How to Set Up a Dedicated Minecraft Server for Friends and Community

Minecraft is not a game. It is a world war. Everyone can have fun, develop their creativity, and establish their community. Whether you are building a message structure with your friends or exploring the West with an online community, one of the best ways to enjoy Minecraft is by hosting your dedicated server. This always gives you complete hosting power over the game settings, modes, and player access, making it an ideal option for those who want to take their Minecraft Experience to the next level. 

In this dedicated guide, we will talk about the entire process of setting up your own dedicated Minecraft server, from downloading the Minecraft software to configuring it and inviting friends to join. We will cover everything in this menu guide. 

Why Host Your Own Minecraft Server?

Let’s talk about something. Before we dive into the setup process, let’s take a moment to decide why you want to set up a dedicated Minecraft server of your own. By selling dedicated Minecraft of your own, you have many benefits like hosting your server of several significant benefits like,

1. Total Control Over Settings: When you have your own server, you now have the power and authority of the game. You can change game mode difficulty levels and many more. Whether you want a peaceful gaming experience or a hardcore challenging experience, you are the man in charge.

With your server, you get to decide the game’s settings. You can change game modes, difficulty levels, and more. Whether you prefer peaceful gameplay or hardcore challenges, you’re in charge.

1. Customize the Experience: when you have your server, one of the best parts of it is to have the ability to add many modes and plugins to improve your gameplay, and you can also install custom maps, create meaningful games and design a custom featured of which your unique taste.

One of the best parts about owning a server is the ability to add mods and plugins to enhance your gameplay. You can even install custom maps, create mini-games, and design custom features to fit your unique vision.

1. Create a Community: Whether you’re playing with your friends or with new players, a dedicated server always gives you the opportunity to build a community of your own. You can also manage permissions, control who can join, and even set this server’s economics system yourself. 

Whether playing with friends or welcoming new players, a dedicated server allows you to build a community. You can manage permissions, control who can join, and even set up a server economy.

1. Performance and Stability: Having a dedicated server can also provide better performance, especially when you want to control multiple players independently. It also gives you the power to run your own server, no matter whether your game is turned on or closed, so everyone can keep playing as long as you want.

Hosting a dedicated server can improve performance, especially if you want to host multiple players. It also ensures your server runs even when your main game is closed, so everyone can keep playing as long as you want.

There are many advantages you have not talked about, but keeping this at vintages in mind, setting up your own server becomes an exciting opportunity to improve your Minecraft experience.

Step 1: Download Minecraft Server Software

The first step in setting up your Minecraft server is downloading the necessary server software. Fortunately, this process is straightforward. 

How to Download the Server Software:

1. Go to the official Minecraft website.
2. Find and click on the Download button for the Minecraft server. This will download a file called minecraft_server.1.19.4.jar (depending on the version).
3. Once the file is downloaded, move it into a new folder where you’ll store all your server files. For example, create a folder called “MinecraftServer” on your desktop or in a dedicated directory.

This .jar file is the core of your Minecraft server. You must use it to run the game and control everything about the world you are creating.

Step 2: Set Up Your Server Folder

After you have successfully downloaded the software, it is best to organize your server files properly before you can run the server. The last thing you want is to have a difficult setup to manage as the server grows independently.

How to Set Up the Server Folder:

1. Create a New Folder: Create a new folder on your computer and name it something like MinecraftServer.
2. Place the .jar File: Move the Minecraft server .jar file you downloaded into this folder.

Now that you have server software, we can begin configuring our server to run smoothly.

Step 3: Run the Minecraft Server for the First Time

Now, this is the moment your server officially starts. Whenever you run the server for the first time, it will generate server files that need to function, but don’t worry—it will also prompt you to accept the Minecraft and user licence agreement.

How to Start the Server:

1. Create a Startup Script:

On Windows: Open Notepad and paste the following line:

java -Xmx2G -Xms2G -jar minecraft_server.1.19.4.jar nogui

• -Xmx2G allocates 2GB of RAM to the server.
• -Xms2G sets the initial amount of RAM the server will use.
• Noguchi turns off the graphical user interface for improved performance.
• Save this file as start_server.bat in your server folder.

