# Preamble *This guide assumes some basic knowledge of Linux and package managers.* At minimum, a minecraft server requires Java, the [minecraft server jar](https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download/server) or an alternative server (spigot, lithium), and the ability to port forward and add # Installing Java This enables minecraft to run in the background, restart if it crashes, etc etc. In `/etc/systemd/system`, place this file and tailor it to your liking. ``` [Unit] Description=Minecraft Servre # I don't know what these mean I'm getting them from here: # https://gist.github.com/dotStart/ea0455714a0942474635 Wants=network-online.target After=network-online.target [Service] # If wanted, you can set a particular group or user to run the service under # User=foo # Group=bar # This command is run when the service is started |ExecStart=/usr/bin/java -Xmx8G -Xms3g -jar /path/to/server.jar --nojline --noconsole ```