Tired of laggy Minecraft servers cramping your style or pricey plans boxing you in? Unleash your inner architect with a Virtual Private Server (VPS) and sculpt a Minecraft world that’s all yours-blazing fast and bursting with possibilities!
Whether you’re forging a snug hideout for your squad or a mod-packed realm for a buzzing community, this 2025 guide is your enchanted map to hosting glory. No tech sorcery required-just a spark of adventure!
We’ll guide you through picking a stellar VPS, sparking up your server, and tuning it to perfection with crystal-clear steps. Ditch the limits and craft a blocky paradise that runs like a dream. Ready to rule your Minecraft universe?
Prepare to shape your unique Minecraft experience!
What is Minecraft?
Minecraft is a sandbox video game where players build, explore, and survive in a world made entirely of blocks.
It’s endlessly creative and highly customizable.
Since its release, Minecraft has grown into one of the most popular games in the world, with over 140 million monthly active players as of 2025.
There are two main editions of Minecraft:
When you host your own server, you become the admin of your own Minecraft world. You decide the rules, plugins, and who gets to join. It’s like owning your personal blocky universe!
What is a VPS Server?
A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a virtual machine hosted in a data center. Unlike shared hosting, where you split resources with others, a VPS gives you dedicated CPU, RAM, and disk space.
It’s more affordable than a dedicated server but still gives you full control-perfect for Minecraft hosting.
Why use a VPS for Minecraft?
Popular VPS providers in 2025 include Apex Hosting, PebbleHost, Vultr, and Bloom Host. Many offer plans starting at just $10 per month.
What You Need to Start
Before you begin, here’s a list of essentials:
Step by Step Guide: Hosting Minecraft on a VPS
Hosting your own Minecraft server on a VPS might sound intimidating, but trust me-it’s simpler than it looks.
With the right tools and a clear plan, anyone can set up a server that runs smoothly and reliably.
This guide will take you through each step in detail: choosing a solid VPS, installing the necessary software, launching your world, and securing your setup.
Whether you’re hosting a simple survival server for a few friends or building a huge modded world for a community, you’ll have full control from start to finish.
1. Choose the Right VPS Provider
Not all VPS hosts are ideal for Minecraft. You want one that’s fast, stable, and gamer-friendly. Here’s what to look for:
Top VPS Providers for Minecraft:
Once you sign up, save your IP address, root username, and password. You’ll need these in the next steps. username, and password.
2. Connect to Your VPS
To set up your Minecraft server, you’ll access your VPS through a secure command-line interface called SSH (Secure Shell).
- Download PuTTY.
- Open it, paste your VPS IP in the “Host Name” box, and click Open.
- Log in as root, and enter your password (you won’t see the password as you type – that’s normal).
Open Terminal, then type:
ssh root@your-vps-ip
Hit Enter, and enter your password when prompted.
You’ll now see a command-line prompt. You’re in!
3. Install Java and Screen
Minecraft runs on Java, and you’ll need “Screen” to keep the server running even after closing your SSH session.
Run the following commands one by one:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install openjdk-21-jre-headless
java -version # Confirm installation
sudo apt install screen
This ensures you have the latest Java version and that “Screen” is ready for managing the server session.
4. Download and Launch Your Minecraft Server
Create a new directory:
mkdir minecraft
cd minecraft
Download the Minecraft server jar (replace <latest-Link> with the latest URL from minecraft.net):
wget -O minecraft_server.jar
Start a screen session:
screen -S minecraft
Now launch your server:
java -Xmx4096M -Xms4096M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui
The server will start generating files and then stop. That’s normal for first-time setup.
5. Accept the EULA
Open the EULA file:
nano eula.txt
Change the line:
eula=false
to
eula=true
Save and exit by pressing Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter.
6. Configure Your Server Settings
Open the server configuration file:
nano server.properties
Customize your settings:
gamemode=survival (or creative)
max-players=10 (adjust as neede)
motd=Welcome to my Minecraft world
online-mode=true ( for official accounts only)
Save your changes and restart the server.
7. Open the Server Port
To allow players to connect, open the Minecraft port (default is 25565):
sudo ufw allow 25565
sudo ufw status
Share your VPS IP with friends. They can join by opening Minecraft → Multiplayer → Direct Connect → enter IP.
Bedrock Edition Setup (Optional)
If you want to run a Bedrock server:
- Download the Bedrock server software from minecraft.net.
- Unzip it: unzip bedrock-server.zip cd bedrock-server
- Run the server: ./bedrock_server
- Open the default Bedrock port: sudo ufw allow 19132
Now players on mobile or console can join your server too.
Secure Your Minecraft VPS
Protect your server from common threats:
Disable Root Login: Edit the SSH config file:
nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Set PermitrootLoging no then restart SSH:
sudo systemctl restart sshd
Enable DDoS Protection: Many hosts like PebbleHost include this by default.
