How to Create a Minecraft Server on an Linux VPS

This guide will walk you through setting up a Minecraft server on an Linux VPS. We are using Ubuntu because of its stability, simplicity, and wide community support, making it an excellent choice for hosting servers.

Step 1: Update System and Install Java

Minecraft requires Java to run. Here’s how to set it up:

Update the System:
- Run the following commands to update your server:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Install Java:
- Install OpenJDK, a free and open-source version of Java:

sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk -y

Verify Java Installation:
- Check if Java is installed correctly by running:

java -version

- This should output the installed Java version.

Step 2: Create a Dedicated Directory for Minecraft

Create a Directory:
- Organize your server files by creating a dedicated folder:

mkdir -p ~/minecraft-server
     cd ~/minecraft-server

Download the Server Jar:
- Download the latest Minecraft server jar using wget:

wget https://launcher.mojang.com/v1/objects/<server-jar-link>/server.jar

- Replace <server-jar-link> with the direct link for the latest server jar, found on the Minecraft server download page.

Step 3: Configure the Server

Run the Server for the First Time:
- Start the server to generate configuration files:

java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui

- The server will stop and prompt you to accept the EULA.
Accept the EULA:
- Open the EULA file and edit it:

nano eula.txt

- Change eula=false to eula=true. Save and exit using Ctrl + O, Enter, Ctrl + X.

Step 4: Run the Server

Start the Server:
- Run the server again with the same command:

java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui

Monitor the Console:
- The server will initialize, and you can monitor logs and player activity in the console.

Step 5: Configure Firewall

Allow Minecraft Traffic:
- Open port 25565, which is the default port for Minecraft:

sudo ufw allow 25565

Enable the Firewall:
- If the firewall is not already active, enable it:

sudo ufw enable

Step 6: Set Up a Systemd Service (Optional)

To run the server in the background and ensure it restarts automatically:

Create a Service File:
- Open a new service file:

sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/minecraft.service

- Add the following content:

[Unit]
     Description=Minecraft Server
     After=network.target

     [Service]
     User=<your-username>
     WorkingDirectory=/home/<your-username>/minecraft-server
     ExecStart=/usr/bin/java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui
     Restart=always

     [Install]
     WantedBy=multi-user.target

- Replace <your-username> with your Ubuntu username.

Enable and Start the Service:
- Reload systemd and start the service:

sudo systemctl daemon-reload
     sudo systemctl start minecraft
     sudo systemctl enable minecraft

Step 7: Connect to Your Server

Get Your VPS IP:
- Retrieve your VPS’s public IP address using:

curl ifconfig.me

Launch Minecraft:
- Open Minecraft, go to multiplayer, and add a server using your VPS IP.

Your Minecraft server is now live and ready for players!

Updated on: 28/11/2024