On Mac/Linux: Open Terminal and run the following command (replace the file name if necessary):

java -Xmx2G -Xms2G -jar minecraft_server.1.19.4.jar nogui

1. Run the Server: Double-click the start_server.bat file on Windows or run the command on Mac/Linux. This will start the server for the first time.

Accept the EULA: The server will stop running shortly after it starts. Open the eula.txt file that was generated and change the line:

ini

eula=false

to:

ini

eula=true

1. Could you save the file and close it? This is Minecraft’s way of ensuring that you understand and agree to the terms.
2. Restart the Server: Run the start_server.bat file again to launch the server.

After this point, the server will be running, and you can begin adjusting.

Step 4: Configuring Server Settings

Minecraft offers many customizable options in the server.properties file, allowing you to control the behaviour of the behaviour server. This is where you’ll fine-tune your game settings.

Key Server Settings to Adjust:

1. Game Mode: You can set the default game mode for all players. Use the game mode option in the server.properties file:
   • 0 = Survival
   • 1 = Creative
   • 2 = Adventure
2. Difficulty: Change the difficulty level to adjust the challenge:
   • 0 = Peaceful
   • 1 = Easy
   • 2 = Normal
   • 3 = Hard
3. Max Players: This setting controls the number of players who can join the server at once.
4. Server Port: The default port is 25565, but you can change it if needed. If you use a custom port, forward it to your router (see the next step).

Step 5: Set Up Port Forwarding

Now, if you want your friends to join the community to make your server accessible for them, or if you want the community unit to configure port forwarding on your router, this allows external players to connect to your server through the internet. Now, let’s see how to set up board forwarding.

How to Set Up Port Forwarding:

1. Log into Your Router: Open your web browser and go to your router’s IP address. It’s usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
2. Locate the Port Forwarding Section: This varies by router, but look for sections like Port Forwarding, NAT, or Virtual Server.
3. Create a Port Forwarding Rule:
   • Port Range: Enter 25565 for both the start and end ports.
   • Protocol: Choose TCP/UDP.
   • Local IP Address: This is the IP address of the machine running the Minecraft server. You can find it by typing ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (Mac/Linux) in the command line.
4. Save the Settings: Apply the changes in your router settings.

Now, your server should be accessible to anyone who wants to join your community and have your public IP address and the correct port number. You will need to share this information with your friends and community and allow them to join.

Step 6: Adjusting the Firewall Settings

If your server machine is running a firewall, you will need to make sure that port 25565 is open; otherwise, external players will not be able to connect to your server. 

How to Open the Firewall:

Windows:

1. Open Windows Firewall settings.
2. Click on Advanced Settings and select Inbound Rules.
3. Add a new rule to allow traffic through port 25565.

Mac/Linux:

For Mac and Linux, you’ll need to open port 25565 in the firewall configuration tool. This process varies depending on your firewall software and operating system.

Step 7: Sharing Your Server Address

At this point, your server should be up and running. To invite friends to play, you must share your public IP address.

How to Find Your Public IP Address:

1. Open any web browser and search for “What is my IP.”

The page will display your public IP address. Share this address with your friends, followed by the port number (if it’s not the default 25565). For example:

123.45.67.89:2556

Now, your friends can connect by entering your public IP address into the Minecraft multiplayer menu.

Step 8: Optional – Installing Mods and Plugins

If you want to add mods or plugins to your server, you can use modified server software like Spigot, Paper, or Forge.

1. Spigot/Paper (For Plugins): These server types allow you to install plugins that enhance functionality, add features, and improve performance.
2. Forge (For Mods): Forge is the way to go if you’re into modding. You can install and run mods to add new gameplay elements.

Each option has specific installation instructions, but generally, you’ll download the server software, replace the original Minecraft_server.jar file, and restart the server.

Step 9: Server Maintenance and Backups

The work doesn’t stop once your server is up and running. Regular server maintenance and backups are essential to ensure smooth gameplay for everyone and prevent the loss of valuable data. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your server in top shape:

Why Regular Maintenance is Important

Server maintenance is crucial for several reasons:

• Preventing Crashes: Servers, like any other system, can become unstable over time. Regular maintenance helps catch issues early, such as memory leaks, plugin failures, or potential bugs that could cause crashes.
• Enhancing Performance: Regular cleaning up of unused files, optimizing settings, and checking for updates can help your server run smoothly and avoid performance degradation.
• Player Retention: A stable and well-maintained server offers a better experience for players. Frequent crashes, lags, or performance issues can quickly drive players away.

