Run a Spigot Minecraft Server - Customized Multiplayer Guide

Setting Up a Customized Minecraft Server with Spigot

While Minecraft offers built-in LAN support for quick game sessions, a dedicated server like Spigot provides a more tailored and robust experience.

Spigot leverages a plugin API known as Bukkit, simplifying the process of customizing your gameplay.

The Benefits of the Bukkit API

The Bukkit project has been a cornerstone of Minecraft multiplayer since its early days.

Consequently, a vast library of plugins and modifications created by developers are readily available.

This extensive collection allows for easy personalization of the server environment.

Why Choose Spigot?

• Customization: The Bukkit API enables extensive server modification.
• Extensive Plugin Support: A large community has developed numerous plugins.
• Dedicated Server: Provides a stable and reliable gaming experience.

For those seeking a dedicated and highly customizable Minecraft server, Spigot represents a powerful and versatile solution.

Understanding Spigot

Spigot represents a refined iteration of the Bukkit API. It’s fundamentally a modified version, stemming from Bukkit, which itself originated as a modification of the official Minecraft server software provided by Mojang.

The genesis of Bukkit can be traced back to a desire among developers and modders for a more adaptable and feature-rich server environment. Dissatisfaction with the limitations of the original, closed-source server fueled this need.

The Rise of CraftBukkit

The practical application of the Bukkit API was known as CraftBukkit. As the Minecraft community expanded, CraftBukkit became the preferred server solution for both medium-scale and large-scale operations.

However, legal complications led to the discontinuation of the CraftBukkit project, and it wasn't updated to support Minecraft version 1.8, the most current release at the time.

Spigot's Emergence

This is where Spigot entered the scene. Its core design objective was to enhance the speed and efficiency of CraftBukkit.

Importantly, Spigot maintains compatibility with the Bukkit API. Consequently, any plugin designed to function with Bukkit will also operate seamlessly with Spigot.

Following the removal of Bukkit downloads, the Spigot project assumed the responsibility of updating the software. It has since become the dominant choice for servers utilizing modifications, and remains the sole option for modded servers running Minecraft version 1.8.

• Key Feature: Plugin compatibility with Bukkit.
• Benefit: Improved performance and efficiency compared to CraftBukkit.
• Current Status: The leading server solution for modded Minecraft environments.

Installing Spigot on Windows

A direct download for Spigot is not available; it requires compilation from its source code. This process is streamlined through a tool known as BuildTools, developed by the Spigot Team. The newest iteration of BuildTools can be obtained from here. Additionally, Git for Windows is a prerequisite for successful compilation.

Ensure you have the most recent version of Java installed on your system before proceeding.

Setting Up the Server Files

Establish a dedicated folder to contain all server-related files. Place the BuildTools JAR file within this newly created directory.

Initiate the Git for Windows installation process and allow it to complete fully, observing the progress bar until it reaches its conclusion.

Compiling Spigot

Upon completion of the Git installation, locate and launch the application from your start menu. This will open Git Bash, presenting a terminal window. Users familiar with Unix-based terminals will find the interface recognizable. For those less experienced, the procedure remains straightforward.

Navigate to the folder containing the BuildTools JAR file using the cd command, then execute the JAR file with the following command:

cd ~/path/to/folder/

java -jar BuildTools.jar

The BuildTools program will then automatically download the necessary source code and compile the server JAR files. Be aware that this compilation phase can be time-consuming. Once finished, the command prompt will reappear, and a collection of files will be present in the folder where the BuildTools JAR was initially placed.

Creating the Startup Script

Create a new text document and name it start.bat. Right-click the file and select "Edit". This will open it in Notepad.

Paste the following script into the start.bat file:

@echo off

java -Xms512M -Xmx1024M -XX:MaxPermSize=128M -jar spigot.jar

pause

The amount of RAM allocated to the server can be adjusted based on the number of anticipated players. For smaller servers or personal use, 1GB of RAM is generally sufficient. However, the -Xmx argument can be increased for larger player bases.

