How To Set Up A Minecraft Server Using A VPS In 8 Steps

Minecraft is a popular video game with over 140 million players around the world. Minecraft's success is due to its popularity with friends.

Hosting providers can make the multiplayer game a business venture by turning the community's passion into a profit. By setting up your own Minecraft server, you can create a more engaging, varied, and unique block-based world - and then monetize your creation.

This post will discuss how to make money with Minecraft via a Virtual Private Server (VPS). Next, we will share a step-by–step guide for installing, configuring, launching, and launching a gaming server. Let's get started!

An Introduction to Minecraft

Minecraft is widely recognized as one of history's greatest video games with millions of copies sold all over the globe. Mojang, the Stockholm-based software developers, built the original Minecraft game. Microsoft bought Mojang's intellectual property and Minecraft for $2.5billion in 2014.

The basic idea behind this sandbox videogame is simple. Minecraft lets players explore a 3D environment, build structures, and craft tools and materials.

There are many modes available, including a creative mode that grants unlimited resources to gamers. Players can also modify gameplay mechanics, assets, and items.

Minecraft has won many awards, including the Best Debut Game award, Best Downloadable game, and the Innovation title at the Game Developers Choice Awards. It is also part of the World Video Game Hall of Fame.

This cultural phenomenon isn’t only popular among gamers. Minecraft is used in education, which is unusual for a popular video game. For example, one teacher recreated various historical landmarks for their students to explore.

Minecraft even teaches young players how to code and build hardware and virtual devices. Minecraft: Education Edition has been created to help educators. This edition is dedicated to promoting the use of Minecraft within schools, and has some extra features that can help teachers monitor their students' progress within the game.

Why Create Your Own Minecraft Server

You can explore Minecraft's block based world by yourself, but multiplayer mode is extremely popular. You can create bigger and more amazing things by logging in to a shared Minecraft server.

Public servers can be a breeding ground for harassment and bullying. This is particularly concerning given Minecraft's young fanbase.

Fortunately, it's possible to create your own Minecraft server. This allows you to have complete control over your Minecraft server, including setting your own rules as well as deciding who can access it.

There's also the opportunity to monetize your Minecraft server by charging for access. You could create a server to cater to a specific community. You might appeal to parents who care about their children playing their favorite games in a safe environment.

Or, you could focus on creating an exciting Minecraft experience. If you construct a large, unique gaming world populated by mini-games, expansions, and beautiful structures, then players may be willing to pay a premium in order to experience the world you've created.

You might even permit people to join your server for free, while generating revenue through other means. Minecraft's Commercial Usage Guidelines expressly forbid selling any in-game benefits. However, there are many add-ons that don't affect the actual gameplay. This includes cosmetics that are in-game, such as a change in the color of the player's name or an effect that appears around their character.

Your server will likely grow in popularity and you might be able to secure sponsorships or display ads online. You might also make money through affiliate links. All of this can turn your Minecraft server into a lucrative revenue stream.

Virtual Private Servers (VPS), Why You May Want To Use It

When it comes to creating a Minecraft server, you'll need enough firepower to ensure smooth and responsive gameplay. It's difficult to beat dedicated servers in terms horsepower. These are the most expensive hosting plans.

Virtual Private Servers (VPS) are the answer. Your provider can host multiple clients on the same VPS server. This reduces their running costs and allows them to offer VPS hosting for a more affordable price.

Similar to a baremet server, a VPS gives you access to a portion of the server’s physical resources and functionality. This puts you in a strong position to provide fast rendering and a lag-free gaming experience. A VPS could be the best option if you want to impress your community without spending a fortune.

You may need to change your requirements as you build a game server. You might attract new players, add more mod packs, and continue to expand your block-based world.

It becomes more important to have access to the server's resources as your game demands increase. However, you risk having to share resources with neighbors who are not as resource-efficient.

