Hey guys! My friend and I have had some trouble making our server, and we thought some people might be just like us, stuck in one place with no ideas. I'm going to say some things that will help make your server go far!

Server Types:
You're going to want to know what your server's theme is. Think of other servers you enjoy! Here's some basic server types to get you started:

SURVIVAL

Very similar to normal single-player survival, apart from the fact there are other people on the server. Usually non-PvP (Player versus Player) and no griefing allowed.

CREATIVE

A server where you are in creative mode and can build whatever you want, sometimes on a superflat map.

ROLEPLAY

Players are encouraged to take on a Role such as blacksmith, cook, etc. Often set in a foreign land and have to gather resources.

PVP (PLAYER VERSUS PLAYER)

Players are encouraged to fight against each other. Usually no griefing or stealing.

HARDCORE PVP

Same as PvP except griefing and stealing are allowed.

PRISON

The server is set in a prison where you must earn money to rank up. Some servers allow you to become free. Usually no griefing, stealing, or PvP.

FACTION

Factions (teams) are at war with each other, stealing and griefing as much as possible.

CHALLENGE

Server has a challenge such as surviving underwater or completing a really hard parkour course.

ECONOMY

Currency, shops, buying/selling. Plots of land are usually purchasable to build on.

CITY

Allows to make houses on protected land, usually goes along with Economy.

HUNGER GAMES

Becoming ever more poular, hunger games servers are a fight to the death with a (usually) open map. People are usually scattered around the map, possibly given a minute or so of invincibility, and then the fight begins. Many servers have implemented kits that cost a small fee but add an advantage to your gameplay.

FEED THE BEAST

A puzzle map where your goal is to complete tasks, receive rewards and ultimately feed the beast with the item you were required to make throughout the task you accomplished.

With that done, you will need some plugins. Plugins are files that add things to you're server. From editing your world, or to announcements every so often, plugins give you all that and more!

Great plugins:

Essentials

World Edit

World Guard

ExpPerks

Survival Games

Mob Arena

PermissionsEX

Reserved Slots

Dragon Travel

MagicClock

Last of all, you will need a spawn. You don't want to bore your players out with rule signs and stuff. Rules and signs are a noob spawn. Huge buildings and cities are a WOAH spawn. WOAH spawns are much better then noob spawns. Building spawns sometimes takes a while, and simply downloading some off of PMC or other websites is easier. Make sure you give credit though!

Server Spawns:

WOAH spawn:



Noob spawn:



Thanks for reading guys, and I hope this helps!

-Whale