Step-by-Step: Building Minecraft 1.9 Servers from Scratch

21st February 2022

Minecraft, the immensely popular sandbox game, offers players the opportunity to create and explore their own virtual worlds. If you're looking to build your own Minecraft server from scratch, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of setting up a Minecraft 1.9 server. Whether you want to create a private server for a group of friends or a public server for a larger community, following these steps will help you get started.

Step 1: Obtain the Minecraft Server Software

To begin, you'll need to download the Minecraft server software for version 1.9. Visit the official Minecraft website or trusted Minecraft server hosting platforms to access the latest server software release. Make sure you choose the version compatible with Minecraft 1.9.

Step 2: Set Up a Dedicated Server

Running a Minecraft server requires a dedicated machine or a virtual private server (VPS). Choose a server hosting provider that suits your needs and budget. Consider factors such as server performance, available RAM, storage capacity, and network bandwidth. Once you have your server set up, ensure that you have administrative access to configure and manage it effectively.

Step 3: Configure Server Settings

Access your server's control panel or use a secure file transfer protocol (FTP) client to access server files. Locate the server.properties file and open it using a text editor. Adjust settings such as server name, maximum player count, difficulty level, game mode, and server port. Save the changes and close the file.

Step 4: Install Java

Minecraft servers run on Java, so it's essential to have the latest version of Java Development Kit (JDK) installed on your server. Visit the official Oracle website to download and install the appropriate JDK version for your server's operating system.

Step 5: Launch the Minecraft Server

Open the command prompt or terminal on your server and navigate to the directory where you installed the Minecraft server software. Run the command to start the server, which typically looks like "java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraft_server.jar" (replace "minecraft_server.jar" with the actual file name if it's different).

Step 6: Accept the EULA

After starting the server, you'll notice that it generates several files, including the eula.txt file. Open the eula.txt file and change "eula=false" to "eula=true" to accept the Minecraft End User License Agreement (EULA). Save the changes and close the file.

Step 7: Customize Plugins and Mods

If you want to enhance your Minecraft 1.9 server with additional features, consider installing plugins or mods. Plugins add functionality to your server, while mods introduce new content and gameplay elements. Ensure that the plugins or mods you choose are compatible with Minecraft 1.9 and follow the installation instructions provided by their developers.

Step 8: Test and Configure Server

With the server running, connect to it using the Minecraft game client on your computer. Enter your server's IP address and port number (if you've changed it from the default). If successful, you should be able to join the server. Explore the server to ensure that settings, plugins, and mods are functioning as intended.

Step 9: Set Up Server Security

To protect your Minecraft server from unauthorized access and attacks, it's crucial to implement appropriate security measures. Set up a firewall to allow only necessary connections to the server, and enable server whitelisting to restrict access to authorized players. Regularly update server software, plugins, and mods to address security vulnerabilities.

Step 10: Promote and Manage Your Server

Once your Minecraft 1.9 server is up and running smoothly, it's time to promote and manage it. Create a website or forum thread to advertise your server and attract players. Implement moderation tools and establish rules to maintain a positive and inclusive community. Regularly interact with players, listen to feedback, and make adjustments to enhance the overall server experience.

Building a Minecraft 1.9 server from scratch requires careful planning, configuration, and ongoing management. By following these steps and continuously improving your server based on player feedback, you can create an engaging and enjoyable Minecraft experience for yourself and others. So, get started, unleash your creativity, and build a thriving Minecraft 1.9 server that players will love to join and explore.