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:

1. Update the System:

• Run the following commands to update your server:

     sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

2. Install Java:

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

     sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk -y

3. 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

1. Create a Directory:

• Organize your server files by creating a dedicated folder:

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

2. 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

1. 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.

2. 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

1. Start the Server:

• Run the server again with the same command:

     java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui

2. Monitor the Console:

• The server will initialize, and you can monitor logs and player activity in the console.

Step 5: Configure Firewall

1. Allow Minecraft Traffic:

• Open port 25565, which is the default port for Minecraft:

     sudo ufw allow 25565

2. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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

1. Get Your VPS IP:

• Retrieve your VPS’s public IP address using:

     curl ifconfig.me

2. 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