Server Install

This guide will walk you through installing and configuring a dedicated server for Vault Hunters 3rd Edition

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• RAM: 6 GB base + 2 GB per concurrent player
  • Example: 10 GB total for 2 players, 12 GB for 3 players, etc.
• Java Version: Java 17 (required)
• Minecraft Version: 1.18.2
• Mod Loader: Forge
• Storage: At least 5 GB free disk space

Recommended Specifications

• CPU: Modern multi-core processor
• RAM: 8 GB base + 2 GB per player (for optimal performance)
• Storage: SSD for better world loading performance

From a Hosting Provider

By far, the easiest way to start your own Vault Hunters server is through a 3rd party hosting provider. We have partnered with Bisect Hosting as our official hosting provider. Better yet, if you use code Iskall85 at checkout, you can save 25% on your first server!

Host Your Own

If you don't want to use a a 3rd party hosting provider, or you already have your own server infrastructure, you can of course host your own server.

Manual Install

Windows

Step 1: Install Java 17

1. Download Java 17 from Microsoft OpenJDK 17 * Recommended or OpenJDK 17
2. Install Java 17 following the installer prompts
3. Verify installation by opening Command Prompt and running:

java -version

1. You should see output indicating Java 17, similar to this:

C:\Users\User> java -version
openjdk version "17.0.12" 2024-07-16 LTS
OpenJDK Runtime Environment Microsoft-9889599 (build 17.0.12+7-LTS)
OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM Microsoft-9889599 (build 17.0.12+7-LTS, mixed mode, sharing)
PS C:\Users\User>

Step 2: Create Server Directory

1. Create a new folder for your server (e.g., C:\VaultHunters-Server)
2. Navigate to this folder

Step 3: Download and Install Forge

TBD

Step 4: Download Server Files

1. Navigate to the Vault Hunters CurseForge page
2. Go to the "Files" tab
3. Find version 3.18.3
4. Click on the version to view details
5. In the "Additional Files" section, download the Server Pack
6. Extract the server files to your server directory

Step 5: Create Start Script

Create a file named start.bat in your server directory with the following content:

TBD

Important: Replace [version] in the jar filename with the actual Forge version number from your downloaded files.

Step 6: Initial Server Setup

1. Double-click start.bat to run the server for the first time
2. The server will create necessary files and then stop
3. Edit eula.txt and change eula=false to eula=true
4. Optionally, edit server.properties to configure server settings:
   • server-port=25565 (or your preferred port)
   • max-players=20 (or your preferred limit)
   • difficulty=normal

Step 7: Start Your Server

Double-click start.bat to start your server. First startup may take several minutes as Forge loads all mods.

Linux/MacOS/BSD

Step 1: Install Java 17

For Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install openjdk-17-jdk

For CentOS/RHEL/Fedora:

sudo dnf install java-17-openjdk-devel

For macOS (using Homebrew):

brew install openjdk@17

For BSD systems:

pkg install openjdk17

Verify installation:

java -version

Step 2: Create Server Directory

mkdir ~/VaultHunters-Server

cd ~/VaultHunters-Server

Step 3: Download and Install Forge

TBD

Step 4: Download Server Files

1. Navigate to the Vault Hunters CurseForge page
2. Go to the "Files" tab
3. Find version 3.18.3
4. Click on the version to view details
5. In the "Additional Files" section, download the Server Pack
6. Extract the server files to your server directory

Step 5: Create Start Script

Create a file named start.sh in your server directory:

TBD

Important: Replace [version] in the jar filename with the actual Forge version number from your downloaded files.

Step 6: Initial Server Setup

1. Run the server for the first time:

 ./start.sh

1. The server will create necessary files and then stop
2. Edit eula.txt and change eula=false to eula=true:

 nano eula.txt

1. Optionally, edit server.properties to configure server settings:

 nano server.properties

Step 7: Start Your Server

Execute ./start.sh to start your server. First startup may take several minutes as Forge loads all mods.

Scripted Install

Windows

We have a scripted installer available here: VHServerHelper-Windows

Download and save it to your server. You should open it in a text editor like Notepad and ensure the variables at the top are set correctly for your machine. Once complete double-click on `vh-setup.bat` and follow the prompts to install your server.

Linux/MacOS/BSD

TBD

Memory Allocation Guidelines

Adjust -Xms and -Xmx values based on your expected player count:

• 2-3 players: -Xms6G -Xmx10G
• 4-5 players: -Xms8G -Xmx14G
• 6+ players: -Xms10G -Xmx16G or higher

Performance Optimization

Performance Mods

The Vault Hunters community maintains a list of compatible performance mods. Visit the Discord Server performance mod thread for the latest recommendations.

Important: Some performance mods overlap in functionality. Carefully review compatibility and avoid conflicting mods that modify the same game systems.

Alternative JVM Options

If you prefer GraalVM, install GraalVM JDK 17 and use similar flags with the GraalVM java executable for potentially better performance.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. Insufficient RAM

Problem: Server crashes with OutOfMemoryError or runs extremely slowly

Solutions:

• Increase -Xmx value in your start script
• Ensure your system has enough available RAM
• Check that -Xms and -Xmx are set appropriately for your player count
• Verify no other memory-intensive applications are running

Example Error:

java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Java heap space

2. Java Version Issues

Problem: Server fails to start with Java-related errors

Solutions:

• Confirm you're using Java 17 (not Java 8, 11, or newer versions)
• Update your PATH environment variable if needed
• Use the full path to Java 17 in your start script

3. Port Already in Use

Problem: Server can't bind to port 25565

Solutions:

• Change server-port in server.properties
• Stop other Minecraft servers using the same port
• Check for other applications using port 25565

4. Mod Loading Errors

Problem: Server crashes during mod loading

Solutions:

• Ensure all mod files are properly downloaded
• Verify you're using the correct server pack version
• Check that no mods were corrupted during download
• Re-download the server pack if necessary

Log Files

Server logs are located in:

• Main log: logs/latest.log
• Crash reports: crash-reports/ folder

When seeking help, always provide relevant log snippets showing the error.

Server Management

Regular Maintenance

• Backups: Regularly backup your world/ folder and server files
• Updates: Check for new Vault Hunters versions periodically
• Monitoring: Keep an eye on RAM usage and server performance
• Restart Schedule: Consider automatic restarts every 6-12 hours for optimal performance

Commands

Use standard Minecraft server commands:

• /op <player> - Give operator permissions
• /whitelist add <player> - Add to whitelist
• /save-all - Force save the world
• /stop - Safely stop the server

Getting Help

If you encounter issues not covered in this guide:

1. Check logs for specific error messages
2. Visit the Vault Hunters Discord for community support
3. Search existing discussions for similar problems
4. Provide detailed information when asking for help:
   • Server specifications
   • Java version
   • Exact error messages
   • Relevant log excerpts

Additional Resources

• Vault Hunters CurseForge Page
• Vault Hunters Discord Community
• Aikar's Flags Documentation
• Discord Performance Mods Thread
• Additional Skyvault Settings

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Last updated for Vault Hunters 3rd Edition v3.18.3