How to buy a server on minecraft

Select the ideal Minecraft server host for your needs. To help you make a decision, we’ve broken down pricing, features, performance, and support.

One of the most well-known video games ever, Minecraft has millions of users worldwide. Additionally, there is plenty of depth for devoted gamers even though outsiders may mistake it for a kid-friendly casual game. Building a world with your friends while playing Minecraft is one of its best features. And you’ll need the top Minecraft server hosting service of 2023 if you want to keep that world around for as long as you want it to.

For Minecraft, using a dedicated server host is similar to using a web host. You must pay a monthly fee to access a vendor’s servers, which can give you better performance, security, and access to modpacks for individualized multiplayer experiences.

But with so many Minecraft hosting server options available, some of which are better than others, you might need help choosing the best one for you.

There is Minecraft Realms, Mojang’s official server subscription service (available for Java and Bedrock editions), which will best optimize your Minecraft gaming experience. You’ll need a modded Minecraft server if you want more back-end control over your server or modpacks and maps that aren’t available in Realms. If so, you could choose a third-party server host who can offer enough bandwidth and give you full control over the configuration and settings for your Minecraft world seeds.

The top Minecraft server hosting providers, such as Hostinger, Shockbyte, and GGServers, are reviewed below. We concentrated on service providers that provide round-the-clock assistance and a range of plan choices.

CNET is currently revising its rankings of the top web hosting providers. Although we regularly update this article to reflect current prices, once we have had a chance to reassess these services, our overall rankings may change.

Recommended Minecraft Server Hosting Services

There are strengths and challenges with both approaches. If you know what you’re doing, hosting your own Minecraft server can save you money by eliminating the need to pay for web hosting and give you full server control. Nevertheless, the state of your home internet connection has a direct bearing on how clients connect to your server. A poor connection can result in a lag-filled gameplay experience. Your PC’s other installed programs may also have an impact on your hosting capabilities. To top it all off, you have to identify and fix any server issues that arise.

There are plenty of resources available online, but if you aren’t particularly tech savvy, this could mean a lot of work. The majority of the setup and maintenance work for a server is removed by a web hosting service, but the cost is dramatically increased. Well touch on that in a bit. We’ll go over everything you need to know if you’re interested in setting up a Minecraft server. But first, lets do some prep work.

What Do You Need to Set Up a Minecraft Server?

You need an internet connection, first and foremost. In addition, decide if you want to host through your personal computer or a dedicated web hosting service. If using a web host, all you’ll need is money to pay for and maintain the servers needed for the project. If you’re hosting on your personal computer, you’ll also need to know how to use the command line and have Minecraft Java Edition.

How Difficult Is It to Set Up a Minecraft Server?

The challenge comes from tinkering with services or tasks you are unfamiliar with, which can seem intimidating at first. Fortunately, Hostinger’s Minecraft game servers are used as an example in our how-to guide. Additionally, it includes a step-by-step tutorial for setting up a PC-based Minecraft server.

How Long Does It Take to Set Up a Minecraft Server?

This depends on how comfortable you are using PC file and command editing or web hosting services. With web hosting services, payment processing and server activation may take up to a day. However, this can also take as little as an hour. Similarly, if you know how to set up things on your end, you can have a server running on your PC as soon as you download Minecraft Java Edition. Nevertheless, if you’re doing this for the first time, plan on spending an evening setting everything up.

Hostinger supports Minecraft software mods and full-root server access. (Credit: Hostinger).

How to Make a Minecraft Server Using Hostinger

You can use almost any web hosting plan to set up a Minecraft server, but some web hosts offer packages with software that is specifically made for that purpose. Amazon Web Services, Apex, and PebbleHost are a few examples. The Lithuania-based company Hostinger, which provides streamlined and easy-to-use Minecraft server hosting, is one outstanding service. Additionally, it supports full root access so you can install as many modpack JAR files as you’d like and software mods like CraftBukkit and Spigot.

Depending on the size of your Minecraft world, the number of players who will connect to your server, and whether you want to install mods, your server requirements will change. The allocation of virtual CPU and RAM is the most crucial factor to take into account. The servers memory determines the quality and quantity of your servers. Before lag starts to affect the game, 2GB of RAM can handle up to 10 players. Gameplay is influenced by virtual CPU allocation, so the more CPUs (or better CPUs) powering your server, the better.

A simple strategy should be sufficient if you only want to play with a small group of friends. But you must pay for a premium hosting subscription if you want to build a community. Naturally, a larger plan will cost more up front, but Hostinger makes it simple to switch from a lower scale server to a higher service tier. Starting small and scaling up later as your needs change may be safer if you’re just getting started.

Let’s take a look at Hostinger’s most economical plan. You can select the Minecraft version you want to use with this Alex plan, including the most recent version. The Official Java version and the incredibly customizable Spigot version are among them. For $15, the Alex plan provides 2GB of RAM and full root access. 95 per month. Note that introductory rates (first time purchase) are considerably lower. Likewise, purchasing an annual plan significantly drops the price.

