Knowledgebase

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Minecraft Server

Prerequisites

• Java: Ensure you have the latest version of Java installed (Java SE Development Kit). You can download it from Oracle's website or use OpenJDK.
• A Dedicated PC or VPS: This can be a Windows, macOS, or Linux machine.

Instructions

1. Download Minecraft Server Software

   • Go to the official Minecraft website and download the latest Minecraft server .jar file (e.g., minecraft_server.1.xx.x.jar).

2. Create a Server Directory

   • Create a new folder on your computer where you want to run the server (e.g., C:\Minecraft_Server).

3. Move the Server File

   • Place the downloaded .jar file into your server directory.

4. Create a Batch File (Windows) or Shell Script (Linux)

   • For Windows:

     • Create a new text file in the server directory and rename it to start.bat.
     • Edit start.bat and add the following line: bash java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.1.xx.x.jar nogui
     • This command allocates a minimum and maximum of 1 GB of RAM to the server. You can adjust these values based on your system's available RAM.

   • For Linux:

     • Create a new text file (e.g., start.sh) and add: bash #!/bin/sh java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.1.xx.x.jar nogui
     • Make the script executable: bash chmod +x start.sh

5. Run the Server

   • Windows: Double-click start.bat.
   • Linux: Run ./start.sh in the terminal.
   • The server will start and generate some files and folders, including eula.txt.

6. Accept the EULA

   • Open the eula.txt file in your server directory and change: plaintext eula=false
   • To: plaintext eula=true
   • Save and close the file.

7. Start the Server Again

   • Run the start.bat or start.sh file again. Your server should now fully start, and you’ll see messages in the console.

8. Configure Server Properties

   • Open server.properties in your server directory to customize settings like:
     • level-name: Set your world name.
     • max-players: Change the max number of players allowed.
     • gamemode: Set the default game mode (survival, creative, etc.).

9. Set Up Port Forwarding

   • Access your router settings by entering your router’s IP address in a web browser (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
   • Forward the default Minecraft port (25565) to your server's local IP address.
   • Check your local IP address using ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Linux).

10. Connect to Your Server

    • Launch Minecraft on your PC.
    • Click on “Multiplayer.”
    • Click “Add Server” and enter your server’s IP address (use your public IP if connecting from outside your home network, or localhost if connecting from the same machine).

11. Optional: Install Mods or Plugins

    • To enhance your server, consider using server management tools like Spigot, Paper, or Bukkit for mod support.
    • Download plugins and place them in the plugins folder (this is created when you run a server with Spigot/Paper).

Additional Tips

• Backup: Regularly back up your server files and worlds.
• Performance: Monitor server performance and adjust RAM allocation as needed.
• Community: Consider joining Minecraft server hosting communities for support and resource sharing.

With these steps, you should now have a functional Minecraft server to enjoy with friends! Happy crafting!