How to Perform Server Maintenance

Here are some tasks you should incorporate into your maintenance routine:

1. Keep Software Updated: Always check for updates to the Minecraft server software, plugins, or mods you use. Running the latest versions can bring improvements, security patches, and new features to your server.
2. Clean-Up Server Files: Over time, your server might accumulate unnecessary files such as old worlds, logs, or backups. Regularly delete old or unused worlds, clear server logs, and optimize any files that might be taking up unnecessary space.
3. Monitor Server Performance: Use server monitoring tools to monitor memory usage, CPU load, and player activity. This will help you identify any performance bottlenecks or areas for optimization.
4. Check for Plugin/Mod Compatibility: If you’ve installed mods or plugins, make sure they are compatible with the latest version of Minecraft. Some mods may cause issues if they are outdated or no longer supported.
5. Test Backups: Ensure your backup system works properly by performing test restores. Nothing is worse than discovering that your backups don’t work when needed.

Regular Backups Are a Must

Backups are the safety net that saves you in case something goes wrong. Whether due to a corrupted world file, a malicious player griefing the server, or an unexpected crash, having a reliable backup system ensures you can always restore your server to a previous, functional state.

Here’s how you can set up and maintain a solid backup routine:

How to Backup Your Server:

1. Manual Backups:
   • Step 1: Locate your server’s world folder (this is where all your world data is stored).
   • Step 2: Copy the entire folder to another location on your computer or an external storage device.
   • Step 3: You can also make a backup of other important files like server.properties, permissions.yml, and eula.txt to ensure you don’t lose your settings or configurations.
2. Automated Backups:
   • There are several tools and scripts you can use to automate backups. Many hosting services offer automatic backup options. However, if you’re running your server, you can set up a simple cron job (for Linux/Mac) or a scheduled task (for Windows) to back up your world data every day or week.
   • Example (Windows): You can use a batch script that copies the server world files to a backup folder at a specific time each day.
   • Example (Linux/Mac): Use rsync to automatically sync your server’s world folder with a backup directory.
3. Cloud Backups:
   • Using cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3 for off-site backups adds an extra layer of security if your local backups are lost or corrupted.
   • You can manually upload the backups or set up automated cloud sync services to store backups remotely.

How Often Should You Backup?

• Daily Backups: Daily backups are recommended for active servers with frequent changes. This ensures you capture every major change to your world and data.
• Weekly Backups: For less active servers, weekly backups are sufficient. However, consider more frequent backups if you have plugins or mods that affect world generation or player data.
• Before Major Changes: Always back up before installing new mods and plugins or updating the server version. This precaution ensures you can return to a stable version if something goes wrong.

Restoring Your Server From Backup

In the unfortunate event that you need to restore your server from a backup, the process is relatively simple:

1. Stop the Server: Always stop the server before restoring a backup to avoid corruption.
2. Locate the Backup Folder: Go to the folder storing your backups.
3. Restore the Files: Copy the backup files and replace the current world files with the ones from the backup. Ensure you replace any relevant server configuration files as well.
4. Start the Server: Once the restore is complete, restart the server and check if everything is working as expected.

Maintaining Server Security

Security is also an important aspect of server maintenance. To prevent unauthorized access, ensure that:

• You regularly update server software to patch any security vulnerabilities.
• Use strong passwords for your server and any associated accounts.
• Limit permissions for players on your server, particularly if you have an open or public server.
• Regularly scan for malware and suspicious activity to ensure the integrity of your server.

Conclusion

Running a dedicated Minecraft server for your friends and community can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By hosting your server, you gain full control over settings, player interactions, and the ability to craft a unique world for everyone to enjoy. Whether setting up the server, customizing the experience with mods and plugins, or keeping everything running smoothly with regular backups and maintenance, every step contributes to a more enjoyable and stable Minecraft adventure.

With this guide, you now have the tools and knowledge to set up, run, and maintain your own Minecraft server. So gather your friends, build your community, and create your world!