Many people that try to set up a Minecraft server feel overwhelmed by all the available options or need clarification on technical jargon. Setting up your own server is a relatively easy task with the proper guidance. With these guidelines, you can choose a suitable Minecraft server and launch it successfully.

Finding the Best Minecraft Hosting: Free vs. Paid Servers

Although free Minecraft servers are an appealing option for players on a budget, they do have some notable drawbacks. Since these servers don’t provide access to customer support, players are responsible for fixing bugs and troubleshooting problems that arise. Experienced coders who understand how to configure a Minecraft server may have a positive experience with free hosting, but other players may need help maintaining their server.

Typically, a free server is hosted on a player’s computer. This means that the size of your in-game map will be limited by the amount of storage space on your hard drive. Playing with these kinds of limitations can be frustrating. Furthermore, free servers don’t offer any support, so players must troubleshoot problems and fix bugs themselves.

Although paid servers are more expensive, they ultimately provide a more secure and convenient experience. Paid servers offer more storage and utilize better processors, improving your game’s performance. In addition to customer support, paid hosts like ServerBlend offer DDos protection, which can prevent server downtime.

For serious Minecraft players that want reliable hosting and a wide range of features, there’s no better option than paid hosting. Using a paid server makes it easy to install popular mods, create server backups, and share your world with large groups of players. Ultimately, paid hosting is a way to maximize the fun you have with Minecraft.

How to Set Up Your Own Minecraft Servers

Setting up a Minecraft server doesn’t have to be challenging. While hosting a server on your own computer is possible, you can also pay for a virtual private server (VPS). Many hosts offer specialized Minecraft hosting, making setup a breeze. Follow these steps to launch and configure your servers.

1. Choose a hosting provider and a hosting plan: Before you can begin the setup process, you’ll need to decide on a hosting provider. Your chosen provider should have fast processors, ample ram, and strong customer support. Some providers offer a range of plans, allowing you to select the plan that best fits your needs.

2. Install Minecraft on your server: After selecting a provider and setting up your account, you must install Minecraft. While this process can be complex, the best Minecraft hosting packages offer one-click installation, making it easy to get things started.

3. Configure your server settings: Once Minecraft is installed, you can adjust the settings of your servers and customize them to suit your preferences. While many personalization options are available, specify whether PvP is enabled or select the default game mode for the server.

4. Upload or create your Minecraft world: It’s possible to upload an existing Minecraft world to your server, but you can also create a new world. If you choose to upload a world, you may need to use an FTP client to transfer the files to your new Minecraft server.

5. Optimize your world: Taking the time to optimize your world can prevent performance issues. Minecraft plugins allow you to regenerate your world, significantly reducing lag. Adjusting view distance can also boost your game’s performance.

6. Launch your new server: Once you’ve completed the steps above, you can start your new server. While this process can vary based on your chosen host, hosting providers usually make it simple to get things started. After launching your server, you can invite friends and start playing!

How to Create a Free Minecraft Server

Paid hosting is the easiest way to create a Minecraft server, but you can also use official software to set up a free server on your computer. Making a free Minecraft server can be complex, so it’s crucial to ensure that you know what you’re doing. These steps will walk you through the process of creating and launching a free server.

1. Test and fix your internet connection: To host your own Minecraft server, you’ll need a reliable internet connection. Check your internet speed to make sure you’re capable of hosting a server. If you’re concerned about a weak connection, try moving your router closer to your computer or changing your Wi-Fi frequency band.

2. Download the server files: Server software is available for free on the Minecraft website. Be aware that this software is only compatible with the Java Edition of Minecraft. To avoid compatibility issues, confirm that you’re running the latest version of the game.

3. Create a server folder: Once the server files have been downloaded, make a folder for the server on your desktop. Give the folder a clear name, like “Minecraft Server,” so that it will be easy to identify.

4. Make a batch file to run your server: Place the server files in the folder that you’ve created. Right click inside the folder to create a new text document. Paste this text inside the document: “cmd /k java ‐Xms1G ‐Xmx1G ‐jar minecraft_server.1.19.3.jar nogui”. Save the file under the name “Run.bat”.

5. Accept the EULA: Run the server files. When you do this, additional files will be added to your server folder. Open the file titled “EULA.txt” and read the agreement. Once you’ve finished reading, replace the text that says “FALSE” with “TRUE” before saving the document.

