The Tech Pulse

The Tech Pulse

EASY Budget Minecraft Servers With Crafty

One Sentence Summary:

This tutorial demonstrates how to easily host, manage, and share a Minecraft server using free hardware, Linux, and user-friendly tools.

Main Points:

  1. Hosting a Minecraft server is accessible without networking or Linux experience.
  2. Use affordable hardware like older PCs or mini systems, avoiding Raspberry Pi for better performance.
  3. Install Debian 12 Linux with a GUI via Balena Etcher for a user-friendly setup.
  4. Set up Casa OS on Debian for managing servers, plugins, backups, and remote access.
  5. Use Crafty Controller to create, manage, and customize multiple Minecraft servers effortlessly.
  6. Configure backups and scheduled saves to prevent data loss and facilitate easy restoration.
  7. Import custom worlds, like Sky Block, by uploading ZIP files and adjusting server properties.
  8. Install plugins such as Essentials and use Play It GG for secure, portless multiplayer hosting.
  9. Share your server with friends via Play It GG’s tunneled connection, avoiding risky port forwarding.
  10. Explore additional self-hosted applications on Casa OS for smart home automation, media streaming, and more.

Takeaways:

  • Use a dedicated, affordable computer for reliable Minecraft hosting instead of Raspberry Pi.
  • Set static IPs or DHCP reservations to easily locate your server on your network.
  • Regularly back up server data and automate backups for peace of mind.
  • Use Play It GG to securely share your server with friends without exposing your IP.
  • Expand your server’s capabilities by exploring Casa OS’s app store for various self-hosted services.

Step By Step

What You’ll Need

  1. A computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux) to set up the server (not the one you’ll use for gaming).
  2. A keyboard and monitor (temporary, only for setup).
  3. A USB flash drive (1GB or larger).
  4. An Ethernet cable (Wi-Fi is not recommended).
  5. A cheap computer to run the server (recommended: Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen, 4GB+ RAM, 128GB+ SSD).

Step 1: Install Debian 12 (Linux OS)

  1. Download Balena Etcher (https://www.balena.io/etcher/) and install it.
  2. Download Debian 12 (https://www.debian.org/download) (choose amd64 version).
  3. Flash Debian to your USB drive using Etcher:
    • Open Etcher → Flash from URL → Paste Debian download link → Select USB → Flash.
  4. Plug the USB into your server computer and boot into BIOS (usually by pressing F2, F10, F12, or Delete).
  5. In BIOS:
    • Enable USB boot (under Boot Options).
    • Disable Secure Boot.
    • Set USB as the first boot device.
  6. Save changes and reboot.

Step 2: Set Up Debian

  1. Select Graphical Install.
  2. Choose language, country, and keyboard layout.
  3. For hostname, enter mc-server.
  4. Skip root password (use your main user as admin).
  5. Create a Linux user (remember username & password!).
  6. Partition disk:
    • Select Guided – Use entire disk.
    • Choose All files in one partition.
  7. Under Software Selection, enable only:
    • SSH server
    • Standard system utilities
  8. Complete installation → Remove USB → Reboot.

Step 3: Install Casa OS

  1. Log in with your Linux user.
  2. Run these commands: 
    sudo apt update
sudo apt install curl -y
curl -fsSL https://get.casaos.io | sudo bash
  3. Wait for Casa OS to install.

Step 4: Access Casa OS

  1. Note the server’s local IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
  2. On another computer, open a browser and go to http://[server-IP].
  3. Create a Casa OS username & password.

Step 5: Install Crafty Controller

  1. In Casa OS, go to App Store → Install Crafty Controller.
  2. If Crafty fails to start (due to a bug), fix it:
    • Go to Settings → Volumes.
    • Change all paths from /data/appdata/crafty to /home/[user]/crafty.
    • Example: /home/haven/crafty/backups.
  3. Save and restart Crafty.

Step 6: Set Up a Minecraft Server

  1. Open Crafty (login: admin, password: crafty).
  2. Change the default password in Settings.
  3. Create a new server:
    • Click Servers → Create New Server.
    • Choose Paper (lightweight) or Vanilla.
    • Set server name, RAM (e.g., 4GB), and port (default: 25565).
    • Click Build.
  4. Start the server → Accept Minecraft EULA.

Step 7: Connect to Your Server

  1. In Minecraft, go to Multiplayer → Add Server.
  2. Enter your server’s local IP (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
  3. If using a non-default port, add :[port] (e.g., 192.168.1.100:25565).

Step 8: Add Plugins & Backups

  1. Plugins:
    • Download plugins (e.g., EssentialsX).
    • In Crafty, go to Files → plugins → Upload the .jar file.
    • Restart the server.
  2. Backups:
    • In Crafty, go to Backup → Enable shutdown during backup.
    • Set a schedule (e.g., daily at 3 AM).

Step 9: Share Your Server Online (No Port Forwarding)

  1. Install Playit.gg plugin:
  2. In Minecraft chat, copy the claim link and open it in a browser.
  3. Log in to Playit.gg → Your server gets a public URL (e.g., ready-cherry.joinmc.link).
  4. Share this link with friends—they can join without port forwarding!

Optional: Import Custom Worlds

  1. Download a world (e.g., SkyBlock).
  2. In Crafty, upload the .zip to the server’s Files → Unzip → Rename folder to world.
  3. Restart the server.

Done!

Now you have a budget-friendly Minecraft server with plugins, backups, and online access. Enjoy! 🎮

For troubleshooting, check the Casa OS logs or Crafty terminal. Happy hosting!

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