(How To) Setup A Home Pterodactyl Minecraft Server Like A Pro!

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of setting up a Pterodactyl Minecraft server from scratch. Whether you're new to server administration or looking to enhance your skills, this step-by-step guide will help you create a robust and customized Minecraft server using the Pterodactyl panel.

Step 1: Prepare Your Environment

• Download Ubuntu Server: Go to the Ubuntu Server download page and get the latest version.
• Create a Bootable USB Drive:
  • Use Balena Etcher to flash the downloaded Ubuntu image onto a USB flash drive. You can download Etcher here.
  • Insert the USB drive and launch Balena Etcher. Select the Ubuntu image and the USB drive, then click on "Flash".

Step 2: Install Ubuntu Server

• Boot from USB: Insert the USB drive into your server, restart, and boot from the USB.
• Follow Installation Prompts: Select your language, configure your network, and set up a username and password.
• Set Timezone: Use the timezone list to find your timezone name and set it during the configuration.

Step 3: Install Required Software

• SSH Access: Use Putty to connect to your server via SSH.
  • Download Putty here.
• Update System: Once connected, run the following commands:

  sudo apt update
  sudo apt upgrade
  

• Install Required Packages: Install necessary packages by running:

  sudo apt install curl wget unzip
  

Step 4: Set Up Pterodactyl Panel

• Download Installation Script:
  • Access the installation script link to download the setup script.
• Run the Script:

  curl -Lo panel.sh https://raw.githubusercontent.com/pterodactyl/panel/master/bin/installer.sh
  chmod +x panel.sh
  ./panel.sh
  

Step 5: Configure Pterodactyl

• Database Setup:
  • You will be prompted to set up a database. Install MariaDB with:

    sudo apt install mariadb-server
    

  • Secure your installation:

    sudo mysql_secure_installation
    

• Create Database:
  • Log in to MariaDB:

    sudo mysql -u root -p
    

  • Create a new database and user:

    CREATE DATABASE pterodactyl;
    CREATE USER 'pterodactyl'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'your_password';
    GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON pterodactyl.* TO 'pterodactyl'@'localhost';
    FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
    EXIT;
    

Step 6: Configure Game Server

• Install Docker:

  sudo apt install docker.io
  sudo systemctl start docker
  sudo systemctl enable docker
  

• Install Wings (Pterodactyl Daemon):
  • Follow the instructions provided in the Pterodactyl documentation to install Wings.

Step 7: Install Basic Plugins

• Choose Plugins: Decide on basic plugins to enhance your server experience. Some popular choices include EssentialsX and LuckPerms.
• Install Plugins:
  • Download the plugins from their respective websites and place them in the plugins folder of your Minecraft server directory.

Step 8: Configure Port Forwarding

• Access Router Settings: Follow the port forwarding guide available here.
• Set Up Ports: Forward the necessary ports (default Minecraft port is 25565) to your server's internal IP address.

Step 9: Finalize Setup

• Start Your Server: Use the Pterodactyl panel to start your Minecraft server.
• Connect to the Server: Open Minecraft, enter your external IP address, and connect to your new server.

Conclusion

You have successfully set up a Pterodactyl Minecraft server! Review the steps to ensure everything is configured correctly. Explore additional plugins and configurations to enhance your gameplay experience. Happy gaming!