Ready to create a Minecraft server using Hostinger? Lets go!

Creating and setting up your Minecraft instance. (Credit: Hostinger)

Choose a Hostinger Minecraft Server Plan

Select a plan suitable for the RAM totals that you need to properly run Minecraft for you and your guests. If you aren’t sure what you need, take a look at the handy Minecraft Wiki(Opens in a new window) for recommendations.

Set Up Your Minecraft Server

Log into your account if you purchased a server through Hostinger to start the setup procedure. To create a server name and root password, click the Setup button and adhere to the instructions that appear. Once finished, you can access your Minecraft server from the VPS section of your account’s home page.

Configure Your Minecraft Server

All Minecraft plans from Hostinger include a Game Panel that makes it simple to run and manage games. In the Server Management section, choose Start to start your server. To make configuration adjustments after starting, scroll down to the Server Management section and select Other Settings. Hostinger advises utilizing Game Panel and the Debian 10 operating system. You can access the Game Panel’s dashboard using this, and the Notes section contains the login information.

Log Into Your Minecraft Server

In Server Management, choose Login Details under the Template Details section. Select the Login URL to open the login page. Enter the login details from the Notes section. You’ll be taken to the Game Panel dashboard.

Create an Instance

Once you’re in Game Panel, click the Create Instance icon. Press Create Instance after selecting the Minecraft Edition you want to use (Minecraft Java Edition is the default PC version). Following the completion of the server setup, click your instance and choose Manage. Select Start, accept the Minecraft EULA, and then Start again. This will start the server. The Endpoint information, which you can view in the Manage section, will allow you to connect to it.

Enjoy your brand-new, server-hosted Minecraft world and tell your friends the IP address so you can all play together.

Download Minecraft Java Edition for PC. (Credit: Mojang Studios)

Hosting a Minecraft Server on your own PC

If you want to host a Minecraft server on your personal computer and take a more hands-on approach, the procedure is a little more difficult. On a PC running either Linux or Mac OS, the procedure for setting up a Minecraft server is largely the same. But I’ll show you how to set up a Minecraft server on a Windows computer.

If you want to run the Minecraft server on your computer, you will need to install a few essential pieces of software. Firstly, you need Minecraft Java Edition. You cannot host your own custom server if you own any other version of Minecraft, including the console or Windows 10 versions. Install Java (or update to the newest version) if you have Minecraft Java.

Recommended by Our Editors

  • Head over to the Java Devkit page, or click https://www. oracle. com/java/technologies/javase/javase-jdk8-downloads. Look for the Windows x64 Installer in the html(Opens in a new window) file.
  • When the file has finished downloading, click the download link, agree to the terms of service, and run the file.
  • This opens an installation wizard. Open the window, perform the installation, and then close the window. For the purpose of setting up a PC Minecraft server, the Java Edition is required.

Create a Folder, Download the JAR File

You can begin playing on that server once you have the most recent version of Java and Minecraft Java installed. You should make a folder for all of your files in order to keep things simple.

  • Right-click your desktop, scroll down to New, and select Folder.
  • Give this folder a name of your choosing. For this example, lets simply name it Server.

You now need to download additional key files, such as the server JAR file. Fortunately Mojang Studios, Minecrafts developer, hosts the files.

  • Head to the official site, https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download.(Opens in a new window)
  • Search for the Java Edition Server link in the Server Software section by scrolling down.
  • You’ll be directed to the JAR 1 download page if you click it. 19. 3.
  • Click the file link to begin the download process.
  • Your browser might warn you that this file might damage your computer or something similar. You don’t need to stress this because you’re downloading the file directly from Mojang’s official website. Click the Keep option.
  • Drag the file into the Server folder once it has finished downloading, which shouldn’t take long.

Open the Server folder; you should see the server. jar file inside. Technically, all you would need to do is click the file and allow it to create the additional files for you. Dont do that. Instead, you’ll write a batch file, a script that starts the server on our behalf. This is because you’ll need to specify commands as necessary and use the command window to identify errors. Writing a batch file lets you do that. This isnt nearly as daunting as it sounds. Actually, the server has the directions for doing this. jar download page.

You should create a batch file for easier editing. (Credit: PCMag).

Create a Batch File

  • Right click the inside of the Server folder. Select New, and then Text Document.
  • Give it a name. In this example, we will use Startup.
  • Right click Startup, and select edit. A notepad window should open. Here, youll write the batch script. The suggested command is as follows: java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server, which can be found on the Minecraft download page. 1. 19. 3. jar nogui.

This command instructs Java to set the Minecraft server’s minimum/maximum memory size to 1024 megabytes. jar file. The final nogui argument prevents the appearance of the Minecraft graphical user interface. Since you will be using the console window, this GUI consumes extra resources and is not really necessary. However, as Mojang notes on the download/server page, you can omit the nogui argument to start the server with its default GUI.

