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This comprehensive guide walks you through setting up your Minecraft server on XGamingServer from initial configuration to welcoming your first players.
This guide assumes you’ve already created a Minecraft server instance through the XGamingServer panel. If you need help creating a server, check our Getting Started guide.

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Step 1: Choose Your Server Type

The first decision is selecting the right server software for your needs:

Paper

Best for: Performance-focused servers
  • Excellent performance optimizations
  • Wide plugin compatibility
  • Regular updates and bug fixes
  • Recommended for beginners

Forge

Best for: Modded gameplay
  • Extensive mod ecosystem
  • Advanced mod capabilities
  • Higher resource requirements
  • Best for experienced users

Fabric

Best for: Lightweight modding
  • Fast startup and performance
  • Modern modding framework
  • Growing mod ecosystem
  • Good balance of features and performance

Spigot

Best for: Plugin-based servers
  • Stable and well-tested
  • Large plugin library
  • Community-driven development
  • Good for established servers
1

Navigate to Server Type

Go to the Server Type tab in your control panel
2

Select Your Software

Choose from the available options based on your server goals
3

Apply Changes

Your server will automatically download and configure the selected software

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Step 2: Configure Resources

Proper resource allocation ensures smooth gameplay for your players:

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Resource Allocation Guidelines

Recommended for vanilla gameplay:
PlayersCPU CoresRAMDisk Space
1-101 core2GB5GB
10-202 cores4GB10GB
20-503 cores6GB15GB
50+4+ cores8GB+20GB+
Under-allocating resources can cause server crashes, lag, and poor player experience. It’s better to start with slightly more resources than you think you need.

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Step 3: Basic Server Configuration

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Essential server.properties Settings

Navigate to File Manager and edit the server.properties file: 
# Server Identity
server-name=My Awesome Server
motd=Welcome to my Minecraft server!

# Basic Settings  
gamemode=survival
difficulty=normal
max-players=20

# World Generation
level-name=world
level-type=minecraft:normal
generate-structures=true

# Performance Settings
view-distance=10
simulation-distance=8

# Security Settings
online-mode=true
enable-whitelist=false

# Networking
server-port=25565
query.port=25565
  • survival: Players must gather resources and can die
  • creative: Players have unlimited resources and can fly
  • adventure: Custom maps with limited block interaction
  • spectator: Players can observe but not interact
  • peaceful: No hostile mobs, health regenerates
  • easy: Reduced damage from mobs and environment
  • normal: Standard gameplay balance
  • hard: Maximum challenge with full damage
  • view-distance: Higher values = more world loaded = more RAM/CPU usage
  • simulation-distance: Affects mob spawning and crop growth radius
  • max-players: More players = higher resource requirements

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Step 4: Security & User Management

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Setting Up Operators

Grant yourself admin permissions:
1

Start Your Server

Use the Console tab to boot up your server
2

Add Yourself as Operator

In the console, type:
op YourMinecraftUsername
3

Verify Permissions

Join the server and test admin commands like /gamemode creative
For better control over who can join: 
# Enable whitelist
whitelist on

# Add players
whitelist add PlayerName
whitelist add AnotherPlayer

# View whitelist
whitelist list

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Step 5: Essential Plugins Installation

EssentialsX

Core functionality plugin
  • Home and teleport commands
  • Economy system
  • Player kits and warps
  • Chat formatting

WorldEdit

World editing tool
  • Large-scale building tools
  • Copy/paste structures
  • Terrain modification
  • Essential for builders

LuckPerms

Advanced permissions
  • Detailed permission control
  • Group-based permissions
  • Web interface
  • Database support

CoreProtect

Anti-grief protection
  • Block change logging
  • Rollback capabilities
  • Player action tracking
  • Essential for public servers

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Plugin Installation Process

1

Browse Available Plugins

Use the Plugins tab to search for plugins by name
2

Install Plugins

Click Install next to your desired plugins
3

Restart Server

Restart your server to load the new plugins
4

Configure Plugins

Edit plugin config files in the File Manager as needed

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Step 6: World Management

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Creating Custom Worlds

1

Prepare World Folder

Ensure your world folder contains level.dat and region files
2

Stop Server

Use the console to stop your server safely
3

Upload via File Manager

Navigate to your server root and upload the world folder
4

Update server.properties

Change level-name=YourWorldName to match the uploaded folder
5

Start Server

Boot up the server to load your custom world

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Step 7: Performance Optimization

