How to Host a Minecraft Server on a VPS? Step-by-Step Guide

You can host a Minecraft server on a VPS by renting a virtual private server, installing Java, uploading the Minecraft server files, and configuring the server properties and firewall rules to allow player connections. Once the setup is complete, you can run the server in the background using tools like screen or tmux, giving you a reliable, always-online environment that supports multiple players with better performance compared to hosting on a personal computer.

Step 1: Choose a VPS Provider

Selecting the right VPS provider is crucial for a smooth Minecraft server experience. Consider the following factors when choosing a provider:

1. Performance: Ensure the VPS has enough CPU, RAM, and storage to handle Minecraft. A minimum of 2GB of RAM is recommended for small servers, but more may be needed for larger servers or modded Minecraft.
2. Location: Choose a server location close to your player base to minimize latency.
3. Price: Compare prices and features to find a plan that fits your budget.
4. Customer Support: Good customer support can help resolve issues fastly.

A few popular VPS providers include Oudel & others.

Step 2: Set Up Your VPS

Once you’ve chosen a provider and purchased a VPS plan, follow these steps to set up your server:

Connect to Your VPS

1. Access Your VPS: Use an SSH client like PuTTY (for Windows) or Terminal (for macOS and Linux) to connect to your VPS. You’ll need the server’s IP address and your login credentials.

   bash  Copy code
   ssh root@your_vps_ip

2. Update Your Server: Ensure your server is up-to-date by running the following commands:

   bash  Copy code
   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade -y

Install Java

Minecraft requires Java to run. Install the latest version of Java using the following commands:

bash  Copy code
sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk -y

Create a Minecraft User

For security reasons, it’s best to run your Minecraft server under a separate user account:

bash  Copy code
sudo adduser minecraft
sudo usermod -aG sudo minecraft

Download and Install Minecraft Server

1. Switch to the Minecraft User:

   bash  Copy code
   su - minecraft

2. Create a Directory for Minecraft:

   bash  Copy code
   mkdir minecraft_server
   cd minecraft_server

3. Download the Minecraft Server: Visit the official Minecraft server download page to get the latest version. Use Wget to download the server jar file.

   bash  Copy code
   wget https://launcher.mojang.com/v1/objects/<latest_version>/server.jar -O minecraft_server.jar

Start the Minecraft Server

1. Run the Server: Start the server to generate the required files.

   bash  Copy code
   java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

2. Accept the EULA: You will need to accept the End User License Agreement (EULA). Open the eula.txt file & alternative eula=false to eula=true.

   bash  Copy code
   nano eula.txt
   Change eula=false to eula=true and save the file (Ctrl+X, Y, Enter).

3. Restart the Server:

   bash  Copy code
   java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

Configure Your Server
Edit the server.properties file to configure your server settings:

bash  Copy code
nano server.properties

Adjust settings such as the server name, game mode, difficulty, and more. Save the file when done.

Step 3: Set Up Port Forwarding

Ensure your VPS firewall allows traffic on the default Minecraft port (25565):

bash  Copy code
sudo ufw allow 25565

Step 4: Optimize Your Server

1. Allocate More RAM: Modify the server startup command to allocate more RAM if needed:

   bash  Copy code
   java -Xmx2048M -Xms2048M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui

2. Install Performance Mods: Consider using performance-enhancing mods like Paper or Spigot, which optimize the server for better performance.

Step 5: Connect to Your Server

Share your VPS IP address with your friends. They can connect to your server using the Minecraft client by entering the IP address in the “Direct Connect” or “Add Server” options.

Conclusion
Hosting a Minecraft server on a VPS provides a flexible and powerful solution for creating your own multiplayer world. By following this guide, you can set up and configure your server, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for you and your friends. Enjoy your custom Minecraft server and the adventures that await!