Setting Up a Minecraft Bedrock Server on Ubuntu 24.04

Minecraft has become a cultural phenomenon since its inception, captivating millions of players worldwide. Many fans of the game seek to expand their experience by hosting their own Minecraft servers. This enables them to customize the game environment and play with friends or a community of players. This guide will walk you through setting up a Minecraft Bedrock Server on Ubuntu 24.04, offering a comprehensive approach to creating your own multiplayer world.

Preparing Your Ubuntu 24.04 Environment

Before diving into the server installation, it’s crucial to ensure that your Ubuntu 24.04 environment is properly set up and ready for hosting a Minecraft Bedrock Server. Begin by updating your system’s package list to ensure you have the latest security patches and software updates. Open a terminal and run the command sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. This step is essential to avoid any compatibility issues that might arise from outdated packages.

Next, consider the system requirements for running a Minecraft Bedrock Server. While Bedrock servers are generally less resource-intensive than their Java counterparts, it is still vital to ensure your system has adequate specifications. A minimum of 2GB RAM, a dual-core CPU, and sufficient disk space—preferably 20GB or more—are recommended for a smooth experience. Additionally, verify that you have a stable internet connection with decent bandwidth to handle player connections.

Before proceeding with the installation, it’s also necessary to install dependencies that the Minecraft Bedrock Server requires. Ensure you have the curl command-line tool installed, which will be used to download files directly from the internet. If it’s not installed, you can add it to your system by executing sudo apt install curl. With these preparations, your Ubuntu 24.04 environment is equipped to support the Minecraft Bedrock Server installation.

Installing and Configuring Minecraft Bedrock Server

Once your environment is prepared, it’s time to download and install the Minecraft Bedrock Server files. Start by navigating to the official Minecraft website or a trusted source where the Bedrock Server files are hosted. Use the curl command to download the server package directly. An example command would be curl -O https://example.com/minecraft-server.zip. After downloading, use unzip to extract the files into a directory of your choice.

With the server files in place, you must now configure the server settings to suit your needs. Open the server.properties file in a text editor of your choice. This file contains crucial settings such as the server name, maximum number of players, game mode, and more. Adjust these configurations to tailor the server to your community’s preferences. For instance, setting gamemode=creative allows players to build freely, while difficulty=hard increases the game’s challenge.

Finally, set up the necessary permissions and scripts to run your server smoothly. You may need to create a startup script using a text editor, such as nano, to automate the process of starting your server. This script should navigate to the server directory and execute the server binary. Additionally, use chmod +x to ensure that the server executable and startup script have the correct permissions to run. With these steps completed, your Minecraft Bedrock Server is installed and configured, ready to be launched.

Congratulations, you’ve successfully set up a Minecraft Bedrock Server on Ubuntu 24.04! By following this guide, you’ve created a personalized space where you and your friends can explore, build, and enjoy endless adventures. With the power of Ubuntu and the flexibility of the Bedrock edition, you have full control over your server environment. Should you wish to further customize your server or integrate mods in the future, the possibilities are vast. Enjoy your new role as a Minecraft server administrator and the creative opportunities it presents.