You may see an increase in traffic from your neighbors. While this may be great for them, it could mean less resources for us. A shared server and growing demands can spell disaster. If the gameplay starts to suffer, your players may go elsewhere.

With VPS hosting, you're separated from other users. This allows you to configure your server more easily. You should be able to deliver a fast, responsive gaming experience for Minecraft and grow your community by optimizing your VPS.

How to Set Up a Minecraft Server Using a VPS (In 8 Steps)

Although Minecraft was released in 2011, it is still a very popular game. It generated $142 million in 2020 alone.

Let's see how you can turn the biggest video game of all time into your next business opportunity. Here's how to set up your own Minecraft server, in eight easy steps.

1. Choose a VPS Package

We recommend that Minecraft servers have 1.5GB RAM and at least 15GB hard drive storage. A2 Hosting offers managed VPS plans that provide enough power to run a successful Minecraft VPS. If you'd prefer an unmanaged plan, then we'd recommend Runway 2 or higher.

It is also important to consider how your requirements may change over time. If you install add-ons, plugins, and texture packs, this will all increase your requirements. As your game attracts more players, you may also need to upgrade your plan, or risk damaging the player experience by forcing them to endure lagging gameplay.

A2 Hosting offers free migration to existing customers who upgrade their accounts to a higher service level. This allows you to be confident that your Minecraft world will perform well and will not crash.

Installing Minecraft and the associated software does require root access. All managed and unmanaged VPS plans include optional root access. This allows you to choose the plan that provides the best value for your money and gives Minecraft users the best experience.

2. Secure Shell Protocol (SSH), Connect Over Secure Shell Protocol

Next, connect your VPS using Secure Shell Protocol. This protocol allows you to communicate with your server via an unsecured network. Once you have established this link, your server can be configured to run Minecraft.

You will need your IP Address, SSH Port and root password to get started. Logging into the client area will provide all this information to A2 Hosting customers. Select Services > My services from the toolbar

Click on the Manage button to connect to the account you are looking for. Select the Additional Information tab from the screen that follows.

This screen provides all the information that you need to connect via SSH. Open a terminal on your computer to input the information. You can then type the following command, being sure to replace port-number and ip-address with your own information:

You'll find the port number in your A2 Hosting dashboard, listed as FTP/SFTP Port. Here, you'll also find the IP address. Your terminal command should look something similar to this:

To run this command, press the Enter key on your keyboard. Once you have entered the correct port number, IP address, and password, the terminal will ask you for your password.

This information is located in the A2 Hosting client area listed under Root Password (SSH/WHM). After typing your password, press the Enter key again. You should now be connected as [email protected]/root to your VPS.

3. Install the Open Java Development Kit

Since Minecraft runs on Java, you'll need to install the Open Java Development Kit (OpenJDK) on your VPS. This is an open-source, free implementation of Java Platform Standard Edition (Java SE).

We're going to install OpenDK using the YUM package management tool. Soundz promising This popular tool resolves dependencies when updating, installing, or deleting software packages.

To install OpenJDK, enter the following command into your terminal:

Then, press the Enter key. YUM will now check whether the requested software package is installed and if it has any dependencies that you need to run OpenJDK.

After a few seconds, the terminal should display information about the download, including the estimated size.

If you're happy to proceed, then press the Y key. SSH will now download OpenJDK onto your VPS.

4. Install Minecraft

It is smart to create a directory to store all your Minecraft content. This will help you keep your server organized. The following command can be used for this:

You can navigate directly to this folder by using the command change directory (cd).

Now that you are in the Minecraft directory, it is time to install the Minecraft program! At the time of writing, the latest version of Minecraft Server was 1.17.1. For the latest update, you can always visit the official Minecraft website. On that page, find the download Minecraft server link:

Hover over the link and then Control-click. Next, click Copy Link Address in the context menu.

To download Minecraft Server jars, we'll use the command wget. The final command should look something like the following:

After a few minutes, you will see a "server.jar" saved message. Congratulations! Minecraft has been installed on your VPS!

