In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how to set up a Minecraft server on an Ubuntu Server. We’ll break down the steps into manageable sections, covering everything from installation to configuration, plugin management, and performance optimization.
What You’ll Need To Install Minecraft Server
- A computer with Ubuntu Server installed (You can download the latest version here)
- A reliable internet connection
- Basic knowledge of Linux command line
- Optional but recommended: Domain name for easy server access
1. Preparing the Ubuntu Server Environment
Before setting up the Minecraft server, it’s crucial to update your system packages. Run the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
2. Installing Java
Minecraft requires Java. Here, we’ll install the latest version of the OpenJDK. In your terminal, type:
sudo apt install openjdk-11-jdk -y
Verify the installation with java -version. You should see output confirming you have Java installed.
3. Creating a New User
It’s good practice to run the Minecraft server as a non-root user. Create a new user with:
sudo adduser minecraft
Switch to the new user with su - minecraft.
4. Downloading the Minecraft Server
Now, we’ll download the Minecraft server software from the official site. Use wget to download:
wget https://launcher.mojang.com/v1/objects/<latest server jar URL>/server.jar
Replace <latest server jar URL> with the URL of the latest server jar file.
5. Configuring the Minecraft Server
To configure your server, you first need to accept the EULA. Run:
echo "eula=true" > eula.txt
Next, create a server.properties file for customization. You can edit properties like the server’s name, max players, and more.
6. Starting the Minecraft Server
To start the Minecraft server, use:
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui
The -Xmx and -Xms parameters define the maximum and initial amount of memory to allocate. Adjust these values based on your server’s resources.
7. Installing and Managing Plugins
For adding functionality to your server, consider using a plugin manager like Bukkit, Spigot, or Paper. Download and install your chosen plugin manager following their respective guides.
8. Optimizing Minecraft Server Performance
For optimizing your server, consider adjusting the allocated RAM, using a server render distance of 10-12, or installing performance-optimization plugins like ClearLagg.
For constant server uptime, consider using a process manager like screen or tmux.
9. Setting Up a Domain Name
If you have a domain name, you can set up a DNS record to point to your server’s IP, making it more accessible.
10. Regularly Backing Up Your Server
Regular backups can prevent data loss. You can automate backups using cron jobs and a tool like rsync.
Enjoy your Minecraft server on Ubuntu Server!
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