Minecraft Bedrock Servers on a Budget: Raspberry Pi Hosting Made Easy

31st August, 2022

Minecraft Bedrock Edition offers a captivating multiplayer experience, allowing players to connect and collaborate in a shared virtual world. While there are various hosting options available, setting up your own Minecraft Bedrock server on a budget is not only cost-effective but also provides you with full control over your gaming environment. One affordable and versatile solution is hosting your Minecraft Bedrock server on a Raspberry Pi. In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up a Minecraft Bedrock server on a budget using a Raspberry Pi.

Why Choose Raspberry Pi for Minecraft Bedrock Server Hosting?

1. Affordability:

   Raspberry Pi is a budget-friendly option for hosting a Minecraft Bedrock server. The cost of a Raspberry Pi board, power supply, and a microSD card is significantly lower than renting a dedicated server or using a hosting service.

2. Energy Efficiency:

   Raspberry Pi devices consume minimal power compared to traditional server hardware. This energy efficiency not only reduces your carbon footprint but also saves you money on electricity bills, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

3. Flexibility and Customization:

   Hosting your Minecraft Bedrock server on a Raspberry Pi gives you the flexibility to customize the server to your liking. You can install mods, plugins, and resource packs, allowing you to create a unique gameplay experience tailored to your preferences.

Setting Up Your Minecraft Bedrock Server on a Raspberry Pi:

1. Select the Raspberry Pi Model:

   Choose a Raspberry Pi model that suits your needs and budget. The Raspberry Pi 4 is recommended for better performance, but the Raspberry Pi 3 can also handle a Minecraft Bedrock server effectively. Additionally, ensure you have a power supply, a microSD card (with sufficient storage capacity), and an Ethernet cable for network connectivity.

2. Set Up the Raspberry Pi:

   Install the Raspberry Pi operating system (Raspberry Pi OS) onto the microSD card. Follow the official Raspberry Pi documentation or online tutorials for detailed instructions on how to install the operating system.

3. Update the Raspberry Pi:

   After setting up Raspberry Pi OS, connect your Raspberry Pi to the internet and update the system by opening a terminal and running the following commands:

This will ensure your Raspberry Pi is running the latest software updates.

1. Install Minecraft Bedrock Server:

   Download the Minecraft Bedrock server software from the official Minecraft website. Transfer the server files to your Raspberry Pi using methods like Secure Copy (SCP) or a USB drive. Extract the server files to a dedicated folder.

2. Adjust Server Settings:

   Open the server.properties file in a text editor and modify the server settings to your liking. You can adjust various parameters such as server name, player limit, game mode, and more. Save the changes to the file.

3. Port Forwarding:

   To allow players to connect to your Minecraft Bedrock server, you'll need to set up port forwarding on your router. Access your router's settings and forward port 19132 (the default Minecraft Bedrock server port) to the internal IP address of your Raspberry Pi.

4. Start the Server:

   In a terminal window, navigate to the Minecraft Bedrock server folder and run the following command to start the server:

The server will initialize and display logs indicating its status and any errors.

Connect to Your Server:

Maintaining and Optimizing Your Minecraft Bedrock Server:

1. Regular Updates:

   Keep your Raspberry Pi's software up to date by running regular system updates. This ensures you have the latest security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements.

2. Monitoring Performance:

   Monitor your Raspberry Pi's performance to ensure the server is running smoothly. Tools like "htop" can provide real-time insights into system resources like CPU usage, memory consumption, and temperature.

3. Optimizing Server Settings:

   Experiment with server settings to optimize performance based on your Raspberry Pi's capabilities. Adjust parameters like view distance, tick rate, and entity limits to achieve the desired balance between gameplay experience and system resources.

4. Backups:

   Regularly back up your server data to prevent data loss. Create backups of the Minecraft world and configuration files, storing them in a separate location or using backup software.

By following these steps, you can set up and maintain a Minecraft Bedrock server on a Raspberry Pi without breaking the bank. The Raspberry Pi's affordability and versatility make it an excellent option for budget-conscious Minecraft enthusiasts who want to host their own server and enjoy a customized multiplayer experience. Embrace the freedom, flexibility, and control that come with hosting your Minecraft Bedrock server on a Raspberry Pi, and embark on exciting adventures with friends.