Introduction
I recently set up a Minecraft Hunger Games (Survival Games) server for our annual LAN party. I haven’t done much with Minecraft configuration in a while, so I was surprised by how little documentation exists – especially for running one locally and for free.
Most guides assume you’re using a paid hosting service like Apex or Shockbyte. While those can be handy, they feel like overkill for a simple server. Maybe I just enjoy tinkering too much.
Since I’ve got some experience with Minecraft servers, I managed to get it up and running without much hassle. So, I figured I’d put together this guide to walk you through the setup process step by step.
What You’ll Need :
PaperMC – PaperMC is essentially your server. It’s a modern, optimized version of Spigot/CraftBukkit that allows you to run various plugins (which can be downloaded from the Spigot directory). This differs from the official vanilla server offered by Mojang, which does not support plugins or custom mechanics beyond what’s available in standard Minecraft.
We’ll be using two main plugins – HungerGames and EssentialsX – to set up our server, but there are plenty more you can install to enhance functionality. Some other handy plugins include MultiverseCore (allows multiple ‘worlds’ in a single server, and teleporting between them) and WorldEdit (bulk Minecraft map editing).
HungerGames – This is the core plugin that runs all the HungerGames functionality. This includes setting up arenas, kits, generating chests, spawns, etc.
EssentialsX – This is another plugin that will allow you to do a few handy things. Namely, set the world spawn (accessible via /spawn) alongside various warps and teleports.
Java 21 (Or whichever is required by your Paper Installation) – While you’ll likely already have Java 8 installed (for Minecraft) you’ll also need the development kit to host the server.
A Hunger Games Map – Last but not least, you’ll need a Hunger Games map! Feel free to either create one yourself or download an existing one from planetminecraft. If you’re building it yourself, ensure you place chests around and set a spawn point.
Plus the obvious – a PC to run the server and Minecraft. If you’re planning on allowing players to join outside your local network (over the internet) you’ll also need admin access to your router.
Getting Started
To begin, we’ll get the server running locally. Once it’s accessible, we’ll then allow it to be joined from outside your network (optional). Finally, we’ll set up the Hunger Games functionality.
Running The Server Locally
If you get stuck below (or any of the information is outdated) have a look at PaperMC’s official ‘getting started‘ guide.
1. Head over to PaperMC’s website and download the latest .jar file for your desired Minecraft version. For simplicity, rename it to server.jar after downloading.
2. Make a new folder anywhere on your computer (name it whatever you like). This will be where all your server files will be stored.
3. Place the server.jar file inside the new folder.
4. Minecraft servers require a startup script to launch properly. Depending on your operating system, you’ll need to create either a batch file (Windows) or a bash script (Mac/Linux). The below script will dedicate 4GB of memory to your server. If you need more / less, please use the PaperMC script generator.
Windows – Create a Batch File
-
Inside your server folder, right-click and create a new Text Document.
-
Open it and paste the following:
@echo off
java -Xms4096M -Xmx4096M -jar server.jar
pause - Save the file as
start.bat(not.txt)
Mac – Create a Bash Script
-
Inside your server folder, create a new file named
start.sh. -
Open it in a text editor and paste the following:
#!/bin/bash
java -Xms4608M -Xmx4608M -jar server.jar - Save the file and give it execute permissions. To do so, you’ll need to open terminal and type the following commands:
cd /path/to/folder
chmod +x start.sh
5. Run the script. On Windows, simply double click start.bat. On Mac, navigate to the directory (cd /path/to/folder again) then run ./start.sh
6. Accept the EULA. On first run, the server will generate some necessary files before stopping automatically. You’ll need to accept the EULA before continuing. To do so, open the newly generated eula.txt file (located in your server folder) and replace eula=false with eula=true. Save the file, then re-run the server.
7. And, you should be up and running! Keep an eye on the console to see if anything goes wrong. If you’re seeing an error, Google is your best friend – more than likely, someone else has run into it too!
8. If you’re running without issue, you can check! Log into Minecraft and connect to the IP localhost. If the server is working, this should connect you to it. Once you’re in, you’ll want to type op YourUsername into your server window to give yourself admin privileges.
Allowing Others To Connect
As mentioned earlier, there are a few ways to allow others to join your server. If you’re all on the same internet connection (such as a LAN party), the setup is straightforward. However, if players need to connect from outside your network, you’ll need to port forward your router.
Same Network (LAN)
If all players are connected to the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network, they can join your server using your local IP address. This is fairly simple, here’s how you can find it.
Windows
On Windows, open Command Prompt (Win + R, then type cmd and press Enter). Type: ipconfig.
Mac
On Mac, open terminal and type ipconfig getifaddr en0. (Use en0 for Wi-Fi, or en1 for Ethernet).
Look for the IPv4 Address under your active network connection. It will be something like 192.168.1.100. Share this with your friends, and they’ll be able to connect directly!
Playing Over the Internet (Port Forwarding)
If you’re planning to play over the internet, things get a little trickier. In short, you’ll need to port forward your router to allow external connections to your server. Every router is different, so I can’t provide step-by-step instructions for all of them – but a quick Google search for “Port Forwarding on {Your Router Name}” should point you in the right direction! Here’s a rough guide of what you’ll need to do
1. Log Into Your Router’s Admin Panel
- Open a web browser and enter your default gateway IP (usually
192.168.1.1ortelstra.gateway). This can be found by googling your router model or may be printed on the router itself. - Log in with your router’s admin credentials. (Again these are often printed on the router or can be found in the manual.)
2. Set Up a Port Forwarding Rule
- Look for Port Forwarding settings in the dashboard (this varies by router).
