ACLClouds
ACLClouds

Minecraft server on a Linux VPS: setup and limits

Java, server file, EULA, background launch, port 25565: install a Minecraft server on a Linux VPS, and compare with a game host.

To host a Minecraft server on a Linux VPS, install Java, download the server file, accept the EULA, then start it in the background with tmux or a systemd service. You keep control of the files, versions and memory; a game host simplifies the installation, but decides more of the settings for you.

  • Java 21 is required for recent Minecraft versions.
  • Run the server in tmux or a systemd service, so it stays on.
  • TCP port 25565 is the one for Java servers; open only that one.
  • The Mini plan gives 8 GB of RAM at 4.99 € as of 7 November 2026.

Choose the RAM

Memory depends on the number of players and mods. For a small group in standard form, start with 4 GB, then watch the real consumption over several evenings. Keep a margin on the VPS for the system, as detailed in how much RAM a VPS needs.

  • Java uses the memory reserved for it, not only what the game needs.
  • A VPS with 8 GB leaves room for a small server and the system.

Install Java

Recent Minecraft versions require Java 21. Install it with sudo apt install openjdk-21-jre-headless, then check with java -version. Check the version required by the server file you choose before installing it.

  • The headless package is enough: a server needs no graphical interface.
  • An outdated Java version prevents the server from starting.

Start the server

Put the server.jar file in a dedicated folder, then run java -Xms2G -Xmx4G -jar server.jar nogui. On first start, the server creates the eula.txt file: after reading the agreement, change eula=false to eula=true and start again.

  • Xmx sets the maximum memory; Xms the initial memory.
  • For a Bedrock server, the port is UDP 19132 and the server file is different.

Keep it running

Closing the SSH session stops the server. Run it in a tmux session with tmux new -s minecraft, detach with Ctrl+B then D, or create a systemd service that restarts it after an incident.

  • To stop the server cleanly, type stop in the tmux console.
  • Back up the world folder before each version update.

Open the port and give an address

By default, a Java server listens on TCP port 25565. Open it with sudo ufw allow 25565/tcp. For an address that is easier to remember, point a name to the VPS, as detailed in the free subdomain for a Minecraft server.

  • Open only the server port, not the console or the other services.
  • To protect the server against intrusions, see secure a Minecraft server.

Why choose ACLClouds for a Minecraft server

A Linux VPS lets you install the version, mods and backups you want. As of 7 November 2026, the Mini plan gives 8 GB of RAM, 2 vCPU and 40 GB of storage at 4.99 €, and the Essentiel plan 16 GB of RAM, 4 vCPU and 80 GB at 9.99 €.

  • Servers located in France.
  • KVM virtualization: your server is a complete system.
  • Control panel available in 7 languages.

Frequently asked questions

VPS or game host: which to choose?

A game host is simpler to start with. A VPS is preferable if you want control over versions, mods, backups and the other services on your server.

Which port should be opened?

TCP port 25565 for Java, and UDP port 19132 for Bedrock. Open only the port or ports of your edition.

Should the server be secured?

Yes: whitelist mode, strong administrator passwords and system updates. The VPS itself is protected with an SSH key and a firewall.