Run a Successful Minecraft Server
Most server owners struggle to keep their server in shape. Luckily, there are several tricks you can use to run a successful Minecraft server. But be warned: Without proper cooling, any home hosted server can turn into a disaster. Start with Step 1 below to find out more.
Contents
Steps
- Get the latest bukkit/spigot server release at bukkit.org or https://getspigot.org/ if you want a bukkit/spigot server, or if you want some extra speed you can always run a vanilla server which can be found at Minecraft.net
- If you're running a bukkit/spigot server, the less plugins installed, the better the performance. It also depends on how resource-intensive the plugins are.
- Install some anti-grief plugins such as CoreProtect, HawkEye, or LogBlock. Some users use Big Brother, but be aware it has been known to cause block lag. Such plugins allow the server to "undo" changes in blocks.
- When getting admins for your server make sure you test them. They need to have played on your server for a while and have helped out where they could.
- To prevent your server from being overtaken by hackers use the "NoCheatPlus" plugin as it prevents players from using various hacks.
- If you're doing a home hosted server make sure you have proper cooling so your server computer doesn't overheat and result in downtime.
- If your server is low on resources or if you're feeling adventurous use Linux as it conserves resources and many owners agree that it is more customizable.
- Prevent chat spam with the plugin "StopTalkingAutoBan"
- Make sure your server is allocated with enough ram to handle the player base.
- Architecture is important, make sure all public areas are functional and beautiful.
- Advertising can help you get more players. Post your server on the planetminecraft.com server list and keep it updated.
- Donations can always help you, to pay for new hardware or cover your server costs. The best way to get donations is not when a player asks to be admin, tell them they can if they donate, but instead make your server better, gain players trust, and overall make the donations worth it. Best way to collect donations is through PayPal. It's safe and fast.
- In-game advertising networks for Minecraft Servers like AdCraft.io can also help you cover your server costs
- Now what happens if you get a hacker or a player who's stopping your server? If they are an operator [OP] run the command /deop <playername>. If not, then use the command /ban <playername>. IP banning is one of the best methods to stop the player from using alternate accounts[alts]. This system is not perfect, because they can use a VPN or proxy to bypass this ban, but it blocks the majority of players.
- DDoS is something that might happen to you. If your entire network crashes or you lose Internet while running your server, you may have been DDoSed. Best thing to do is wait it out, or try restarting your router or modem.
- Look up "Port Forwarding" and get your self setup. It's not a hard process but it can be stressful.
- Use Teamspeak while running your server to talk to players or admins to see what's going on and how things are going. It's fun, and will help keep you updated.
- Can't keep up message, well now you've got a problem. You either have too many players on, or your server can no longer handle running a Minecraft server. Stop if that's the case to prevent damage to your PC.
- Always run your server on a desktop. Laptops are less powerful when it comes to processing data.
- Can't give your server more than 2gb of Ram, yet you have 6gb of Ram in your PC? Easy, just install 64bit Java runtime if you have a 64bit OS, if not you will need to get one.
- Using hosting from Minecraft hosting companies is highly recommended if you are serious about starting a server. Using your computer to run a large server will work depending on your internet. If you have internet beyond 25Mbps, you can home host a server up to 50 players.
Tips
- Make sure you update your server once a new version of Minecraft is out.
- If you're running bukkit, learn to use the plugin permissions. They help greatly with controlling what players can or can't do.
- Choose staff members wisely. The majority of players will look up to them and do what they do. In conclusion, you will have a better community and more players will stay.
- Never let a player know you are considering them a griefer! They will act like a legit player and after some time destroy your server.
- Don't give players items, god, fly, etc. because the other players will think it's not fair
- Most server owners make a donation website right away, Make sure you have a good player base before making a donation method.
- Don't spam other popular servers with advertisements to join yours. It will just annoy people, give your server a bad reputation and get you muted or banned.
- You should double check most of your commands/plugins, and see if all of them are working. This reduces the amount of players that complain about those problems and makes the players more likely to stay on the server in the long run.
- Make sure all un-oped players are on survival mode, unless you are running a creative or adventure style server.
- Never allow random players or players that are nice to you to become OP. There is a high chance of the server getting destroyed.
- People that have Youtuber's usernames might be hackers. Never give them a high rank or make them OP.
- Be dedicated to your server. If people see you are not putting any effort into your server, they won't want to be there.
- interact with the players and don't leave them with legit unanswered questions
- In order to make the experience as unique and original as possible, make your own bukkit plugins. You can pay programmers to make specific plugins for cheap, or you can learn to make them on your own
Warnings
- There are some plugins called "Poison Plugins". If a player on your server says "Hey, can you get this plugin?" Make sure it has a bukkit page (that has been accepted), and have someone check the code.
Related Articles
- Get a Ton of Stuff on a Minecraft Server With Stealing
- Install Minecraft Forge
- Be a Good Minecraft Server Owner
