How to Set Up a Minecraft Server: Options, RAM and VDS Setup

There are three ways to set up a Minecraft server:

• running a temporary server on your own computer,
• trying a free hosting service,
• renting an always-on virtual server (VDS) and installing the server there.

If you only play with friends now and then, the first two may be enough. If you want a 24/7 community server with plugins or mods, a VDS is the most flexible option.

In this guide we compare the options, show how many resources you need for how many players and walk through installing a Minecraft Java server on a VDS step by step.

Ways to Host a Minecraft Server

Java or Bedrock?

Minecraft has two main editions:

• Java Edition: used by PC players. It has the widest support for plugins (Paper/Spigot) and mods (Fabric/Forge).
• Bedrock Edition: used by players on phones, consoles and the Windows app.

The server software is different. Java servers use port 25565 (TCP) by default, Bedrock servers use 19132 (UDP). The setup steps in this guide are for Java Edition.

How Much RAM for How Many Players?

A Minecraft server runs its main loop mostly on a single core, so the CPU's single-core performance and the amount of RAM are the deciding factors. An NVMe SSD also makes a difference for loading world files quickly.

Installing a Minecraft Java Server on a VDS (Linux)

1. Prepare your server: connect over SSH to a VDS running Ubuntu or Debian and update the system.
2. Install Java: current Minecraft versions require Java 21, for example sudo apt install openjdk-21-jre-headless.
3. Create a separate user and folder for the server: not running the server as root is important for security.
4. Download the server software: the official vanilla server.jar, or Paper for better performance. Download files only from official sources.
5. First run and EULA: start the server once, then set eula=true in the generated eula.txt to accept the Minecraft end user licence agreement.
6. Start with memory settings: java -Xms2G -Xmx4G -jar server.jar nogui. Keep -Xmx about 1 GB below your plan's RAM.
7. Configure it: in server.properties, edit the server name (motd), max players, difficulty, whitelist (white-list) and view-distance.
8. Open the port: allow only 25565/TCP in the firewall.
9. Keep it running: with screen, tmux or a systemd service the server stays up when you log out.
10. Set up backups: back up the world folder regularly and always before major updates.

If you prefer Windows, you can follow the same steps over Remote Desktop (RDP) after installing Java for Windows.

Performance Tips

• Optimised server software such as Paper handles more players than vanilla on the same hardware.
• Lowering view-distance and simulation-distance reduces CPU load.
• Setting a world border and pre-generating the map reduces stutters while players explore.
• Remove unnecessary and outdated plugins.

Security

• Run the server as a user other than root.
• Use a whitelist on servers that are not public.
• Keep RCON disabled unless you need it; if you enable it, use a strong password and IP restrictions.
• Download plugins only from trusted sources.
• Popular servers can be attacked; if needed, consider DDoS protection options.

Which Plan for Minecraft?

ViHyper's Hyper Game plans are virtual servers located in Turkey, designed for people who want to run game servers. All plans include:

• NVMe SSD storage and a 1000 Mbps port,
• Windows or Linux, chosen when you order,
• delivery within a few minutes via the automated setup panel.

You install and manage the Minecraft software, plugins and mods yourself. For more general-purpose projects you can also look at our VDS plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a Minecraft server for free?

Yes, on your own computer or on free services. However, these servers usually aren't online 24/7 and have RAM and plugin limits. A rented server is better for a lasting community.

How do my friends connect to the server?

In Minecraft they go to Multiplayer → Add Server and enter your server's IP address. If you use a non-default port, add :port to the end of the address. You can also point a domain name at it for a more memorable address.

Can I use mods and plugins at the same time?

Standard Paper/Spigot runs plugins only, while Forge/Fabric runs mods only. Hybrid software exists to combine them, but you may run into stability and compatibility issues.

Why is my server lagging?

The most common causes are too little RAM, a high view distance, heavy plugins and a map that wasn't pre-generated. Watch the TPS value in the server console; if it drops well below 20, reduce the load or move to a more powerful plan.