Install Minecraft Server on Debian 10 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Running your own Minecraft server lets you enjoy multiplayer gameplay with friends. This tutorial guides you through the setup of a Minecraft server on a Debian 10 (Buster) VPS.

Step 1: System Setup

Begin with a fresh installation of Debian 10 on your VPS.

Ensure the system is updated according to standard update procedures.

Create a new sudo-enabled user named mcuser by following your security guidelines. Switch to this user for the remainder of the configuration.

Next, install Java. Minecraft requires at least Java 16 for optimal performance.

$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install apt-transport-https software-properties-common gnupg wget
$ wget -qO - https://adoptopenjdk.jfrog.io/adoptopenjdk/api/gpg/key/public | sudo apt-key add -
$ sudo add-apt-repository https://adoptopenjdk.jfrog.io/adoptopenjdk/deb/
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install adoptopenjdk-16-hotspot

Step 2: Install GNU Screen

Use GNU Screen to keep the Minecraft server running after disconnection.

$ sudo apt install screen -y

Step 3: Download and Configure Minecraft

Switch to the home directory of the mcuser.

$ cd ~

Create a new folder named minecraft and move into it.

$ mkdir minecraft
$ cd minecraft

Download the latest version of the Minecraft server file. Replace the URL with the most recent one from the official Minecraft website.

$ wget https://launcher.mojang.com/[NEWEST_VERSION]/server.jar

Create a script to launch the server.

$ nano start.sh

Paste the following content into the file. Adjust the memory values to match your server’s RAM.

#!/bin/sh

java -Xms512M -Xmx1024M -jar server.jar nogui

Make the startup script executable.

$ chmod +x start.sh

Accept the Minecraft EULA (End User License Agreement).

$ echo "eula=true" > eula.txt

Step 4: Launch Your Minecraft Server

Start a new Screen session.

$ screen -S "My Minecraft Server"

Move to the Minecraft directory and run the script to launch the server.

$ cd ~/minecraft
$ ./start.sh

To detach from the Screen session, press Ctrl + A followed by D. Reconnect with:

$ screen -r

Conclusion

You’ve now successfully completed the installation and configuration of a Minecraft server on Debian 10. With the server up and running, you can invite friends, customize gameplay settings, install mods, and explore the world of Minecraft together.

This setup gives you full control over your Minecraft environment, including server rules, whitelists, performance tuning, and backups. Whether you’re hosting a creative build space or a survival world, having your own server provides the flexibility to shape your gameplay experience just the way you want it.

Be sure to monitor server performance and apply updates regularly to keep everything secure and smooth. With the tools you’ve now implemented—screen, Java, and a custom start script—you’re ready to manage your Minecraft world like a pro.