Important Things for New Server Administrators
Thursday, May 22, 2025, 2:09p.m.
The Start Will Be Difficult
No sugarcoating it—getting your server off the ground is rarely smooth. You’ll run into configuration mysteries, plugin conflicts, and probably at least one world-ending crash. Don’t be discouraged! The early hurdles are perfectly normal, and every seasoned admin has a story or two about those first days spent chasing log errors.
WorldEdit and WorldGuard: Your Best Friends
Two plugins have become almost legendary tools for server admins: WorldEdit and WorldGuard. WorldEdit gives you wizard-like powers: copy-paste landscapes, replace entire forests, or fix griefed builds at a stroke. WorldGuard lets you protect important areas from destruction and fine-tune player interactions—think anti-griefing zones, region flags, and beyond.
Learning the basics of both will save you endless hours of manual work and empower you to manage your world efficiently.
Anti-Griefing Plugins
Griefers—players who join just to destroy or steal—are a fact of server life. Beyond WorldGuard, plugins like CoreProtect let you roll back damage, log block changes, and catch bad actors in the act. Consider also region-claim plugins (like GriefPrevention) so players can protect their own bases automatically.
Anticheats and Auditing
Players will always push boundaries, so anticheat plugins (such as NoCheatPlus or AAC) are essential for any public server. They help spot and block exploits—fly hacks, speed mods, x-ray, and more. Strong auditing systems, like those provided by CoreProtect, help trace exactly what’s happened (and when), making it much easier to keep your server fair and fun.
CPU, Threads, and Memory Matter
Minecraft, especially on Java, is resource-hungry—running a smooth server takes more than just a high-speed internet connection. Pay close attention to your server’s CPU (single-thread performance is crucial, since most of Minecraft’s processing happens on just one or two threads), as well as memory (RAM). Allocating enough memory prevents slowdown, but don’t go overboard—too much can actually hurt garbage collection and server performance.
How to Configure the Server
Every server admin should get comfortable editing config files. Whether it’s tweaking server.properties, managing plugin configs, or adjusting Java launch flags, a careful eye here makes all the difference. Back up your files often, test changes first, and don’t be afraid to reach out to plugin wikis or communities for best practices.
The Reality of Costs
Hosting a Minecraft server isn’t always free. While you can run a small, private world from home, public or larger servers typically need paid hosting. Look out for costs beyond the server rental itself: backups, DDoS protection, and premium plugins can add up. Keep a close eye on your budget, and consider ways to offset costs—small servers often use community donations or perks for supporters.
Promoting Your Server
Getting players is its own challenge. Posting on server lists, Reddit, or Discord can help, but the most sustainable growth comes from engaged players who invite others. Craft a unique vision: minigames, survival with a twist, or creative builds, and showcase what makes your server special. Stale, generic servers fade quickly in today’s crowded landscape.
Reward and Sense of Accomplishment
Despite the technical tangles, admin drama, and the occasional griefing attack, running a Minecraft server can be deeply rewarding. There’s nothing quite like seeing a bustling spawn, watching players build friendships, or knowing that your server helped others have fun and be creative. The sense of accomplishment as you master plugins, server performance, and community management is real—and it only grows with time.
Becoming a Minecraft server admin is more than a technical pursuit—it’s a creative, social, and leadership challenge rolled into one. Dive in, learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to lean on the vibrant admin community for help. The road is bumpy, but the rewards last far longer than just the next Minecraft update.
Main developer of RedstoneLink. Programming and playing Minecraft since 11 years old (23 years old as of writing) and working since 2020 as a web developer.
I love making computers go beep boop
🦀🐍
Latest posts
RedstoneLink
A Minecraft server list dedicated to helping players find the best servers.
Information
We are not affiliated with Mojang AB or Microsoft in any way.