HELPER VPS

Minecraft server hosting: Minecraft VPS

The HELPER VPS Minecraft VPS is a Linux cloud server for running Java Edition and Bedrock Dedicated Servers yourself in your choice of 40 cities, starting at $25.00 per month. With root access, change Paper, plugins, mods and world files as you like, and place your server in a city close to your friends.

How much memory does a Minecraft server need?

The memory a Minecraft server needs varies with concurrent players, view distance and the number of plugins and mods. Below are starting points based on Paper servers; check usage as you go and adjust your plan.

    Give the server 1 to 2 GB less than the plan's memory to leave room for the operating system, and as players grow, create a new server on a bigger plan and move the world folder over.

    What can I do on a Minecraft VPS?

    A game server VPS gives you a whole Linux server instead of a fixed menu. Set it up once and you can run the version and setup you want for a long time.

    Why host a Minecraft server on a VPS?

    Tools used alongside Minecraft servers

    Game servers run lightest on Linux. Put your server in a container with Docker, or run Discord bots and admin tools alongside with Python and Node.js.

    Place your server close to your users

    Choose the location closest to your users among 40 cities in 31 countries.

    How do I install a Minecraft Java server on a VPS?

    Create a server with the Ubuntu 24.04 image, connect over SSH and install Java 21 with apt install openjdk-21-jre-headless. Minecraft 1.20.5 and later need Java 21 or newer, and future versions may require newer Java, so check the official guidance when upgrading.

    Download the Paper jar for the version you want from the official PaperMC site, put it in the server folder and run it with set memory, such as java -Xms4G -Xmx4G -jar paper.jar --nogui. The first run creates an eula.txt file; read the Minecraft terms of use, change it to eula=true and run again, and the world is created.

    Java Edition uses TCP port 25565. Open the firewall with ufw allow 25565/tcp and give your friends the server's public IPv4 address, and they can connect right away. If you have a domain, point its A record to the server IP for an address that is easy to remember.

    How do Bedrock and Java servers differ?

    Java Edition is the PC version, rich in plugins and mods through Paper, Spigot, Fabric and Forge. Bedrock Edition is the version played on phones, tablets, consoles and the Windows app, and its server is the Bedrock Dedicated Server distributed by Mojang. Bedrock servers officially support Ubuntu Linux, with UDP port 19132 by default.

    If friends on both editions want to play together, a popular approach is adding the Geyser plugin to a Java Paper server to accept Bedrock connections. In that case, open both TCP 25565 for Java and UDP 19132 for Bedrock. One server lets friends on both kinds of devices meet in the same world.

    Bedrock Dedicated Server uses less memory than a Java server, so it is easy to start on a small plan. However, its plugin ecosystem is smaller, so if you need lots of customization, a Java Paper server with Geyser may be easier.

    What should I check first if my Minecraft server lags?

    First check the server's memory use and tick status. Find which chunks or entities are heavy with a profiling plugin such as spark for Paper, and lowering view-distance and simulation-distance a little makes things much smoother on the same specs.

    Generating chunks while exploring new areas is the heaviest work. Set a world border and pre-generate chunks before your friends join, and lag during play drops sharply. Giving too much memory can actually lengthen cleanup pauses, so set it a little above actual usage.

    If your plan falls short as players grow, create a new server on a plan with more memory and CPU and move the world folder over. If you need steady processing even when crowded, choose a dedicated CPU plan; for large modpacks, a memory optimized plan.

    More VPS by use case

    Minecraft server hosting: Minecraft VPS FAQ

    How much memory should I start Minecraft server hosting with?

    For vanilla or Paper servers with a few friends, the smallest 12 GB general plan is a good start. We recommend 16 GB for 10 to 20 player servers with several plugins and 32 GB or more for large modpacks, adjusting by usage as you go.

    Which Java does a Java server need?

    Minecraft 1.20.5 and later need Java 21 or newer. On Ubuntu 24.04 you can install openjdk-21-jre-headless right away with apt, and when upgrading to a new version, check the required Java version in the official guidance first.

    Which ports do I need to open?

    Open TCP 25565 for Java Edition and UDP 19132 for Bedrock Edition. Open just these two ports and the SSH port in the firewall, and friends can connect with the server's public IP address.

    Can Bedrock friends and Java friends play together?

    Yes, add the Geyser plugin to a Java Paper server and Bedrock devices can connect too. In that case, open both TCP 25565 and UDP 19132, and play together in the same world.

    Can I run modded servers too?

    Yes, Forge, Fabric and NeoForge servers all run on Linux. Modpacks use a lot of memory, so we recommend a 32 GB memory optimized plan, and give the server 1 to 2 GB less than the plan's memory.

    Can I put my server in Seoul?

    Yes, choose from 40 cities, including Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka and Singapore. Choose a city close to where most of the people you play with live for smooth connections.

    How do I make sure my world is never lost?

    Compress the world folder on a schedule and store it separately, and choose the automatic backup option at creation to keep the whole server. If you need a backup restored, just request it on the support page after your first payment.

    Can I open a public server?

    Yes, you can run a public server open to anyone. For servers with lots of visitors, choose the DDoS protection option too, and keep server rules in place with a whitelist or admin plugins.

    How do I pay for a game server VPS?

    Pay for your chosen period (1, 3, 6 or 12 months) with USDT or other cryptocurrencies when you create the server. Pay the renewal invoice before the period ends to keep your world online.