5. Accept the End User License Agreement.

The next step is configuring the Minecraft jar file. This file can be renamed to make it easier to track. You might rename server.jar, for example, to reflect the Minecraft version you have just downloaded.

In the following example, we're renaming server.jar to minecraft_server.1.17.1.jar:

Before starting your Minecraft server, you'll need to agree to the End-User License Agreement (EULA). This is a legal agreement between you and Mojang, which sets out some guidelines for how you can use the Minecraft software.

Enter the following command into your terminal:

You may need to change the above command to reflect your renamed jar file.

At this point, the terminal will ask for your consent to the Minecraft EULA. Run the following command to verify that the EULA file is included in your downloaded file:

The terminal will now list the contents of your /minecraft directory, which should include the EULA file. If you have the file, you can edit it using the Nano text editor.

Now, go through the EULA. If you accept the terms and condition, change eula=false or eula=true

The EULA file will be saved. Once you have agreed to Minecraft's terms, it is now possible to configure your server.

6. Configure Your Server

The server.properties file specifies all the gaming settings and variables. You can customize Minecraft's experience by editing this file.

This includes cosmetic changes, such as providing a unique welcome message, but also fundamental changes to the gameplay mechanics. You can also change the size of your world and the number players allowed.

To start configuring your Minecraft server, type the following:

Hit Enter. The terminal will now display the current configuration for your Minecraft server:

Enter Insert mode by pressing on the I key to make any changes. To move between the settings, you can use your arrow keys.

Let's take a quick look at an example. The default difficulty level is Easy. This means that enemies will not spawn but will inflict less damage than those in Normal or Hard modes. It's also not possible for enemies to poison players, or for zombies to break down doors.

To really challenge your players, use the arrow keys. You can then edit these settings.

For example, it might be changed to difficulty=normal or difficult=hard.

If you are satisfied with the changes made, you can press the Escape key to exit Insert mode. Then, type the following.

Press Enter to return the main terminal window.

7. Install Screen

You're almost ready to launch your Minecraft server. However, currently if you disconnect from the session, it will also stop the game. This can be a problem for your players and you need to fix it before you make your server live.

Screen can be installed to ensure that your session does not end. This popular utility will ensure that your processes continue to run even if their window isn't visible or if you disconnect.

Screen also enables you to initiate a command from one terminal, disconnect from that terminal, and then reconnect from a different location. These commands can be used to install Screen:

Now, you can start the Minecraft server by executing your jar file. Enter the following in the terminal:

The system will now execute your Minecraft jar file. After a few seconds, you will see a message confirming the process is complete. Your Minecraft server is now up and running.

8. Configure Your Firewall

You can now disconnect from the Minecraft screen by pressing CTRL + A + D. To reattach to the session again, press CTRL + R.

You will need to allow incoming connections if you want to monetize your VPS. Minecraft uses port 2565 by default. You will need to configure port forwarding for port 25655.

Now, people can connect to your server from the Minecraft launch screen. You can select Multiplayer from the launch screen.

After that, they will be able to select Add Server and then enter the IP or Web address of your server. Then, they can choose Join Server and should be able to successfully connect to their Minecraft VPS.

Multiplayer mode is hugely popular among the Minecraft community, but running a successful gaming server costs money. A Virtual Private Server (VPS) can help you minimize your running expenses and maximize your profits.

It is essential to deliver a smooth, fast gaming experience to your players if you want them to be impressed. A VPS can be your secret weapon. Similar to a dedicated server, with a VPS you're allocated a portion of the server's physical resources. You don't need to spend a lot on a costly plan.

A2 Hosting has carefully crafted VPS plans that combine the cost-savings and performance of shared hosting with the power of a dedicated server. You can make your Minecraft venture a success and appeal to the large (and growing!) gaming community by choosing one of our VPS Plans.