Running a Minecraft server can be incredibly rewarding, allowing you to create a unique and customized multiplayer experience. However, like any complex system, Minecraft servers can encounter errors. Understanding these common issues and how to fix them is crucial for maintaining a stable and enjoyable environment. Here are five frequent errors and how to troubleshoot them, especially when hosting your server with a reliable provider like ExpHost.

1. Out of Memory Errors (OOM)

What it is: An "OutOfMemoryError" occurs when your Minecraft server runs out of allocated RAM. This usually manifests as server crashes or severe lag.

Causes:

  • Insufficient RAM allocated to the server.
  • Too many players online simultaneously.
  • Large or poorly optimized mods/plugins consuming excessive memory.
  • Memory leaks within plugins.

Solutions:

  • Increase allocated RAM: The most straightforward solution is to allocate more RAM to your server. With ExpHost, you have complete control over your RAM allocation, starting from just £1.50/GB on Basic plans. You can easily adjust this via our custom Project Echo panel. Explore Minecraft Plans
  • Optimize mods/plugins: Disable or remove any unnecessary or poorly optimized mods/plugins that are consuming excessive memory.
  • Monitor memory usage: Regularly monitor your server's RAM usage to identify potential issues before they cause crashes. ExpHost provides detailed server statistics to help you track resource usage.
  • Restart the server regularly: Periodically restarting your server can help clear memory leaks and improve overall performance.

2. Connection Timed Out

What it is: Players are unable to connect to the server, receiving a "Connection Timed Out" error message.

Causes:

  • Firewall blocking connections.
  • Server is offline or not responding.
  • Incorrect server IP address or port.
  • Network issues on the player's end.

Solutions:

  • Check server status: Ensure that your server is running and accessible. ExpHost's server management tools provide real-time status updates.
  • Verify IP address and port: Double-check that players are using the correct server IP address and port.
  • Firewall configuration: Ensure that your firewall is not blocking incoming connections on the server port (usually 25565).
  • Check network connection: Advise players to check their own network connection and firewall settings.
  • Contact support: If the issue persists, contact our expert support team at ExpHost for assistance.

3. Lag and Performance Issues

What it is: The server experiences noticeable lag, impacting gameplay for all players.

Causes:

  • High CPU usage.
  • Insufficient RAM.
  • Excessive entities (mobs, items) in the world.
  • Network latency.
  • Too many players for your current resources.

Solutions:

  • Upgrade your server: With ExpHost, you can easily upgrade your server plan to allocate more CPU and RAM. Our Basic plans run on AMD Ryzen 9 7950X CPUs, ensuring top-tier performance. Explore Minecraft Plans
  • Optimize world settings: Reduce the view distance, disable unnecessary features, and optimize tick rates.
  • Limit entities: Reduce the number of mobs and items in the world. Use commands to despawn entities if necessary.
  • Monitor CPU usage: Track your server's CPU usage and identify any processes consuming excessive resources. ExpHost's custom panel makes this easy.
  • Consider server location: Choosing a server location closer to your players can reduce network latency. ExpHost offers locations in London, Salt Lake City, Falkenstein, and Lithuania.

4. Plugin Errors

What it is: Plugins malfunction, causing errors, crashes, or unexpected behavior.

Causes:

  • Incompatible plugin versions.
  • Conflicting plugins.
  • Corrupted plugin files.
  • Plugin configuration errors.

Solutions:

  • Update plugins: Ensure that all your plugins are up to date and compatible with your Minecraft server version.
  • Check for conflicts: Disable plugins one by one to identify any conflicting plugins.
  • Reinstall plugins: Try reinstalling the problematic plugin to resolve any corrupted file issues.
  • Review plugin configurations: Carefully review the plugin's configuration files for any errors or misconfigurations.
  • Consult plugin documentation: Refer to the plugin's documentation for troubleshooting tips and solutions.

5. World Corruption

What it is: Parts of the Minecraft world become corrupted, leading to missing chunks, glitched terrain, or server crashes.

Causes:

  • Hardware failures.
  • Improper server shutdown.
  • File system errors.
  • Mod/plugin conflicts.

Solutions:

  • Restore from backups: Regularly back up your Minecraft world to prevent data loss. ExpHost provides automated backup solutions to protect your data.
  • Use a world repair tool: Some tools can help repair minor world corruption issues.
  • Revert to a previous save: If backups are available, revert to a previous save before the corruption occurred.
  • Check for hardware issues: Inspect your server's hardware for any potential issues that could cause data corruption. ExpHost uses NVMe SSDs on all nodes to ensure data integrity.
  • Proper server shutdown: Always shut down the server properly to prevent data corruption.

With a reliable hosting provider like ExpHost, many of these errors are mitigated by our robust infrastructure, expert support, and proactive monitoring. We are committed to providing a smooth and stable Minecraft server hosting experience. Our team is available 24/7 to assist with any technical issues you may encounter. Contact us if you need support!

ExpHost uses only next-generation hardware for all server nodes. The Basic tier runs on AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D CPUs, and the Pro tier runs on AMD Ryzen 9 9950X CPUs. These are some of the fastest consumer-grade processors available, designed to deliver high single-threaded performance, which is essential for Minecraft servers. No old or outdated CPUs are used at ExpHost.