Minecraft servers have diverse realms, teeming with adventure, creativity, and camaraderie. They offer you the chance to create your digital sanctuary. Yet, amid this sea of possibilities, you might be wondering: What type of Minecraft server should you make?
It’s a question that beckons both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
Minecraft’s popularity has led to a diverse world of servers, each catering to different player preferences. With numerous server types available, selecting the right one for your vision can be exciting yet challenging.
This article is your guide to choosing a Minecraft server that aligns with your goals, appeals to your audience, and fulfills your gaming aspirations.
Let’s explore the server landscape together and find your ideal virtual canvas.
What is a Minecraft server?
A Minecraft server is a user-hosted server that facilitates multiplayer gameplay in Minecraft: Java Edition.
Here are the steps to set up a Minecraft server:
1. Install/Update Minecraft: Download the Minecraft launcher via the official website and install/update it.
2. Install/Update Java: Download and install/update the latest version of Java.
3. Download Server .jar File: Download the Server.jar file from the Minecraft website.
4. Create a Minecraft Server Folder: Create a folder for your Minecraft server and move the Server.jar file into it.
5. Run the Server: Open the command prompt or terminal and navigate to the Minecraft server folder. Type “java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui” to start the server.
6. Customize the Server: Customize the server by editing the server properties file.
7. Invite Friends: Share your server’s IP address with your friends so they can join.
Creating your own Minecraft server allows you to customize the game in ways you normally could not.
This includes assigning or denying roles to other players, controlling how objects spawn, or tweaking the in-game physics.
It also means you can play online with a small group of friends without having to set up a VPN or spend extra money on a third-party hosting service.
Identifying Your Audience and Purpose
The target audience for your Minecraft server depends on your goals and it influences the type of server you should create.
It could be a community of like-minded players, friends, or even children if you are a parent who wants to control your children’s online interactions.
The goal of your Minecraft server type depends on your interests and preferences.
You may want to create a server to build a community, customize the game to your liking, or have complete control over the user experience.
Tailoring the Minecraft server type to your goals is important to achieve your desired outcome. For example, if you want to build a community, you may want to create a public server that is easy to access and advertise to attract players.
If you want to customize the game, you may want to create a private server and install mods and plugins that suit your preferences.
Types of Minecraft Servers You Could Consider to Make
#1. Vanilla Servers
Vanilla servers run the official Minecraft game software with no modifications. They offer the pure Minecraft experience without any additional features or plugins.
Target Audience: Players who prefer the original Minecraft gameplay experience without any modifications or additions.
Their advantage is that they offer a pure Minecraft experience, staying true to the game’s original mechanics and features.
Additionally, they allow players to experience the game as intended by the developers.
Their disadvantage is the lack of additional features and customization options found in modded or plugin-enhanced servers.
Also, they have limited gameplay variety compared to servers with custom game modes or mini-games.
#2. Survival Servers
Survival servers are focused on survival gameplay, where players must gather resources, build shelters, and fend off monsters to survive. These servers can be vanilla or modded with plugins that enhance the survival experience.
Target Audience: Players who enjoy a challenging gameplay experience and want to test their survival skills.
The advantage of survival servers is that they offer a challenging gameplay experience that can be rewarding.
However, the disadvantage is that it can be difficult for new players to survive and thrive in the game.
#3. Creative Servers
Creative servers allow players to build and create without any limitations, providing unlimited resources and no monsters. These servers can be vanilla or modded with plugins that enhance the creative experience.
Target Audience: Players who enjoy building and creating without any limitations.
With infinite resources and no restrictions, creative servers have the advantage of letting players create anything they want.
The drawback is that it might not be as hard or appealing to those who prefer a more competitive gaming environment.
#4. Minigame Servers
Minigame servers offer a variety of mini-games within Minecraft, such as parkour, PvP battles, and racing. These servers can be vanilla or modded with plugins that enhance the mini-game experience.
Target Audience: Players who enjoy a variety of mini-games and want to compete with other players.
The appeal of minigame servers is that they offer a variety of mini-games that can be fun and challenging.
However, the con is that they may not appeal to players who prefer a more traditional Minecraft gameplay experience.
#5. Roleplay Servers
Roleplay servers allow players to immerse themselves in a fictional world and take on a specific role or character. These servers can be unmodified or modified with roleplay-enhancing plugins.
Target Audience: Players who enjoy immersive storytelling and want to take on a specific role or character.
Roleplay servers have the benefit of providing an immersive storytelling experience that can be interesting and engaging.
The drawback is that they could not entice gamers who like a more conventional Minecraft gameplay environment.
#6. PvP Servers
PvP servers are focused on player-versus-player combat, where players can engage in battles with each other. These servers can be vanilla or modified with PvP-enhancing mods.
Target Audience: Players who enjoy competitive gameplay and want to test their combat skills.
The advantage of PvP servers is that they offer a competitive gameplay experience that can be fun and challenging.
However, the disadvantage is that it can be less appealing to players who prefer a more cooperative gameplay experience.
#7. Hardcore Servers
Hardcore servers offer a more challenging survival experience, where players have only one life and must start over if they die. These servers can be vanilla or modded with plugins that enhance the hardcore experience.
Target Audience: Players who enjoy a challenging gameplay experience and want to test their survival skills.
The benefit of hardcore servers is that they provide a difficult but potentially rewarding gaming environment.
However, the drawback is that it might be aggravating for those who lose frequently and have to start over.
#8. Prison Servers
Prison servers simulate a prison environment, where players must complete tasks and earn their way out of prison. These servers can be unmodified or have plugins added to them to improve the prison experience.
Target Audience: Players who enjoy a unique gameplay experience and want to complete tasks to earn their freedom.
The perk of prison servers is that they provide a special gaming environment that can be enjoyable and captivating.
The downside is that it might not be enjoyable for gamers who prefer a more conventional Minecraft gameplay environment.
#9. Anarchy Servers
Anarchy servers have no rules or regulations, allowing players to do whatever they want. These servers can be either vanilla or modified with plugins to improve the anarchy experience.
Target Audience: Players who want complete freedom and control over their gameplay experience.
The upside of anarchy servers is that they offer complete freedom and control over the gameplay experience.
However, the disadvantage is that it can be less appealing to players who prefer a more structured gameplay experience.
#10. Adventure Servers
Adventure servers focus on providing unique and immersive gameplay experiences. They often have custom maps, quests, and storylines.
Target Audience: Players who enjoy engaging in story-driven gameplay, completing quests, and exploring custom-built worlds.
The advantage is that it adds unique maps and narratives to the gameplay to make it more engaging and structured.
However, it may require additional resource packs or mods for full custom content immersion, limiting accessibility for some players.
Considering Technical Requirements
Consider these factors for your Minecraft server:
Hardware: Aim for at least 8GB RAM, high-clock-speed processors, and SSDs for performance.
Software: Use official Minecraft and the latest Java.
Hosting: Choose between self-hosting or third-party services.
Customization: Add plugins and mods but ensure compatibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crafting your Minecraft server is an exhilarating journey.
Consider the initial setup costs, encompassing hardware and customization investments, while keeping an eye on ongoing expenses like maintenance and security.
Decide wisely between hosting options, weighing stability and scalability.
Choosing an appropriate type of server to make can forge a flourishing Minecraft server that delivers a gratifying experience for both you and your players.