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Java Flags (Aikar’s Flags)

For optimal performance, configure Java startup flags: 
java -Xms2G -Xmx2G -XX:+UseG1GC -XX:+ParallelRefProcEnabled -XX:MaxGCPauseMillis=200 -XX:+UnlockExperimentalVMOptions -XX:+DisableExplicitGC -XX:+AlwaysPreTouch -XX:G1NewSizePercent=30 -XX:G1MaxNewSizePercent=40 -XX:G1HeapRegionSize=8M -XX:G1ReservePercent=20 -XX:G1HeapWastePercent=5 -XX:G1MixedGCCountTarget=4 -XX:InitiatingHeapOccupancyPercent=15 -XX:G1MixedGCLiveThresholdPercent=90 -XX:G1RSetUpdatingPauseTimePercent=5 -XX:SurvivorRatio=32 -XX:+PerfDisableSharedMem -XX:MaxTenuringThreshold=1 -Dusing.aikars.flags=https://mcflags.emc.gs -Daikars.new.flags=true -jar server.jar nogui

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Additional Performance Settings

# In server.properties
max-tick-time=60000
network-compression-threshold=256

# Entity and spawn settings
spawn-limits.monsters=70
spawn-limits.animals=10
spawn-limits.water-animals=15
spawn-limits.ambient=15

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Step 8: Backup Strategy

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Automated Backup Setup

1

Navigate to Schedules

Go to the Schedules tab in your control panel
2

Create Backup Schedule

Set up automated backups:
  • Frequency: Daily at 3 AM (off-peak hours)
  • Action: Create Backup
  • Retention: Keep last 7 backups
3

Test Backup

Create a manual backup to ensure the process works
Store critical backups offline (download them locally) for extra protection against data loss.

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Step 9: Final Testing

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Pre-Launch Checklist

  • Server starts without errors
  • Players can connect using the server IP
  • Subdomain (if configured) works correctly
  • No connection timeout issues
  • Operator permissions work correctly
  • Whitelist functions properly (if enabled)
  • Plugin permissions are configured
  • Anti-grief protection is active
  • TPS remains at 20 during normal gameplay
  • Memory usage is within acceptable limits
  • No frequent garbage collection pauses
  • Plugins load without conflicts
  • Manual backup creation works
  • Scheduled backups are configured
  • Backup restoration process tested
  • Critical files are included in backups

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Step 10: Launch & Community Building

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Going Live

1

Announce Your Server

Share your server details with friends or communities
2

Monitor Performance

Keep an eye on the Console and resource usage during initial player influx
3

Gather Feedback

Ask early players for feedback on gameplay, performance, and features
4

Iterate and Improve

Make adjustments based on player feedback and server performance data

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Community Resources

Player Communication

Set up Discord or forums for out-of-game communication

Server Listing

Submit your server to directories like Planet Minecraft or Minecraft-Server-List

Documentation

Create guides for your players explaining rules, commands, and features

Regular Events

Plan regular events, contests, or community activities

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Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

Common causes:
  • Insufficient RAM allocation
  • Corrupted world files
  • Plugin conflicts
  • Invalid server.properties settings
Solutions:
  1. Check console logs for specific error messages
  2. Increase RAM allocation in server settings
  3. Remove recently added plugins
  4. Reset server.properties to default values
Symptoms:
  • TPS below 20
  • Player lag and connection timeouts
  • High memory usage
Solutions:
  1. Apply Aikar’s Java flags
  2. Reduce view-distance and simulation-distance
  3. Limit maximum players
  4. Remove resource-intensive plugins
  5. Optimize world settings
Troubleshooting steps:
  1. Verify server is running and shows “Done!” in console
  2. Check if server IP and port are correct
  3. Ensure online-mode matches player account type
  4. Test whitelist settings if enabled
  5. Check for firewall or network issues
This guide provides a solid foundation for your Minecraft server. As your server grows and evolves, explore advanced topics like custom plugins, complex redstone contraptions, and community management strategies.
Need additional help? Join our Discord community for real-time support and tips from other server administrators.