Hetzner Minecraft Server: Easy Setup Guide

Oct 31, 2025 by Admin 43 views

So, you're looking to set up a Minecraft server on Hetzner, huh? Awesome choice! Hetzner is known for its reliable servers and competitive pricing, making it a fantastic option for hosting your very own Minecraft world. Whether you're planning to create a private server for your friends or a public one for a larger community, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. Let's dive in and get your Minecraft server up and running on Hetzner!

Why Choose Hetzner for Your Minecraft Server?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of setting up your server, let's quickly touch on why Hetzner is a solid choice. Several factors make it stand out in the crowded hosting market.

Cost-Effective: Hetzner offers some of the most competitive prices in the market. This is particularly appealing if you're on a budget but still want decent performance.
High-Performance Hardware: They use modern hardware, ensuring your Minecraft server runs smoothly, even with multiple players online.
Scalability: Hetzner provides various server options, allowing you to scale your resources as your player base grows. Start small and upgrade as needed!
Reliable Network: A stable network connection is crucial for a lag-free Minecraft experience. Hetzner's network infrastructure is robust and reliable.
Customization: You get full control over your server environment, allowing you to customize it to your exact needs.

Choosing the right hosting provider is crucial for a seamless Minecraft experience. Hetzner's blend of affordability, performance, and reliability makes it a top contender for hosting your Minecraft server. With their cost-effective pricing, you can enjoy high-performance hardware without breaking the bank. The ability to scale your resources as your player base grows ensures that your server can handle increasing demands without compromising performance. A stable network connection is paramount for a lag-free gaming experience, and Hetzner's robust network infrastructure delivers just that. Furthermore, the full control you have over your server environment allows for extensive customization, tailoring the server to your specific requirements and preferences. All these factors combine to make Hetzner an excellent choice for hosting your Minecraft server.

Step 1: Creating a Hetzner Account and Choosing a Server

First things first, you'll need to create an account on Hetzner's website. Head over to Hetzner's website and sign up. Once you're in, you'll need to choose a server. Hetzner offers various options, including:

Cloud Servers: These are virtual servers that offer flexibility and scalability. You pay for what you use, making them a great option for fluctuating player counts.
Dedicated Servers: These are physical servers dedicated solely to you. They offer maximum performance and control but come at a higher price.

For most Minecraft servers, a cloud server is a good starting point. Choose a server location close to your player base to minimize latency. Consider the following when selecting your server:

CPU: Minecraft is CPU-intensive, so choose a server with a decent processor.
RAM: The amount of RAM you need depends on the number of players and the mods you plan to use. 4GB is a good starting point for a small server, but you might need more as you grow.
Storage: SSD storage is recommended for faster loading times.

Selecting the right server configuration is vital for optimal performance. Cloud servers provide the flexibility to scale resources as needed, making them ideal for servers with varying player counts. When choosing a server, prioritize CPU and RAM, as Minecraft relies heavily on these components. A server with a robust processor ensures smooth gameplay, while sufficient RAM prevents lag and performance issues, especially with multiple players or mods. Opting for SSD storage significantly improves loading times and overall server responsiveness. Carefully consider these factors to ensure a seamless and enjoyable Minecraft experience for you and your players.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Server

Once you've chosen your server, it's time to set it up. Hetzner usually provides you with a clean operating system. I recommend using Ubuntu Server because it’s lightweight and widely supported. Here’s how to get started:

Access Your Server: Hetzner will provide you with an IP address, username, and password. Use an SSH client like PuTTY (for Windows) or the built-in terminal (for macOS and Linux) to connect to your server.
Update Your System: After logging in, update your system’s packages to ensure everything is up-to-date. Use the following commands:
```
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
```
Install Java: Minecraft requires Java to run. Install the latest version of Java Development Kit (JDK) using the following command:
```
sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk
```
Verify the installation by checking the Java version:
```
java -version
```

Ensuring your server is properly set up is critical for a smooth and stable Minecraft experience. Begin by accessing your server using an SSH client and updating the system packages to the latest versions. This ensures that you have the most recent security patches and software improvements. Installing the Java Development Kit (JDK) is essential, as Minecraft requires Java to run. Verify the installation by checking the Java version to confirm that everything is set up correctly. These initial steps lay the foundation for a well-functioning Minecraft server, allowing you to proceed with confidence.

Step 3: Installing and Configuring Minecraft Server Software

Now that your server is updated and Java is installed, it’s time to install the Minecraft server software. Here’s how:

Download the Minecraft Server JAR File: You can download the latest Minecraft server JAR file from the official Minecraft website.
Create a Directory for Your Server: Create a new directory to store your server files:
```
mkdir minecraft_server
cd minecraft_server
```
Move the JAR File to the Directory: Move the downloaded JAR file into this directory.
Start the Server: Run the server for the first time using the following command:
```
java -Xmx4G -Xms4G -jar minecraft_server.jar nogui
```
Replace minecraft_server.jar with the actual name of your JAR file. The -Xmx4G and -Xms4G options allocate 4GB of RAM to the server. Adjust these values based on your server's RAM and player count.
Accept the EULA: The first time you run the server, it will generate an eula.txt file. Open this file and change eula=false to eula=true to accept the Minecraft End User License Agreement.
Run the Server Again: Run the server again using the same command as before.