Save the script and execute it. An initial error and program exit are expected. This is a normal occurrence.

Finalizing Server Setup and Testing

The first execution of spigot.jar will generate a file named EULA.txt. Open this file and change the value from false to true to accept the End User License Agreement. Then, run start.bat again.

To verify the server is functioning correctly, launch Minecraft and attempt to connect to localhost.

Upon successful connection, you should see the Minecraft world. Breaking a block near the spawn point may initially result in an error. This is due to Spigot’s default spawn protection, which restricts actions for non-operators.

Managing Operators

You can grant yourself operator privileges directly from the server terminal using the following command:

op playername

Conversely, to revoke operator status, use:

deop playername

Operator permissions are essential for utilizing many in-game commands, such as item granting or switching to creative mode. Furthermore, plugins can be implemented to provide users with permissions to execute specific commands.

OS X and Linux Setup

The process of installing Spigot on both OS X and Linux systems is notably streamlined. Ensure that the most recent version of Java is present on your system before proceeding.

For Linux users, if git is not already installed, utilize your distribution’s package manager to acquire it.

• To install on Debian/Ubuntu-based systems, execute: sudo apt-get install git.
• On Red Hat/CentOS/Fedora, use the command: sudo yum install git.

Obtain the BuildTools jar file, identical to the one used for the Windows installation, and place it within a dedicated folder.

On macOS, launch the Terminal application. Navigate to the folder containing the BuildTools jar.

Execute the following command to initiate the build process:

java -jar BuildTools.jar

A prompt may appear requesting the installation of command line developer tools. Select 'Install' and allow the process to complete. These tools are essential for BuildTools to function correctly.

Linux users might need to run this command prior to executing the jar file:

git config --global --unset core.autocrlf

Following this, the installation should proceed without issue. You can then launch spigot.jar from the command line using java -jar, or by employing a startup script.

#!/bin/sh

java -Xms512M -Xmx1024M -XX:MaxPermSize=128M -jar spigot.jar

This script allocates memory for optimal server performance.

Port Forwarding

This topic is closely linked to instructions on how to port forward on your router.

To enable gameplay with friends who are not on the same local network, it is necessary to configure port forwarding on your router. Minecraft utilizes port 25565 by default, however, this setting is customizable within the server.properties configuration file.

When sharing access to your Minecraft server, you should provide your friends with your public IP address, followed by a colon and the designated port number.

Your public IP address can be easily determined through various online services. An example of the connection address you would share is:

123.45.67.89:25565

Successful port forwarding ensures external connections to your Minecraft server.

Understanding the Process

Port forwarding essentially creates a pathway through your router, directing incoming traffic on a specific port to the computer running the Minecraft server.

Without this configuration, your router will block external attempts to connect to your server, limiting access to only those on your immediate network.

Locating Your Public IP Address

Several websites offer a quick and easy way to discover your public IP address.

Simply visit one of these sites, and the address will be displayed prominently. This is the address you will share with your friends.

• A common method involves searching "what is my IP" on any search engine.
• Dedicated IP lookup websites are also readily available.

Remember to verify the accuracy of the IP address before sharing it.

Plugin Installation

Plugins can be sourced from either Bukkit or SpigotMC. While a significant number of plugins are initially designed for version 1.7, the majority demonstrate compatibility with version 1.8.

The installation process is straightforward: simply download the desired plugin's JAR file and place it within the server's plugins directory.

Following the placement of the JAR file, a server reload or restart is required to activate the newly installed plugin.

Essential Plugins for Initial Setup

Consider installing the following plugins during your server's initial configuration:

• LANBroadcaster facilitates server access on your local network, enabling friends to connect without requiring an IP address.
• Multiverse grants the ability to create an unlimited number of Minecraft worlds, and Multiverse Portals simplifies the process of interconnecting these worlds.
• WorldEdit offers extensive capabilities for terrain manipulation and construction.
• WorldGuard provides robust protection for your creations against both player actions and environmental factors.

Each plugin features its own unique command syntax. This syntax can be discovered by executing the command "/help" within the Minecraft game itself.