How much does a Minecraft server cost?
So you’re ready to create a new Minecraft server. Before you commit to one, it’s vital you figure out what it’s going to cost you. The wrong server can lead to frustrating gameplay. It also may not support the number of players you need.
You may even be deciding between running your Minecraft server online versus on your own machine. Before you make a choice, you need to find out what factors will determine what you play and how they apply to you.
For those looking to play Minecraft with their friends, a Minecraft Server is required. It allows users to connect to one central computer which will host the game software for all the other players to use.
Factors That Impact Minecraft Server Costs
You can choose from a wide range of servers, and that will affect the price. You may have thought about running it on a computer in your house. However, it’s a good idea to run the host server remotely.
This can actually reduce costs for you because you won’t need to power your home computer 24/7. A remote server also gives you faster, more improved performance – no more lagging! Your server will be online and accessible round the clock if there’s a 100 percent network uptime guarantee from the server company.
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Version of Minecraft
There are two different versions of Minecraft, Java and Bedrock. Depending on the version you are playing, the cost of the Minecraft Server may be higher or lower.
The java version is the most commonly played Minecraft Server version on Mac and PC. It’s the version you will find by default on Minecraft.net. The Bedrock version, also called Pocket Edition (PE) or Pocketmine, is designed for mobile devices such as iOS and Android.
The type of Minecraft Server you want to run is important because java and Bedrock users cannot play on the same server. You would need to setup two servers if you want a server for both Minecraft java and Pocket Edition, and this will increase your monthly costs.
How Much RAM Does a Minecraft Server Need?
The vanilla version of Minecraft 1.14 will run on about 1.5GB of RAM for 1-5 players. This would be the lowest recommended RAM we would advise for a Minecraft Server.
If you want to run plugins or mods or wish to play with more people, you will need more RAM to accommodate that. For example, Minecraft Feed The Beast needs about 3GB of RAM to run with just a couple of players.
A Minecraft Server with 2GB of RAM is a good starting point for most people. You can always upgrade or downgrade later.
Amount of Players
Your server can handle more players if it has more RAM. So a good estimate is about 300MB of RAM per player. Newer versions of Minecraft, such as 1.14+ have become more memory intensive, so you’ll need more memory on your server depending on how many people you want to play with.
How Much Does a Minecraft Server Cost?
Minecraft Server pricing varies depending on the provider you select. The price increases based on the number of active players on the server. A server for 20 players is just $15/month.
If you’re looking to build a PC to host in your house, It’s going to depend on the above requirements. You can go super cheap or you can get a fully equipped powerhouse for $2,000. A good average is around $1,000 for a solid PC to run the Minecraft server.
With lower cost options you run the risk of not being able to run all the plugins you need. If your group of players grows, you may also not be able to support them all on a cheaper server. For large scale gaming server options, you can check out our Dedicated Game Hosting Solutions.
How to Get a Minecraft Server
With so many options, it’s best to get guidance from a professional on what you need. It’s always a good idea to see if there are any current promotions where you can get a deal as well.
We hope this article has been helpful in outlining some of the costs of a Minecraft Server. Leave any questions you have in the comments below!
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