Setting up a Minecraft server on AWS EC2 isn’t rocket science, but it’s definitely more involved than clicking “Start Server” on a hosting platform. You’ll need to configure security groups, manage instance types, handle port forwarding, and keep an eye on those AWS bills that can spiral fast if you’re not careful.
Quick Answer: What You Need to Know About Minecraft Server on AWS EC2
Running a Minecraft server on AWS EC2 requires launching a virtual machine instance (typically t2.medium or better), installing Java, configuring security groups to allow port 25565, and managing the server software. While AWS offers flexibility and scalability, you’ll handle all server maintenance, backups, and optimization yourself. Expect monthly costs between $15-50 depending on instance size and data transfer.
Why Choose AWS EC2 for Your Minecraft Server
AWS EC2 gives you complete control over your server environment. You pick the exact CPU, RAM, and storage configuration you need. Want to upgrade from 4GB to 8GB RAM during a weekend gaming marathon? You can do that in minutes.
The real advantage is geographic flexibility. AWS has data centers worldwide, so you can host your server in the region closest to your players. A server in Sydney for Australian players will always outperform one hosted in Virginia.
But here’s the catch: you’re the system administrator. Every update, every backup, every security patch falls on you. If your server crashes at 2 AM, you’re the one troubleshooting it.
Choosing the Right EC2 Instance Type
Instance selection makes or breaks your Minecraft server performance. Here’s what actually works in practice:
Instance Recommendations by Player Count
| Players | Instance Type | RAM | Approximate Cost/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-5 | t2.small | 2GB | $17 |
| 5-10 | t2.medium | 4GB | $34 |
| 10-20 | t2.large | 8GB | $68 |
| 20+ | m5.large or better | 8GB+ | $70+ |
The t2 family uses burstable performance, which sounds great until you realize your CPU credits drain during peak hours. For servers running 24/7 with consistent player activity, m5 instances provide better sustained performance.
Storage Configuration
Use EBS SSD storage (gp3) for your Minecraft world files. Chunk loading hammers disk I/O, and traditional magnetic storage creates noticeable lag. Allocate at least 10GB for the base server, plus 5-10GB per active world.
Step-by-Step EC2 Instance Setup
Launch Your Instance
Log into the AWS Management Console and navigate to EC2. Click “Launch Instance” and select Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS as your operating system. While Amazon Linux works fine, Ubuntu has better community support for Minecraft-specific troubleshooting.
Select your instance type based on the table above. For testing, t2.medium works well and keeps costs reasonable.
Configure Security Groups
Security groups act as your firewall. You need two specific rules:
- SSH (Port 22): Allows you to connect and manage the server. Restrict this to your IP address only.
- Custom TCP (Port 25565): The default Minecraft server port. Set source to 0.0.0.0/0 to allow players worldwide to connect.
Create a new key pair when prompted and download it immediately. You’ll need this .pem file to access your server via SSH. Lose it, and you’re locked out permanently.
Allocate an Elastic IP
By default, EC2 assigns a new IP address every time you restart your instance. That’s a nightmare for Minecraft servers since players need a consistent address.
Navigate to “Elastic IPs” in the EC2 dashboard, allocate a new address, and associate it with your instance. This IP stays with your server even after restarts. Just remember: AWS charges for unattached Elastic IPs, so release it if you shut down the server permanently.
Installing and Configuring the Minecraft Server
Connect Via SSH
Open your terminal (or PuTTY on Windows) and connect to your instance:
ssh -i your-key.pem ubuntu@your-elastic-ip
Install Java and Required Packages
Minecraft Java Edition requires, well, Java. Install OpenJDK 17 for the best compatibility with recent Minecraft versions:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install openjdk-17-jre-headless screen wget -y
The screen package lets your server run in the background even after you disconnect from SSH.
Download Minecraft Server Software
Create a dedicated directory and download the official server jar from Mojang:
mkdir minecraft-server
cd minecraft-server
wget https://launcher.mojang.com/v1/objects/[version-hash]/server.jar
Check the official Minecraft website for the current version hash. First-time setup requires accepting the EULA by editing eula.txt and changing “false” to “true”.
Optimize Server Performance
Launch the server with proper JVM flags for better garbage collection:
java -Xmx3G -Xms3G -XX:+UseG1GC -jar server.jar nogui
Adjust the -Xmx and -Xms values based on your instance RAM. Leave 1GB for the operating system, so a 4GB instance should use -Xmx3G.
Common Problems and Real Solutions
Connection Timeouts
If players can’t connect, 99% of the time it’s security group misconfiguration. Double-check that port 25565 is open with source 0.0.0.0/0. Also verify your server.properties file has the correct server-ip setting (usually leave it blank).
Lag Despite Good Hardware
AWS places instances in shared network environments. If you’re experiencing random lag spikes, your instance might be suffering from “noisy neighbor” syndrome where other VMs on the same physical hardware consume resources.
Switch to a different instance type or request a different availability zone. The m5 family generally provides more consistent performance than t2.
Unexpected AWS Bills
Data transfer costs catch people off guard. AWS charges for outbound data transfer after the first 100GB per month. A busy Minecraft server with 20 active players can easily push 200-300GB monthly, adding $15-25 to your bill.
Set up billing alerts in the AWS console to notify you when charges exceed expected amounts.
Backup Strategy That Actually Works
Take regular snapshots of your EBS volume through the AWS console. Schedule these during off-peak hours since snapshots can cause brief performance dips. Keep at least 3 rolling backups: daily, weekly, and monthly.
For world files specifically, use a cron job to copy the world folder to S3 storage every few hours. This protects against both instance failure and accidental in-game destruction.
Is AWS EC2 Worth It?
Here’s the honest truth: AWS EC2 makes sense if you need absolute control, enjoy system administration, or have specific compliance requirements. For most casual Minecraft servers, the complexity and hidden costs outweigh the benefits.
Want to skip the technical headaches? GameTeam.io offers managed Minecraft hosting starting at $1/GB with 20% off for new users. You get automated backups, one-click modpack installation, and 24/7 support without managing EC2 instances, security groups, or surprise AWS bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a modded Minecraft server on EC2?
Absolutely. Install Forge or Fabric the same way you would on any Linux server. Just increase your instance RAM allocation—modpacks like All The Mods or FTB require at least 6-8GB to run smoothly.
How do I stop my server without losing data?
Use the “stop” command in the server console, wait for it to save all chunks, then stop the EC2 instance through the AWS console. Never force-stop an instance while the server is running—you risk world corruption.
What’s the cheapest way to run a Minecraft server on AWS?
Use a t2.small instance with reserved pricing if you’re committed for 1-3 years. This drops the monthly cost to around $12. However, performance will be limited to 3-5 players maximum. Spot instances are even cheaper but can be terminated with 2 minutes notice—not ideal for game servers.
Can multiple people manage the same EC2 Minecraft server?
Yes, through AWS IAM roles or by sharing the SSH key file (less secure). For proper multi-admin setups, create separate IAM users with EC2 access permissions and generate individual key pairs.
How do I add plugins like EssentialsX or WorldEdit?
Switch from vanilla server software to Paper or Spigot. Download the Paper jar instead of the official server.jar, then drop plugin files into the /plugins directory. Restart the server, and plugins load automatically.
Running a Minecraft server on AWS EC2 teaches you valuable cloud computing skills, but it’s definitely the hard way to host a game server. Weigh the learning experience against your actual goal—if you just want to play Minecraft with friends, managed hosting eliminates 90% of the hassle.