It’s also important to note that you can increase the min/max to 2048 or any multiple of 1024 if you want to give the server more memory at startup. The command should look like this: java -Xmx2048M -Xms2048M -jar minecraft_server if 2048 is the ideal number. 1. 19. 3. jar nogui.

  • Once you type this script—or copy it and paste it—into the text document, press Enter, then type pause. This stops the batch file’s processing while keeping your command window open so you can monitor any errors. Your code should look something like this: .

java -Xmx2048M -Xms2048M -jar minecraft_server.1.19.3.jar nogui

  • Save your changes, and close the file.
  • To change the extension, click this text file’s name. Change the txt portion of the file to bat because you want a batch file rather than a text file.
  • When you press Enter, Windows issues a warning that changing the file’s extension might render it unusable. Dont worry about this. Click yes.

You’ve successfully written your own batch file and have a useful icon for starting your Minecraft server. Let’s test it out!.

To finish, you should modify the EULA for the Minecraft Server. (Credit: PCMag).

Edit the EULA and Connect

  • Double click the startup. whatever you want to call it, a bat file, to see what happens. You’ll see additional files in the server folder, including the EULA, logs, and server properties, presuming everything is up to date and that you entered everything accurately. Close out of the command window.
  • Right click on the EULA and select Edit. You must agree to the EULA in order to continue, so change the false part of the last line to true in order to do so. Do so, save and close the text document.
  • Rerun the batch file. In an effort to keep you safe, Windows firewall will try to prevent access to your network. You should click Allow Access regardless of the warning because network access is necessary.
  • Your command window should show the server being prepared. Although it might take some time, the command windows will let you know when it’s finished. You ought to be able to connect to the server when it is.
  • Launch Minecraft Java Edition.
  • Click the Multiplayer tab, and then the Add Server option.
  • Enter the IP address of the computer doing the hosting, or just enter “localhost” in the server address bar.

Why You Should Game on a PC

If you want to play with friends or other players online, you must give them the IP address of the Minecraft server. Naturally, there are risks involved here, so if you’re a cautious parent building a fun online playground for your kids, you might want to stop now. However, if your goal is to create a community, you can port-forward your router to enable connections from users outside of your local network to the server. Anyhow, your Minecraft server ought to be operational, so start playing and have fun!

Like What You’re Reading?

Register for Tips Email.

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.

Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!.

Dig Deeper With Related Stories

How to buy a server on minecraft

My career has introduced me to people from all walks of life and taken me through a diverse range of fields. This background includes building, expert cooking, podcasting, and writing, of course. Since 2009, I’ve been writing nerdy commentary, and in 2016 I was hired as a freelancer by PCMag. In 2021, this developed into a position as a full-time tech analyst where I share my personal knowledge of web hosting, music streaming, mobile apps, and video games.

Read the latest from Gabriel Zamora

PCMag. com is a recognized expert in technology, providing lab-based, unbiased evaluations of the newest goods and services. You can make better purchasing decisions and get more out of technology with the aid of our in-depth market analysis and useable solutions.

Group Black’s mission to diversify media ownership and voices is one that PCMag supports.

© 1996-2023 Ziff Davis, LLC. , a Ziff Davis company. All Rights Reserved.

PCMag, PCMag. com and PC Magazine are two of Ziff Davis’s federally registered trademarks, and third parties are not permitted to use them without their express consent. The use of third-party trademarks and trade names displayed on this site does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by PCMag. It’s possible that the merchant will pay us a fee if you use an affiliate link to purchase a good or service.

How To Buy A Minecraft Server in 2022

FAQ

How much is it to buy a Minecraft server?

Nine Minecraft server hosting packages are available from MCProHosting, with prices ranging from $7 monthly for 1GB RAM and 25 player slots to $75 monthly for 32GB RAM and unlimited player slots. Every plan includes DDoS protection, global server locations, and unlimited storage space.

How do you buy and setup a Minecraft server?

the following instructions to have users join your server:open Minecraft and select “Multiplayer “Click “Add Server. “Enter a server name. Enter the server address. Your external IP address will be listed here, followed by the port number 25565. This will resemble the address shown in the right-hand image. Click Done.

Is owning a Minecraft server free?

Hosting a server Mojang Studios makes the default multiplayer software available for free on Windows, macOS, and Unix-like systems (Linux, BSD). ). For assistance, go to the Mojang Studios’ website and download the Minecraft multiplayer server tutorial.

Do you have to buy a Minecraft server to play with friends?

You can set up a free Minecraft server if you and your friends want to play in private. Just be aware that it requires some effort and that whoever creates the server must possess a reliable computer with a quick internet connection. Take a look at one of the other options if that isn’t what you’re looking for.

Leave a Comment