6. Run your server: Double-click on the batch file you’ve created to launch your server. This will launch the server, allowing you and other players to connect to the server. It may take time for the server to spawn, but once it’s launched, it will continue to run as long as the window is open.

7. Configure the server: Open the file titled “server.properties” inside your folder. This file will allow you to customize your server settings. To turn a setting on, replace text that says “FALSE” with “TRUE.” Do the opposite to turn settings off. These changes will take effect once you restart your server.

8. Connect to your server: Run Minecraft: Java Edition and select Multiplayer. Click on “Add Server” and type “localhost” under “Server Address”. Select “Done” to save your changes, and then double-click on your server to connect.

9. Set up port forwarding: Enabling port forwarding on your router will allow other players to connect to your server. Open the server properties file in your Minecraft folder and find the server port line. Save these numbers and add the port to your firewall. Log into your routing and turn on port forwarding.

10. Invite other players: Find your server address and share it with the friends you want to play with. When your friends launch Minecraft, they can connect to your server by selecting multiplayer and entering your server address under “Direct Connection.”

Where Can I Get the Best Paid Minecraft Server?

To find the best Minecraft hosting, it’s necessary to look at several factors, including the cost of hosting and the server specifications. In addition, consider the location of the server. Choosing a server located near you can minimize lag and improve performance.

It’s also important to consider how you’ll be using your server. Are you interested in playing with mods? Do you want to create regular backups of your server? Find a dependable host that provides the features that are most important to you.

While there are many hosting providers, ServerBlend provides exceptional service and performance and the lowest possible prices. In fact, ServerBlend even offers price matching to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.

Not only can you get hosting at a great price, but ServerBlend also offers everything you need for a lag-free Minecraft experience, including fast CPUs, DDR4 RAM, and NVMe storage. Servers are hosted on lighting-fast Intel Xeon processors, giving you great performance and reliability. Since ServerBlend also has DDoS protection, you can avoid downtime and access your server at any time!Creating a Minecraft server can be difficult, especially if you opt for free hosting. Instead of trying to set up a server yourself, choose ServerBlend for your Minecraft hosting needs. With our reasonable prices, reliable servers, and fantastic customer support, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the benefits of having your own Minecraft server.

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The Forest supports up to eight players online simultaneously, but with a dedicated server, you can play with more. Playing online with friends is the best option, despite being story-driven. However, before playing with friends, you must learn how to play online.

First, let’s discuss choosing and running your dedicated The Forest server without any roadblocks!

The Forest: Are You Ready to Take on the Challenge?

Set in a forested peninsula, far gone from civilization, you take on the task of searching for your son after a plane crash. Surrounded by mutant cannibals with questionable intentions yet tentative to interact with you at first, you have to survive a vicious day and night cycle while maintaining provisions.

As you traverse the dangers of The Forest, you use your survival guidebook to learn how to craft. Interact with and collaborate with players online to divide up tasks and defeat mutants. As the difficulty increases, you need to rely on strong allies and advanced crafting that you learned throughout your journey.

Maintain your stamina, hunger, thirst, health, and energy by gathering supplies while defending against attacks from mutants. The Forest is challenging, but it is well worth the risk.

The Forest Dedicated Server: What is it and How to Start it?

Seeing that you, the main character, survived a plane crash, it makes sense that others would survive as well. That is why the main game mode is co-op.

The best way to play The Forest is through a dedicated server, which you rent through a hosting company. 24/7 customer support, top-of-the-line hardware, DDoS protection, mod support, and additional slots are a few of the many benefits of using a dedicated server over other hosting options.

When ready to establish The Forest dedicated server, check out our hosting server options for more information.

Hosting The Forest Dedicated Server

Unlike other hosting options, starting a dedicated server for The Forest is very easy.

Visit our website and select a server to rent. With ServerBlend, servers take approximately two hours to be fully functional and ready for launch. Go to your panel page and customize your server however you’d like.

Use the Server Settings Editor before you begin to tweak the setup and simplify the launch process. You can also install mods and use the configuration editor if you want a unique feel to the game.

How to Host a Multiplayer Server

Hosting a multiplayer server on a dedicated server is the same as hosting a single-player or an 8-person co-op server. The main difference is that dedicated servers support more than eight players.

Traditionally, if you were to play co-op through any other method, aside from self-hosting or a dedicated server, you can only play up to eight players. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) servers connect to other players through your own internet connection, while dedicated servers connect directly to a third party.

