Pixel Dream StudiosWiki

Server Hosting Guide

Set up, configure, and connect to your own modded Minecraft server, from installing Java to port forwarding.

Prefer a managed host?

You can host a pre-configured server from BisectHosting for 25% off using the code PIXELDREAM.

Install Java

Pick the right Java version for your modpack.

Minecraft versionJava version
1.17 and newerJava 17 or newer
1.16.5 and olderJava 8

Always check your modpack's own requirements as well — they take priority over the table above.

Download and install it. We recommend Eclipse Temurin, though OpenJDK also works. Both are free and fully compatible with Minecraft.

Verify the installation by running the following in your terminal:

java -version

Set Up the Server

Download the server pack for your modpack. It's usually under "Additional Files" or "Server Files" on the modpack's download page.

Extract the archive using 7-Zip or an equivalent tool.

Start the server using the instructions for your operating system.

  1. Run Windows PowerShell as administrator.
  2. Enter Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned, then type Y to accept.
  3. Close the administrator window and open PowerShell normally.
  4. Navigate to your server directory: cd path\to\server
  5. Unblock the start script: Unblock-File -Path .\start.ps1
  6. Run it: .\start.ps1

Accept the Minecraft EULA by entering I agree when prompted, or by editing eula.txt manually.

Wait for initialization to finish, then follow the connection steps below.

Stopping the server

Always shut down with the stop command. Closing the window or killing the process can corrupt your world.

Configure Your Server

Edit server.properties to change how your server behaves:

SettingWhat it controls
server-ipYour local IP address
server-portThe port players connect to (default 25565)
max-playersHow many players can be online at once
difficultypeaceful, easy, normal, or hard
gamemodesurvival, creative, adventure, or spectator
motdThe server description shown in the server list
pvpWhether players can damage each other
view-distanceRender distance in chunks (8–16 recommended)
white-listWhether the whitelist is enforced

Restart the server after changing server.properties. Edits made while it's running are overwritten on shutdown.

Connect to Your Server

On the same network (LAN)

  1. In Minecraft, click Multiplayer → Add Server.
  2. For the server address, use localhost or your local IP address.

Over the internet (WAN)

  1. Find your public IP address by searching "what is my IP" online.
  2. In Minecraft, click Multiplayer → Add Server.
  3. For the server address, use your.public.ip:25565.

Port forwarding

Required for players connecting from a different network:

  1. Open your router's admin panel.
  2. Find the port forwarding settings.
  3. Create a new rule:
    • Protocol: TCP/UDP
    • External port: 25565
    • Internal port: 25565
    • Internal IP: your server's local IP

Performance Tips

  • Allocate an appropriate amount of RAM in your start script.
  • Keep view-distance between 8 and 12 chunks.
  • Keep entity-broadcast-range-percentage at 100 or lower.
  • Monitor TPS (ticks per second) to gauge server health.

Troubleshooting

Home

Official documentation for Pixel Dream Studios mods and modpacks. Find guides, tutorials, and information about our projects.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Pixel Dream Studios modpacks and services.

On this page

Install JavaSet Up the ServerConfigure Your ServerConnect to Your ServerOn the same network (LAN)Over the internet (WAN)Port forwardingPerformance TipsTroubleshooting