Minecraft is a popular game worldwide and boasts one among the most active creator communities.
Sure, you can just download Minecraft and dive in, buy a subscription to Minecraft Realms Plus, invite ten friends, and have at it. This is a very sensible way to go, and a good way to get your feet firmly on the ground. But much like anything in life, it won't be long before you're eyeing a more advanced configuration.
Benefits of a Minecraft Server
If you're looking for a more immersive and customized Minecraft experience, hosting the game on your own server is a logical progression. You can host online multiplayer games at higher capacity-think hundreds of players as opposed to just ten-and it's a chance for you and your friends (or your kids and their friends) to get crafty on a much grander scale.
With a dedicated Minecraft server, you're in complete control of your environment and will enjoy better speed and performance. If you're a part of the Minecraft community, a dedicated Minecraft server gives you more power and reliability than any other approach.
Because Minecraft is essentially a coder community, security is a major concern. As with any other game, players are competitive and will go to great lengths in order to destroy a rival's networks. The more you can control your game, the safer and happier it will be.
How to Create a Minecraft Server on Windows, Mac, or Linux Systems
Let's begin with the basics. A little technical know-how is required to set up the actual server. You will need to understand at least the basics of how a network and server work. You should also be comfortable using command lines to control the hardware.
Some questions people ask include:
Do I need a specific type of computer to run a Minecraft server?
No. Although you don't necessarily need a special computer to use it, it is better to set it up on your desktop.
Can I run both the server AND the game on the exact same computer?
Yes, with explanation. It's possible to run the server and play the game on the same machine, but you need to have a pretty powerful system to get the best possible performance.
Can I run a Minecraft server over a wireless connection?
This is not recommended. A wired connection is much more reliable and preferred.
Do I need specialized hardware?
Although you could buy server hardware from a vendor, a virtual server (VPS), or a dedicated server, is a simpler option. You won't have to worry about maintaining your hardware. It can also be scaled if you require more server power. Hosting a server means that your network is not exposed to the rest of the world.
With these points in mind, here are the steps you will take in setting up your Minecraft server, in a broad sense:
1. Install the latest Java version to your computer. 2. Download the latest Minecraft version. 3. Configure the network and the server 4. Run the server. 5. Make sure you can access the server.
Setting Up Your Minecraft Server on Linux
Linux-hosted VPSs are perfect if there aren't many players on your server. You can scale up easily if you feel you need more power. You might consider a dedicated server if you have bigger plans.
LinuxGSM is an open source command tool that is very useful in game server deployment. You will need Java to be manually configured and LinuxGSM to point to it. Click here for a detailed step-by-step guide on how to deploy a Minecraft server in Linux.
1. Java 1.6 is the latest version. Before you can connect to your host via SSH, 2. You can create a location to store your server files. 3. Download the Minecraft server files. This page will tell you which version you have. You'll also need to install "screen" in order to make sure the server runs even when you're disconnected. 4. Launch the Minecraft server. After the server is launched, you need to verify that it is functioning properly.
Save the server.properties.dll and restart the server. Bonfire.im You will then need to put your server IP address into Minecraft's status checker to see if it's running.
1. Point your domain to the Minecraft server. Make sure your name is easy to remember and not an IP address. This will make it easier for your friends to find you. This can be done by updating the DNS records of your domain with an A record, or a subdomain that can point to your server’s IP address.
How Much Will You Pay for a Minecraft Server?
As with most things in life, what you'll pay for a Minecraft server really depends on what you need. If you're just looking to experiment a bit or only need something that can handle up to 20 players, you're looking anywhere between $6 and $35 per month for a virtual private server. The more active players on the server, you will pay more.
If you're looking to achieve greater performance and greater capabilities, there's no better choice than a dedicated Minecraft server. A dedicated Minecraft server offers top-level performance and features from about $101 per month. A dedicated server is great for developers or families with children. It offers a lot more security, stability, availability and bandwidth.
No matter which way you go, whether it's a dedicated server or a VPS, it's important to ensure that you're getting enough value for your money. If you want Minecraft to be a great experience, make sure you have the resources you need.
It really comes down to how you intend to use it. But if you're not sure, we're available to help. We might also be able to offer some suggestions on how to improve the game experience once we know what setup you are looking for.
If you're thinking about setting up a Minecraft server, talk to us first. We power some of the world's most well-known Minecraft hosting platforms, so we know a thing or two about it. Let's get started by reaching out to us today.