Third parties, A.K.A. server hosting companies, use more powerful hardware and give dedicated space for running and storing your files. They also store backups of your game in case you want to reset or if the server crashes.

What are the Requirements of The Forest Dedicated Server?

If you are looking for a dedicated server hosting provider, look for these hardware requirements as a minimum:

• 4 GB RAM
• 4-Core Processing Unit
• 5 GB Storage

Realistically, you’d want to have stronger hardware than this and expect it from dedicated server hosting. One of the main benefits of running a dedicated server versus a P2P or self-hosting server is that it can run with more than eight players.

What are the Advantages of Having a Dedicated Server for Playing The Forest?

Here are the five advantages of having a dedicated server for playing The Forest:

• 24/7 Customer Service and Technical Support
• Can Play with More than Eight People at Once
• Automatic Backups
• DDoS Protection
• Full Mod Support

Three Benefits of Having a Dedicated Server for The Forest

If you want to host a dedicated server for The Forest, look for these three qualities in a server hosting company.

1. Responsive and Knowledgeable Customer Service
2. Great Customer Reviews
3. Powerful Hardware

What are the Updated Control Panels for The Forest Dedicated Servers?

Not to toot our own horn, but we’ve optimized the TcAdmin control panel to simplify how you manage, control, and run your server. With our updated UI, configure settings and install mods.

Set anti-cheats, type in new passwords daily, set the difficulty, FPS, and auto-save time intervals, create custom modes, and more.

Renting vs. Owning The Forest Dedicated Server: Pros and Cons!

Whenever anyone considers hosting a dedicated server, they are conflicted about renting a dedicated server on owning a self-hosted server.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each so you can decide.

The Forest Dedicated Server Pros and Cons

Pros:

• You can play with more than eight players
• Mod Support
• DDoS Protection
• Automatic Saves
• 24/7 Customer Support

Cons:

• You have to pay every month for hosting

The Forest Self-Hosted Server Pros and Cons

Pros:

• You have the most amount of customizability
• You can install any mods of your choosing
• You can play with more than eight players technically (although it would be way too expensive)

Cons:

• It is expensive due to electric bills and hardware costs
• The UI is complicated

Renting vs. Owning The Forest Dedicated Server: What to Choose?

The best option for The Forest server hosting is a dedicated server by far.

The main draw of choosing a dedicated server or self-hosting over a P2P server is that it can run with more than eight players. However, this is only feasible and affordable with a dedicated server.

Additionally, only with a dedicated server will you have automatic backups and multiple save slots.

How to Run The Forest Dedicated Server Without Any Obstacles

Using a dedicated server hosting option is meant to safeguard you from unexpected obstacles.

With powerful hardware, people who join should have low ping and not lose their connection.

Automatic backups and multiple save slots mean that your progress won’t be lost even if your server crashes.

Additionally, 24/7 DDoS protection will help prevent attacks before they happen and hopefully prevent your server from crashing.

Finally, in case of an emergency, 24/7 custom support from multiple regions will solve any of your problems and answer your questions.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Dedicated Server for The Forest?

Server hosting packages for The Forest from ServerBlend start at $11.69 a month but can cost more if you want additional RAM.

However, if you find similar hosting options online at a lower cost, we’ll match the price when you complete our price beat form.

Don’t worry if you already have an existing server for The Forest. We can transfer your saved data, and the configurations will remain the same.

Here’s Why You Should Choose ServerBlend’s Dedicated Hosting for The Forest 

Whether you choose a standard hosting plan from ServerBlend or a premium plan with more RAM, all of our hosting plans offer the following benefits and features:

• 10+ Save Slots
• High-Performance Dedicated Servers
• Cancel Anytime
• 7-Day Satisfaction Refund
• Specialized Technical Support
• Optimized Network with Low Ping
• DDoS Protection
• Full Mod Support
• Easy Setup with Server Settings Editor
• Configuration Editors
• Public/Group Pay
• Free, Easy Transfer to Us

We host servers from all around the world, from Montreal to NYC and Frankfurt to Sydney. If you want to find the best location for your server, let us know by contacting us.

Rent with ServerBlend Now!

We understand people choose dedicated server hosting because they seek fast hardware, low prices, and the best support. We pride ourselves on making our UI simple for beginners but also expansive—due to our configuration editor—for experts.

Our hosting server option will let you focus on playing the game rather than setting it up. If you are interested in our server hosting options for The Forest or any other games we support, contact ServerBlend with any questions or concerns.