With the server updated and Java installed, you can now proceed to install the Minecraft server software. First, download the latest server JAR file from the official Minecraft website. Create a dedicated directory for your server files to keep things organized and then move the downloaded JAR file into this directory. When starting the server for the first time, allocate sufficient RAM using the -Xmx and -Xms options, adjusting the values based on your server's resources and player count. Accept the Minecraft End User License Agreement by modifying the eula.txt file. Running the server again after accepting the EULA will complete the installation process and allow you to proceed with configuring the server to your preferences.

Step 4: Configuring Your Minecraft Server

The server.properties file is where you configure your Minecraft server settings. This file is located in your server directory. Here are some important settings to consider:

level-seed: The seed for your world. Leave it blank for a random world.
gamemode: The game mode (e.g., survival, creative, adventure).
difficulty: The difficulty level (e.g., peaceful, easy, normal, hard).
max-players: The maximum number of players allowed on the server.
motd: The message that appears in the Minecraft server list.
online-mode: Set to true for online authentication (requires a paid Minecraft account). Set to false for offline mode (not recommended for public servers).

Edit the server.properties file to your liking. You can use a text editor like nano or vim.

nano server.properties

After making changes, save the file and restart the server for the changes to take effect.

Configuring your Minecraft server involves customizing the server.properties file, which contains various settings that define the server's behavior and characteristics. Adjusting the level-seed allows you to create specific world types, while setting the gamemode and difficulty tailors the gameplay experience to your preferences. The max-players setting determines the maximum number of players allowed on the server, and the motd setting lets you customize the message displayed in the Minecraft server list. The online-mode setting controls whether players need to authenticate with a paid Minecraft account. After modifying these settings, save the file and restart the server to apply the changes. Properly configuring the server.properties file ensures that your Minecraft server aligns with your desired gameplay and community experience.

Step 5: Setting Up Port Forwarding (If Necessary)

In most cases, Hetzner's cloud servers don't require manual port forwarding. However, if you're using a dedicated server or have a firewall enabled, you might need to configure port forwarding to allow players to connect to your server. The default Minecraft port is 25565. You'll need to open this port in your firewall settings.

If you're using ufw (Uncomplicated Firewall) on Ubuntu, you can open the port with the following command:

sudo ufw allow 25565
sudo ufw enable

Make sure to check your firewall settings to ensure that the Minecraft port is open.

For most Hetzner cloud servers, manual port forwarding isn't necessary. However, if you're using a dedicated server or have a firewall enabled, you may need to configure port forwarding to allow players to connect to your server. The default Minecraft port is 25565, so you'll need to open this port in your firewall settings. If you're using ufw on Ubuntu, you can use the command sudo ufw allow 25565 to open the port. Always verify your firewall settings to ensure that the Minecraft port is open to facilitate connections.

Step 6: Installing Plugins (Optional)

Plugins can add extra features and functionality to your Minecraft server. Some popular plugin platforms include Spigot and Paper. Here’s a basic overview of how to install plugins:

Download Spigot or Paper: Download the latest version of Spigot or Paper from their respective websites.
Replace the Server JAR: Replace the original minecraft_server.jar file with the Spigot or Paper JAR file.
Run the Server: Run the server using the new JAR file. This will generate a plugins folder.
Place Plugins in the Plugins Folder: Download the plugins you want to use and place them in the plugins folder.
Restart the Server: Restart the server to load the plugins.

Popular plugins include WorldEdit, EssentialsX, and LuckPerms. Make sure to choose plugins that are compatible with your server version.

Plugins can significantly enhance your Minecraft server by adding extra features and functionality. Popular plugin platforms like Spigot and Paper offer a wide variety of options. To install plugins, download the latest version of Spigot or Paper and replace the original minecraft_server.jar file with the new JAR file. Running the server will generate a plugins folder. Download the plugins you want to use and place them in this folder, then restart the server to load the plugins. Popular choices include WorldEdit, EssentialsX, and LuckPerms. Ensure that the plugins you choose are compatible with your server version to avoid any issues. With the right plugins, you can greatly improve the gameplay experience for your players.

Step 7: Backing Up Your Server

Regular backups are crucial to protect your server data. You can create backups manually by copying the server directory to a safe location. Alternatively, you can use a backup plugin or script to automate the process. Here’s a simple script you can use:

#!/bin/bash

DATE=$(date +%Y-%m-%d_%H-%M-%S)
BACKUP_DIR=/path/to/backup/directory
SERVER_DIR=/path/to/minecraft_server

tar -czvf $BACKUP_DIR/minecraft_backup_$DATE.tar.gz $SERVER_DIR

echo