraft VPS in Steps
Step 1: Choose a Good VPS Provider
While you choose a VPS provider, make sure you select based on variables such as uptime, customer support, and performance. Here are some popular VPS hosting providers for Minecraft.
Minecraft game server
DigitalOcean: Starting at $5/month, with droplet options for gaming. Vultr: Offers a wide range of plans and locations starting from $10/month. Linode: It features great performance along with excellent customer support, starting from $5/month. OVHcloud: Prices are competitive, especially in Europe, with plans hovering around $10/month. Step 2: Choose Your VPS Specifications For a Minecraft server, some recommended specifications include the following:
CPU: At least 2 cores.
RAM: At least 2GB. It works, but 4GB is highly recommended for smooth performance.
Storage: SSD storage is recommended to be installed in order to have faster loading times. 20GB is quite enough for small to medium-sized servers.
Operating System: Most users would prefer working with Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, Debian, or CentOS, because of their stability and performance.
Step 3: Installation of Operating System
Installation of Operating System will then follow, after choosing your provider and plan. Most of these VPS providers provide a one-click install for popular distributions, like Ubuntu. How to do it:
Login to your VPS control panel.
Create new VPS.
Choose the OS you want, like Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.
Follow the wizard on screen that guides you through setting up your VPS.
Step 4: Connect to Your VPS
After the operating system is installed, you’ll need to connect to your VPS using SSH (Secure Shell). Here’s how:
Open your terminal (on Linux/Mac) or use an SSH client like PuTTY (on Windows).
Connect to your server using the following command:
ssh root@your_server_ip
Enter the password provided by your VPS provider.
Step 5: Install Java
Minecraft server requires Java to run. Here’s how to install the latest version of Java on Ubuntu:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install openjdk-17-jre
Step 6: Download Minecraft Server
Now, you’ll need to download the Minecraft server jar file. Follow these steps:
Make sure to replace {latest_server_jar_url} with the actual URL from the official Minecraft website.
Step 7: Accept the EULA
Before running the server for the first time, you need to accept Minecraft’s End User License Agreement (EULA).
Create a new file named eula.txt:
echo"eula=true" > eula.txt
Step 8: Start the Minecraft Server
Now that everything is set up, you can start your Minecraft server with the following command:
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui
-Xmx sets the maximum RAM allocated to the server (you can increase this based on your VPS specs).
-Xms sets the initial RAM allocated.
Step 9: Configure Your Server
After starting the server, you’ll want to configure it to your liking. This involves editing the server.properties file:
nano server.properties
Here, you can change settings such as:
server-port: The port your server will run on (default is 25565).
max-players: Set the maximum number of players allowed.
gamemode: Specify the default game mode (e.g., survival, creative).
Step 10: Set Up Port Forwarding
To allow players to connect to your server, you’ll need to ensure that the VPS firewall allows traffic on the Minecraft port (default is 25565). If you’re using UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) on Ubuntu, you can do this with:
sudo ufw allow 25565
Step 11: Maintain and Secure Your Server
Regular maintenance and security are crucial for a smooth Minecraft experience:
Backups: Regularly back up your server files to prevent data loss. You can use tools like rsync or create snapshots if your VPS provider supports it.
Updates: Keep your server software updated to the latest version to benefit from performance improvements and security patches.
Plugins and Mods: If you want to enhance gameplay, consider using Bukkit, Spigot, or PaperMC, which allow for plugins that can improve performance and add features.
Monitoring: Use tools like htop to monitor your resource usage and ensure your server runs smoothly.
Final Words !
The idea of hosting a Minecraft server on a VPS is to create a personalized gaming environment in which you and your friends can enjoy the game.
Coming with this is a dedicated resource base, affording you with complete control over every minute setting and plugin that you might want to install, making VPS a pretty robust solution for all of your Minecraft hosting needs. Whether it be elaborate construction or large-scale landscapes, a correctly configured and efficient server is key.
Follow this guide, and you will have Minecraft up and running smoothly in no time. Now go round up your friends, fire up those neurons, and enter the infinite world of Minecraft! Happy crafting!
Minecraft Java Server
FAQ for Minecraft Game VPS
1. What is a Minecraft VPS?
Answer: A Minecraft VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a dedicated virtual server that allows you to host your own Minecraft game server. It provides you with exclusive resources, such as CPU and RAM, enabling you to customize gameplay, install mods, and manage players.
2. Why should I use a VPS for hosting my Minecraft server?
Answer: A VPS offers better performance, reliability, and control compared to shared hosting. You have dedicated resources, root access for customization, and the ability to scale your server as your player base grows.
3. How much does a Minecraft VPS cost?
Answer: The cost of a Minecraft VPS typically ranges from $10 to $50 per month, depending on the provider and the resources you choose (CPU, RAM, storage). Some plans may be cheaper for lower specifications.
4. What are the recommended specifications for a Minecraft VPS?
Answer: For a smooth experience, consider the following minimum specifications:
CPU: At least 2 cores.
RAM: Minimum 2GB (4GB recommended for larger servers).
Storage: SSD storage (20GB or more is generally sufficient).
Operating System: Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Debian are popular choices.
5. Can I run mods or plugins on a Minecraft VPS?
Answer: Yes! A VPS gives you full control over your server environment, allowing you to install and run mods and plugins to enhance your gameplay experience. Popular options include Bukkit, Spigot, and PaperMC.
6. How do I set up a Minecraft server on a VPS?
Answer: Setting up a Minecraft server on a VPS involves:
Choosing a VPS provider and plan.
Installing a Linux operating system.
Connecting to your VPS via SSH.
Installing Java and downloading the Minecraft server jar file.
Configuring server settings and starting the server.
7. Do I need technical knowledge to manage a Minecraft VPS?
Answer: While some technical knowledge is beneficial, many tutorials are available to guide you through the setup process. If you prefer a hands-off approach, consider a managed VPS service, where the provider assists with management tasks.
8. What if I want to upgrade my VPS resources later?
Answer: Most VPS providers allow you to upgrade your plan easily. Depending on the provider, you can increase your CPU, RAM, or storage without migrating to a new server.
9. How can I ensure my Minecraft server is secure?
Answer: To secure your Minecraft VPS:
Use strong passwords and SSH keys for access.
Regularly update your server’s operating system and Minecraft server software.
Install a firewall (like UFW) to manage incoming traffic.
Regularly back up your server data.
10. What kind of support can I expect with a Minecraft VPS?
Answer: Support varies by provider. Some offer 24/7 customer support via live chat, tickets, or phone, while others might have a knowledge base with tutorials. Be sure to check the support options when selecting a VPS provider.
11. Can I host a Minecraft server with friends using a VPS?
Answer: Absolutely! A VPS allows you to invite friends to join your server by sharing your server’s IP address and port number (default is 25565). You can manage player access through server settings.
12. Is there a limit to the number of players on my Minecraft VPS?
Answer: While there’s no hard limit, the number of players your server can handle depends on your VPS specifications. More RAM and CPU power generally allow for more simultaneous players without lag.
13. What backups should I perform for my Minecraft server?
Answer: Regularly back up your server files, including world data and configurations. You can automate this process using scripts or use backup solutions provided by your VPS provider to ensure data safety.
14. How do I install Minecraft mods or plugins on my VPS?
Answer: After setting up your server, download the desired mod or plugin files. Place them in the appropriate directory (e.g., the “plugins” folder for Bukkit/Spigot). Restart your server to apply the changes.
15. Can I run other games on the same VPS?
Answer: Yes, if your VPS has sufficient resources, you can run other game servers alongside your Minecraft server. However, keep in mind that this may affect performance, especially with multiple active servers.