The post The Forest: Why You Should Run Your Own Dedicated Server appeared first on ServerBlend Blog.

There is no bigger multiplayer game available than Minecraft. Whether you are starting a small world with friends, or an epic, modded PVP server with legions and factions of hundreds of people, the possibilities are endless in this 3D sandbox game.

To create an expansive online world with friends, you must first choose the best Minecraft hosting option. Read this guide for a walkthrough on all you’ll ever need to know about running a Java Minecraft server.

Minecraft (Java) server: What is it and How Does it Work?

Minecraft is a game for players of all ages and is highly accessible to new gamers. 

A Minecraft server is an online lobby you can access to play with other players. Minecraft servers can entail massive worlds with many specialized mods, plugins, or basic vanilla. Minigame and PVP servers can even host more than one world, so multiple groups of players can play private games or run multiple lobbies at once.

Each Minecraft server has a unique IP address you use to enter the game, as long as you are on the right version and have the correct mods installed, if necessary. Most servers have plugins installed, such as Spigot, Craftbukkit, PaperMC, and Forge, to enhance the gameplay experience and make things more convenient for moderators and admins.

Why Run Your Own Minecraft Server?

Running your own Minecraft server is the best option when playing online. By creating your own, rather than picking one of many existing servers, you have complete control over your world and how it’s played. However, pre-existing servers already have many active players and are fleshed out with different game modes, minigames, worlds, etc.

Whether running a Minecraft server makes sense ultimately depends on how you choose to enjoy the game.

Minecraft Server Paid vs. Free: What to Choose?

If you want to run a Minecraft server, you can create and host one for free or pay professionals to manage and maintain it.

With the proper amount of time, you can include the same features in a paid and non-paid Minecraft server, but paid servers are more convenient and keep your data and identity more secure. However, free servers are easier to configure if you have coding and Minecraft know-how. That said, those who run an accessible server are left alone to solve any issues or resolve bugs.

Most people don’t have time to build up these skills or want to focus on developing other aspects of their server, including player experience and staffing. For those people, a paid server is a better option because a team of professionals will be on-call 24/7 to answer any tips or resolve any server-related issues.

What are the System Prerequisites for Running a Minecraft Server?

To self-run a Java server for the most recent version of Minecraft, you need at least 1 GB of external RAM. Remember that single-player worlds nowadays are technically free hosted servers, so 1 GB is the bare minimum (for one to four players). Adding more players and features to the server will require you to bump up the RAM allocation proportionately.

Your CPU has to have at least one core, but four cores are widely recommended. If you are playing on or after version 1.14, you need more than one core. Try to have at least 10 GB remaining in HDD storage for Windows 10 computers; Windows 7, 8, and Vista computers only need 2 GB. Try to have a download speed of 3Mbps and an upload speed of 2Mbps.

These stats are for people self-hosting on a separate computer from what they are playing on. Running a server takes up less power than playing the game, so if you do both on the same device, meet the system requirements.

What are the Setup Instructions for a Minecraft Server?

Depending on your hosting option, you’ll have different setup instructions. Private hosting companies, like ServerBlend, offer instant setup. However, if you are hosting your own server, follow these eight steps:

1. Download the correct Jar File, depending on the update you want to play on
2. Put the jar file in a folder called Minecraft server, and click on it to run it
3. Create a text file named “Run” in that same folder, with a line code for the current version, and save it as a batch file
4. Sign off on your license agreement by setting the EULA to false
5. Click the “run file” (run.bat) to start your server up for the first time
6. Join/add your server to your server list to check if it is active
7. Do port forwarding if necessary
8. Learn what your external IP address is so that people can connect

Highlight the Benefits of a Minecraft Server!

The benefits of having your own Minecraft server are endless. By running your own server, you have total control of the user experience from the world they’re playing on to the number of players available. You also get to choose to make your server modded and pick the game mode.

Set the Parameters and Make the Rules

You can choose whatever you want to add or tweak to your own server.

Do you want people only to be working on a building project in a particular area? Install a mod that limits building to claim land.

Do you want to develop an inclusive community? Utilize your owner/administrator powers to ban someone making derogatory comments.

Do you want more expansive chat features or command functionalities? Download a plugin or two.

Serve as a Center Point of Your Community

As the owner and operator of your server, you can make decisions to make your community enjoy the game more.

Do people often request a certain chat function? Install a new plugin.