Whitelist Players: In server.properties, set white-List=true and then add players using:
whitelist add username
Keep Server Updated: Run this monthly:
sudo apt upgrade
Optimize for Best Performance
Want your server to run as smooth as possible? Try these tips:
Allocate More RAM: For example, 6GB for larger player counts:
java -Xmx6144M -Xms6144M -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui
Use PaperMC: A high-performance fork of the server with better optimization. Download from papermc.io.
Install Essentials Plugins: Mods like EssentialsX help manage gameplay with extra commands and controls.
Use Pterodactyl Panel: A modern web panel for easy management (pterodactyl.io).
Back Up Regularly: Save your world files:
tar -czf backup.tar.gz minecraft/
Monitor Performance: Install htop to watch CPU and RAM usage:
sudo apt install htop
RAM Guide:
| Players | Recommended RAM |
|---|---|
| 1-10 | 4GB |
| 10-20 | 6-8GB |
| 20+ | 8-16GB |
VPS vs Other Hosting Options
Not sure if VPS hosting is the right choice for your Minecraft server? Here’s a quick comparison between VPS, Realms, Shared Hosting, and Dedicated Servers to help you see which one offers the best mix of cost, control, and performance.
Here’s how a VPS compares:
| Hosting Type | Cost | Control | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| VPS | $$ | High | Great |
| Realms | $$ | Low | Good |
| Shared Host | $ | Low | Poor |
| Dedicated | $$$$ | High | Excellent |
VPS hosting strikes the perfect balance between affordability and power. It’s the go-to for serious Minecraft server owners.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Running into server problems? No worries-here’s how to quickly fix the most common Minecraft VPS issues:
- Server Won’t Start
Check if Java is installed by running java -version. If it’s missing, install it with sudo apt install openjdk-21-jre-headless.
Also, open the eula.txt file and make sure eula=true is set. Lastly, double-check your .jar file name in the launch command.
2. Lag or Crashes
Lag usually means your server needs more memory. Try increasing RAM in your start command (like –Xmx6G -Xms6G).
Remove heavy mods or use PaperMC for better performance.
3. Can’t Connect to Server
Make sure port 25565 is open using sudo ufw allow 25565. Also, double-check you’re using your VPS’s public IP.
If using unofficial Minecraft accounts, set online-mode=false in server.properties.
4. Random Errors or Crashes
Open the logs/latest.log file to find out what caused the crash. Also ensure you’re using the latest server version compatible with your Java install.
Still stuck?
Visit Minecraft forums or contact your VPS provider for help-they often assist with server setup issues.
FAQ’s
1. How much RAM do I need to host a Minecraft server on a VPS?
For a vanilla Java Edition server with 1-10 players, 4GB RAM works well. For 10-20 players or light mods, get 6-8GB. Heavy modpacks or 20+ players need 8-16GB. Bedrock Edition requires less-4GB for small groups. Use providers like PebbleHost or Apex Hosting for scalable plans (~$10/month). Adjust RAM in the server command (e.g., java -Xmx6144M). Monitor with htop (sudo apt install htop) and leave 1-2GB for the OS to prevent crashes.
2. Can I host a Bedrock Edition server on a VPS?
Yes! Download the Bedrock server from minecraft.net, unzip it (unzip bedrock_server.zip), and run (./bedrock_server). Open port 19132 (sudo ufw allow 19132). Edit server.properties for settings like gamemode=survival. A 4GB RAM VPS (e.g., Vultr) handles small Bedrock servers. Share your VPS IP for cross-platform play (PC, mobile, consoles). Test the connection first.
3. How much does hosting a Minecraft server on a VPS cost?
VPS plans start at $10-$15/month for 4GB RAM (PebbleHost, Apex Hosting, Vultr). For 6-8GB (mods, 10-20 players), expect $20-$30/month; 8-16GB (20+ players) costs $40-$60/month. Optional domain names add ~$10/year. DDoS protection is often free (e.g., PebbleHost). Compared to Realms ($7.99/month, no mods), VPS offers more power. Choose SSD and strong CPUs (AMD Ryzen) for value.
4. Why is my Minecraft server lagging, and how do I fix it?
Lag comes from low RAM, heavy mods, or settings. Use 6-8GB for 1.22+ or mods (java -Xmx6144M). Switch to PaperMC (papermc.io) for optimization. Lower view-distance to 8 in server.properties. Check CPU/RAM with htop (sudo apt install htop). Use a nearby VPS data center (e.g., Vultr). Remove heavy mods, limit players, or restart. Update Java/OS (sudo apt upgrade). Check logs/latest.log for errors or contact support.
Conclusion
You’ve just forged a Minecraft server on a VPS that’s smoother than a freshly paved path in the Overworld! With your own blazing-fast, mod-ready realm, you’re the master builder of epic adventures, free to shape every block and rule as you please.
This guide has armed you with the tools to launch, secure, and supercharge your server like a pro. Now, summon your friends, unleash those mods, and let your world shine!
Share your server’s epic MOTD or a screenshot of your spawn with #MinecraftVPS 2025 – we’re dying to see your creation. Keep crafting, and make your Minecraft saga legendary!
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