Ordering Your Minecraft Java Edition Server

Modded Servers (Client Mods Required)

Players must install mods on their client. Best for tech mods, magic mods, and complete gameplay overhauls.

Forge

• Best For: Largest mod library, popular modpacks
• Mod Count: 240,000+ mods available on CurseForge
• Popular Mods: Create, Applied Energistics, Tinkers' Construct
• Versions: 1.7.10 to 1.20.4 (legacy and modern)
• Note: Resource intensive with many mods

Fabric

• Best For: Performance-focused modded servers
• Speed: Faster than Forge, lighter weight
• Popular Mods: Sodium, Lithium, Iris Shaders, Simple Voice Chat
• Versions: 1.14+ (modern Minecraft only)
• Note: Growing mod library, excellent performance

NeoForge

• Best For: Modern Forge alternative (1.20.5+)
• History: Community-driven Forge fork
• Compatibility: Most Forge mods work on NeoForge
• Future: Recommended for new modded servers on 1.20.5+

Quilt

• Best For: Fabric alternative with extra features
• Compatibility: Runs most Fabric mods
• Features: Enhanced modding API, better tooling
• Community: Smaller but growing

Vanilla Server

• Best For: Pure Minecraft experience, no modifications
• Features: Official Mojang server software
• Limitations: No plugins, no mods, basic functionality
• Use Case: Small private servers, testing, pure survival

Step 2: Selecting Your Server Configuration

RAM & Player Capacity

Choose based on expected player count and server type. Modded servers require 2-3x more RAM than plugin servers.

Recommended Configurations:

Plugin Servers (Paper/Purpur/Spigot):

• 4GB RAM: 10-30 players, small survival server
• 6GB RAM: 30-60 players, survival with plugins
• 8GB RAM: 60-100 players, multiple worlds, many plugins
• 12GB RAM: 100-150+ players, large networks

Modded Servers (Forge/Fabric/NeoForge/Quilt):

• 4GB RAM: 5-10 players, light modpacks (20-40 mods)
• 6GB RAM: 10-20 players, medium modpacks (50-100 mods)
• 8GB RAM: 20-40 players, large modpacks (100-150 mods)
• 12GB RAM: 40-60 players, huge modpacks (150+ mods)
• 16GB RAM: 60+ players, massive modpacks like All The Mods

CPU Threads

Minecraft is CPU-intensive. More threads = better performance, especially with plugins/mods.

• 2 Threads: Basic vanilla or small plugin server
• 3-4 Threads: Recommended for most plugin servers
• 6 Threads: Large plugin servers or medium modpacks
• 8+ Threads: Heavy modded servers, large player counts

NVMe Storage

More storage = more worlds, backups, and mods/plugins.

• 20-30GB: Basic vanilla or small plugin server
• 50-75GB: Standard for most servers (recommended)
• 100-150GB: Large modpacks, multiple worlds, many backups
• 200GB+: Massive modpacks, extensive world generation

Location Selection

Choose the data center closest to your players for best latency.

• 🇬🇧 Maidenhead, England: 5ms ping, southern UK, near London
• 🇬🇧 Gosport, England: 8ms ping, south coast UK
• 🇬🇧 London, England: Coming soon

Step 3: Payment & Deployment

Accepted Payment Methods

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, Amex - Instant
• PayPal: Personal/business accounts - Instant
• Bank Transfer (UK): Faster Payments - Same day
• Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin - 10-30 min

Billing Cycle Discounts

• Monthly: Full price, cancel anytime
• Quarterly: Save 10% (3 months prepaid)
• Semi-Annually: Save 15% (6 months prepaid) ⭐ Most Popular
• Annually: Save 20% (12 months prepaid)

Automatic Deployment Process

After payment confirmation, our automation system deploys your server in under 60 seconds:

1. Resource Allocation (5-10s): CPU, RAM, storage provisioned
2. OS Installation (10-15s): Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS deployed
3. Minecraft Server Setup (20-30s): Selected server type installed
4. Network Configuration (5-10s): IP assigned, DDoS protection enabled
5. Access Setup (5-10s): Control panel access, FTP, credentials generated
6. Verification (5s): Server tested and verified

✅ Server Ready! You'll receive an email with login credentials.

Step 4: Accessing Your Server

Login to Control Panel

Navigate to panel.ocnetworks.co.uk and login with your registered email and password.

Server Credentials

Your control panel displays all connection details:

Server IP: 178.129.218.59
Port: 25565
Java Version: 17 (auto-selected)
Server Type: paper (default, changeable)
Minecraft Version: latest (changeable)

Quick Connect

In Minecraft, add server:

178.129.218.59:25565

Step 5: Initial Configuration (Optional)

Your server is ready to play immediately with default settings. However, you can customize:

Server Properties (server.properties)

Click "Files" → "Edit File" → server.properties

Common Settings:

motd=Welcome to My Server!
difficulty=normal
gamemode=survival
pvp=true
max-players=20
view-distance=10
simulation-distance=10
spawn-protection=16

Server Name & MOTD

The Message of the Day shows in Minecraft's server list:

motd=\u00A7b\u00A7lOCNetworks \u00A77| \u00A7eSurvival Server
# \u00A7 = color codes
# b = aqua, l = bold, 7 = gray, e = yellow

Step 6: Switching Server Types (The Flexibility)

Here's where OCNetworks shines. You can change your server type anytime!

Example Use Case: Vanilla → Forge

Scenario: You started with vanilla Minecraft, now want to try the Create mod.

