Setting up a Minecraft server can be done in many different ways. Some are simple and some advanced. I’ve experienced most variations, everything from setting up a home server to using a hosted service.
That said, I’ve decided to go with a hosted solution since it is very affordable and much easier to set up and maintain. It practically sets itself up. It won’t setup the network for you(not without paying extra), but at least the creation of each server will be straight forward and easily repeatable as you want to add more worlds/mini-games.
What is the difference between a Minecraft network and a single server?
In a single server setup one server is used to host everything. In a network setup there are multiple servers behind a proxy server so there is a minimum of 2 servers needed to set it up. Both network setups and single server setups can support multiple worlds and a lobby system. At first glance there seems to be no advantage to a network setup but the scalability implications are obvious.
I tinkered with both setups and decided there was no difference to me except that the network setup had one more thing to manage and maintain(the proxy). I am not expecting a lot of traffic and so I doubt scalability is an issue. I have switched to a network and back and the process was straight forward so I have no issues with keeping it simple now and expanding in phases if needed.
What we will setup and configure:
1 Minecraft Spigot Server
Steps:
Go to https://shockbyte.com/ and purchase 1 instance. The minimum size is okay for now. Once you decide you like your setup and are going to keep it for a while you can upgrade the size to the performance level you need. The third tier is good for personal/friend use.
Once purchased, for sake of easy navigation let’s assume you’re back at the home page. Click on “Client Area” button at the top right. Find the login button and log in.
Then Navigate to Manage -> Multicraft ( I know, it’s not the most intuitive navigation )
You will now see 1 server listed and likely all with the same default name advertising Shockbyte. Click on it to start configuring it.
Rename it whatever you’d like and for “Server Type” select “AUTO UPDATING: Spigot Latest” and click save. Also click start button at the top. Note the IP address including the port number (e.g. 123.456.789:25546). Navigate to server edit page -> Files -> Config Files and the main pane will list a bunch of config files. Edit any configurations as you please and restart the server to apply your changes.
It’s as easy as that! Use the IP address to connect to your new Minecraft server!