- Add a new rule with the following settings:
- Service Name:
Minecraft - Protocol:
TCP - Internal Port:
25565 - External Port:
25565 - Internal IP Address: Your local IP (e.g.,
192.168.1.100)
- Service Name:
3. Find Your Public IP Address. This can done by visiting WhatIsMyIP. This is the IP players will use to connect to your server.
4. Have players connect to your server using your IP, followed by :25525. If you’re not having any luck, double-check check your port is open and your router’s firewall / security settings.
Using a Domain Name (DNS Setup)
Setting up a domain name lets players connect with words, rather than your IP. For example, mc.yourname.com, rather than 1.x.x.x:25525
1. Purchase a Domain
The first thing you’ll need to do is purchase a domain (the yourname.com part of things). This can be whatever you want (provided it’s available). There are plenty of spots you can purchase domains – I’d recommend Cloudflare, but any registrar should do the trick.
2. Add your DNS Records
Once your domain is set up, you’ll need to configure DNS records to point it to your Minecraft server. Most domain registrars provide a DNS management panel where you can add these records. You’ll need to add:
An A Record with the following values :
- Name:
mc(or@if you want to use the root domain (just connect with yourname.com)) - Type:
A - Value: Your public IP address (e.g.,
123.45.67.89) - TTL: Auto
A SRV Record with the following values :
- Name:
mc - Type:
SRV - Priority:
0 - Weight:
5 - Port:
25565 - Target:
yourname.com - TTL: Auto
With this setup, players can now connect using mc.yourname.com without manually entering the port. DNS changes can take a few minutes to fully propagate – you can check if your domain is resolving correctly using a tool like dnschecker.org.
Setting Up The Server
First things first, navigate to your server folder. If your server is running, shut it down before making any changes.
Once you’ve run the server at least once, a plugins folder will be generated. Drop the .jar files for HungerGames and EssentialsX into this folder.
Next, locate the server.properties file in the server folder. Right-click and open it with a text editor, then make the following changes:
- Change
allow-flight=falsetoallow-flight=true(prevents players from being kicked for spectating). - Change
gamemode=survivaltogamemode=spectator(sets players to spectator mode on join).
Remember to save!
While in here, you’ll also see a folder called ‘world’. You’ll want to replace this with the Hunger Games Map you downloaded earlier. Ensure this has the same file structure and is called world, and run the server.
Setting Up The Arena
Now, log into Minecraft and connect to the server. With luck, you’ll have loaded into the map you downloaded. Put yourself in creative mode (remember to op yourself in the console if you didn’t earlier!) and navigate to the centre of it. Then set a warp using/setwarp arena. Feel free to set as many of these as you need. This will allow you to use /warp arenato teleport back to the point.
Once this is done, head away from the arena to an area you’d like to build a spawn. Use /setspawn and /setworldspawn. This will provide an area for new players (and dead players) to respawn, as well as giving you the ability to use /spawn to navigate back there.
Now head back to the arena. Firstly, ensure chests are placed around your arena for loot to spawn in. You can also place ‘bonus chests’ around which will pull from a different loot table (Trapped chests, shulker boxes and barrels.)
Then, fly to the top left-hand corner of the map. If you’re in the air – run the following command to place a block at your feet.
/execute as @p at @s positioned ^ ^ ^1 run setblock ~ ~ ~ gray_wool
Then, run /hg wand. This will give you a ‘wand’ to select your arena bounds.
Left-click on the newly generated block and wait for the prompt in chat to acknowledge your first coordinate. Then, right-click on the bottom right-hand corner of your arena.
After both coordinates are acknowledged in chat, run :
/hg create <arena name> <min-players> <max-players> <time=seconds>
You’ll want your minimum players to be two, and your maximum players to be equal to the amount of spawns you have in your map. Leave the time blank, unless you’d like a time limit on your game.
Now, head to your arena and add some spawns. Stand where you’d like each player to spawn and run
/hg addspawn
Do this for the maximum number of players you specified.
Once you’re done, use /spawn to return back to your spawn. Build a wall with three blank signs next to each other horizontally. Look at the far left sign and run /hg setlobbywall <arena name>. Finally, run /hg setexit to set an exit point.
If you get stuck at all, you can always run /hg debug or /hg remove <arena name> to delete it and try again.
And, you should be sorted! You can run /hg join <arena name> or right-click the sign to join the lobby!
Plugin Configuration
Last but not least, you’ll want to configure the Hunger Games plugin to suit your preferences. This includes settings for kits, items, messages, chest respawns, and more.
To customise these settings, navigate to the HungerGames folder inside your plugins directory. Here, you’ll find several key configuration files:
config.yml
This file contains the general settings for your arenas, including teams, rewards, and kits. While I won’t go over every setting here, the HungerGames repository provides detailed documentation. A couple of things you’ll likely want to tweak:
- Disable teaming.
- Turn off chest refilling.
- Disable mob spawning.
- Enable block breaking.
- Enable spectating on death.
arenas.yml
This file stores all the arena settings you configured using the /hg wand command. If you ever need to adjust arena coordinates or tweak other settings, you can do so here.
items.yml
This is where the loot tables are stored. If you want to customize the items found in chests, you’ll modify this file. It allows you to control loot balance, item spawn chances, and even apply enchantments. Again, the HungerGames repo provides a handy guide – including an enchantment cheat sheet – to help with customisation.
Once you’ve made your changes, restart the server, and you’re good to go!
Conclusion
And, I think that’s everything!
PaperMC is incredibly customisable, and this guide really only scratches the surface of what’s possible (sus out some of the plugins online!). But at the least, this setup should act as a solid foundation for your matches.
And, if you run into any issues along the way, don’t stress – Google is your best friend. Happy hosting!