You can control in-game conversations and the gameplay in a way that fits the needs of your community. If you are working with a private web hosting company, you can make sure your server is operating at 100% at all times while it expands by upping the RAM allotment or bringing issues to customer support.

Sell Additional Services on Your Server

Do you want to sell ranks or in-game perks on your server?

If so, you are in luck because your new server host will likely make that possible. Minecraft servers make money in various ways, even if they are often free to join. In addition to selling perks and ranks, servers earn revenue by accepting donations and membership fees.

11 Factors to Consider While Selecting the Best Minecraft Server Hosting! (Maybe change to questions to ask yourself when selecting…)

• What is the maximum RAM allotment for their servers?
• How is their customer support?
• What control panel do they use?
• Do they offer FTP Access?
• Is there DDoS protection?
• What mods and plugins do they support?
• How much information can you store on their servers?
• What are the payment options?
• What are some successful servers using them as hosting?
• How are their online reviews and ratings?
• Do they offer sub-domains and multiple IPs for international gamers?

What are the Best Hosting Options for Minecraft Servers?

The best hosting option available for Minecraft servers is through a dedicated server.

Customizability and customer service are the main perks of choosing a dedicated server over shared hosting and self-hosting. With a dedicated server from a professional web hosting company, you can choose to pay more for greater RAM allotment as your server grows in scale. Additionally, dedicated servers perform better because they operate for only one Minecraft server on hardware designed for optimal server operations.

Which is Better: Owning a Home Server or Renting a Server?

Owning a home server or renting a server both have strengths and drawbacks.

With self-hosting, you operate your servers from a home computer. Many claim that self-hosting is the most cost-effective method, but that is only true if you are hosting a small server with a couple of other people.

You’ll likely need a dedicated computer, some other gear, and paid services to self-host for even a small-to-medium-size server with minimal plugins and mods. Your electricity bill when running a home server is also much higher. Cyber attacks, like DDoS, on self-hosted servers go after your personal IP, so they are also less safe.

Most people upgrade their self-hosted server to professional hosting after a short while because it is simpler to run and less time-consuming to manage, so you can put more effort into gaming or running your server. Professional hosting has dedicated servers and experts, ensuring it never crashes or gets hacked. Additional benefits like 24/7 emergency support, DDoS protection, FTP, and higher ram allotment make professional hosting the best option.

How Much Does a Minecraft Server Cost?

For a dedicated server, your server cost primarily depends on your RAM allotment, respective to the number of people who play on your server and the mods installed.

The cost of self-hosting also depends on the number of people who play and the mods installed because you may be able to get away with using a spare computer to run a small server. However, if your server grows, you may need to buy or build a new computer. Your electricity costs also skyrocket if you run a server from home.

Shared hosting is less expensive than a dedicated server and runs on a similar monthly price model. However, you are offered fewer benefits with shared hosting. Customer service, plugin options, and risk prevention are typically worse.

What are the Variables that Affect the Cost of a Minecraft Server?

• Total Player Amount
• The Type and Number of Plugins and Mods Installed
• Required RAM
• The Version it is Played On

ServerBlend: Create Your Minecraft Server with Ease!

Are you looking to create a popular Minecraft server without dealing with the peskiness of self-hosting? If so, create your server with ServerBlend.

ServerBlend is a premium web hosting service for Minecraft, along with a variety of other games. What makes us unique from other hosting services is that our servers run on the latest processors and use optimized custom software, and we offer competitive prices without sacrificing quality.

With 24/7 customer support and free DDoS protection for customers in the US, Europe, or Australia, what’s not to love?

Our hosting options begin at $4 a month for a 1024 MB server. We pride ourselves on offering the lowest prices, so if you find lower options elsewhere, fill out our price beat form.

Get the Best Minecraft Hosting with ServerBlend

When considering a professional-hosted dedicated server, choose the best of the best with ServerBlend.

At ServerBlend, we have a system called “guaranteed hardware,” where you get to pick the hardware your game server is played on. With our guarantee for hardware autonomy, you have complete control over choosing your server’s CPU, NVMe storage, and DDR4 RAM.. Use top-of-the-line Intel Xeon with fast ECC RAM and SSD or NVMe Storage with RAID to ensure the best performance and reliability.

Ready to create your dream Minecraft server? Contact ServerBlend and look at our Minecraft hosting page for more information.

The post What are the Benefits of Having Your Own Minecraft Server? appeared first on ServerBlend Blog.