1. Backup Your World
   • Go to Files tab
   • Download "world" folder via SFTP or create backup
   • Store safely on your PC
2. Change Configuration
   • Startup tab → Change "Server Type" to "forge"
   • Change "Minecraft Version" to match Create mod (e.g., 1.20.1)
   • Enable "Install Modpack" → true (optional)
   • Set "Modpack Source" → modrinth
   • Set "Modpack ID" → "create-mod-pack" (example)
3. Reinstall
   • Click "Reinstall Server"
   • Confirm warning
   • Wait 2-5 minutes
4. Result
   • Forge server installed
   • Create modpack downloaded and installed
   • Server ready to join (players need mods installed)

Step 7: Installing Modpacks (One-Click)

OCNetworks supports automatic modpack installation from Modrinth. This is the easiest way to set up a modded server.

Supported Modpack Sources

• Modrinth (Recommended): One-click installation, 4,000+ modpacks
• CurseForge: Manual download and upload required
• Custom URL: Direct download link to modpack ZIP

Installing a Modrinth Modpack

Example: Installing "Better Minecraft" Modpack

1. Find Modpack on Modrinth
   • Visit modrinth.com/modpacks
   • Search for "Better Minecraft"
   • Copy the project slug (e.g., "better-minecraft")
   • Note required Minecraft version and loader (Forge/Fabric)
2. Configure Your Server
   • Startup tab in control panel
   • Server Type: Set to "forge" (or fabric if Fabric modpack)
   • Minecraft Version: Match modpack version (e.g., 1.20.1)
   • Install Modpack: Set to "true"
   • Modpack Source: Set to "modrinth"
   • Modpack ID: Enter "better-minecraft"
3. Reinstall Server
   • Click "Reinstall Server"
   • Automation downloads modpack and extracts all mods
   • Server ready in 2-5 minutes

Popular Modpacks to Try

Forge Modpacks:

• All The Mods 9: 400+ mods, kitchen-sink modpack
• Create: Above and Beyond: Tech-focused, Create mod
• Better Minecraft: Vanilla+, quality of life improvements
• RLCraft: Hardcore survival difficulty

Fabric Modpacks:

• Fabulously Optimized: Performance mods, vanilla-style
• Better Adventures: Exploration and adventure focus
• Fabric Seasons: Seasonal world changes
• Simple Voice Chat Pack: Proximity voice + enhancements

Step 8: Adding Individual Plugins/Mods

Don't want a full modpack? You can add individual plugins or mods manually.

Adding Plugins (Paper/Purpur/Spigot)

1. Download Plugin
   • Visit hangar.papermc.io or spigotmc.org/resources
   • Download .jar file (e.g., EssentialsX-2.20.1.jar)
2. Upload via Control Panel
   • Files tab → Navigate to "plugins" folder
   • Click "Upload" → Select .jar file
   • Wait for upload to complete
3. Restart Server
   • Console tab → Type "stop" or click "Restart"
   • Plugin loads on startup
   • Check console for "Enabling PluginName"

Adding Mods (Forge/Fabric/NeoForge/Quilt)

1. Download Mod
   • Visit modrinth.com/mods or curseforge.com/minecraft/mc-mods
   • Download .jar file for your Minecraft version and loader
   • Important: Check dependencies (e.g., Fabric API, GeckoLib)
2. Upload via Control Panel
   • Files tab → Navigate to "mods" folder
   • Upload .jar file + any dependency jars
3. Restart Server
   • Mod loads automatically
   • Players must have the same mods installed to join

Step 9: Recommended First Plugins

Just switched to Paper and want to add plugins? Here are the essentials:

Core Plugins (Foundation)

• EssentialsX: Commands, kits, economy, homes, warps
• Vault: API for economy/permissions (required by many plugins)
• LuckPerms: Advanced permissions and ranks

World Management

• WorldEdit: In-game world editing, massive builds
• WorldGuard: Protect regions, prevent griefing
• Multiverse-Core: Multiple worlds (survival, creative, etc.)

Anti-Grief & Protection

• CoreProtect: Log all block changes, rollback griefing
• GriefPrevention: Players claim land

Enhancement Plugins

• Simple Voice Chat: Proximity voice communication
• TAB: Custom tab list and scoreboard
• DiscordSRV: Connect Minecraft chat to Discord

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Server Won't Start After Installing Plugin/Mod

Solution:

1. Check console for error messages
2. Look for "Caused by" or "Error" lines
3. Common issues:
   • Missing dependency: Download required dependency mod/plugin
   • Version mismatch: Ensure plugin/mod matches your MC version
   • Incompatible plugin: Remove incompatible plugin from "plugins" folder

Players Can't Join After Installing Mods

Solution:

• Players must install the same mods on their client
• Use a launcher like CurseForge, Modrinth, or ATLauncher
• Export mod list from server and share with players
• Or: Share the modpack name (e.g., "Install Better Minecraft from Modrinth")

Out of Memory Errors

Solution:

• Too many mods/plugins for your RAM allocation
• Upgrade to higher RAM plan in control panel
• Or: Remove some mods to reduce memory usage
• Paper servers: 6-8GB handles most plugin setups
• Forge servers: 8-12GB for large modpacks

Next Steps

Now that your server is ordered and configured, explore these guides:

• Switching Between Server Types - Detailed guide with examples
• Installing Modpacks - Complete Modrinth modpack guide
• Plugin Installation Guide - Add plugins to Paper/Spigot
• Server Performance Optimization - Tune for best performance
• World Management & Backups - Backup, restore, multiple worlds

Support & Community

Service Level Agreement

• 99.9% Uptime Guarantee: Network uptime monitored 24/7
• Hardware Response: Within 15 minutes for failures
• Critical Issues: Resolved within 1 hour
• Scheduled Maintenance: 48 hours advance notice

Ready to start your Minecraft adventure? Order your flexible Java Edition server today and experience the freedom to switch between any server type anytime!