MCpi5Server

MCpi5Server runs a PaperMC Minecraft server on a Raspberry Pi 5. The setup uses a PaperMC jar named paper.jar and a startup script referenced in the README as server_start. To start the server, run the script from the server directory. The server can run with Java 24 as tested, and you can adjust memory allocations via the Xms/Xmx flags. The base configuration includes the Chunky world generator for pregeneration and the SimpleVoiceChat plugin for voice communication. You can start pregeneration after the server is running by executing the Chunky commands: chunky shape circle, chunky radius 5000, chunky world overworld, chunky start, chunky world world_nether, chunky start, chunky world world_the_end, chunky start. These commands help pre-generate the world to reduce lag when players join. The server will listen for players to connect once the port is open, and you can manage plugins and settings through the PaperMC environment and the Chunky/SimpleVoiceChat plugins.

Prerequisites:

• Java 24 (as tested by the author) or a compatible Java version on your Raspberry Pi 5
• A PaperMC jar downloaded and renamed to paper.jar in a dedicated server directory
• A startup script named server_start (as referenced in the README) in the same directory as paper.jar

Step-by-step:

1. Install Java:
   • On Raspberry Pi OS: sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y openjdk-24-jdk
2. Prepare the server directory:
   • Create a folder: mkdir -p ~/minecraft/paperserver
   • Move paper.jar into this folder and ensure it is named paper.jar
   • Place the server_start script in the same folder (as per README)
3. Start the server:
   • Navigate to the server directory: cd ~/minecraft/paperserver
   • Run the startup script: ./server_start
4. Verify the server runs:
   • Check the console output for startup messages indicating PaperMC is online
5. Optional plugins:
   • Chunky for pregeneration: ensure it is installed and configured
   • SimpleVoiceChat for voice communication: ensure it is installed
6. Pregeneration (optional but recommended): after the server is running, execute the pregeneration steps listed in the README using the Chunky commands

Notes:

• If you need more memory, adjust the -Xms and -Xmx values in the mcp_config to allocate more RAM, keeping in mind the Raspberry Pi 5 hardware limits.
• Ensure you have network access and proper port forwarding if you want players to connect from outside your local network.

Tips and common issues:

• Java version compatibility: While Java 24 is reported as tested, some mods/plugins may require a specific Java minor version. If you encounter startup issues, try a different Java version compatible with PaperMC 1.x.
• Memory management: For Raspberry Pi 5, allocate memory conservatively (e.g., 1–2 GB for small servers). Monitor memory usage with htop or free -h.
• Plugin compatibility: Chunky and SimpleVoiceChat are mentioned; ensure you are using versions compatible with your PaperMC build and Java version.
• Backups: Regularly back up world data and server configurations to prevent loss during pregeneration or plugin updates.
• Security: If exposing the server to the internet, consider firewall rules and secure access to the Raspberry Pi.
• Environment variables: You can adjust JAVA_TOOL_OPTIONS or other JAVA_OPTS if you need to pass additional JVM arguments.