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Succeed as a game hosting reseller

How to start selling Minecraft servers

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Turn your passion into profit by selling Minecraft servers. Tap into a massive gaming community and build a scalable business — no data center or tech expertise needed!


Watch this exclusive webinar on demand, perfect for gamers looking to turn their passion into a side hustle or entrepreneurs seeking a new, scalable revenue stream.

We’ll walk you through the entire process of starting your own Minecraft hosting business so you can turn your love for gaming into a profitable venture.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
✅ The business potential – Discover why reselling Minecraft servers can be a lucrative opportunity.
✅ Market insights – Understand the growing demand and why now is the perfect time to enter the industry.
✅ Technical essentials – Learn the key requirements for running a reliable and high-performing server.
✅ Step-by-step reseller guide – Get a clear roadmap to becoming a VPS or bare metal server reseller.
✅ Monetization strategies – Master pricing, upselling, and subscription models to maximize revenue.
✅ Live expert Q&A – Get answers from industry professionals to help you confidently launch your business.

Minecraft server reseller webinar hosted by Liquid Web

Liquid Web recently hosted a webinar designed to help entrepreneurs and gaming enthusiasts break into the Minecraft server hosting space.

Whether you’re a gamer looking to monetize your hobby or a business-minded individual exploring new revenue opportunities, this session offered valuable insights to get you started.

About Liquid Web

Liquid Web is a premium hosting provider known for its robust infrastructure, including dedicated servers, cloud hosting, and VPS hosting. With 24/7 support and performance-driven solutions, they cater to businesses and developers who demand reliability and scalability.

Meet the speaker

Chris La Nasa, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Liquid Web, led the session. With deep experience in server products, gaming initiatives, and infrastructure solutions, Chris provided a comprehensive introduction to launching and scaling a Minecraft server hosting business.

What the webinar covered

This session focused on the foundational elements of launching a Minecraft server business, including:

  • What defines a great Minecraft server.
  • Choosing the right server type (VPS vs bare metal).
  • Understanding performance factors like CPU single-thread rating and server location.
  • Introduction to Pterodactyl, an open-source game server management panel.
  • Best practices for security, backups, and DDoS protection.
  • Tips on scaling and monetizing your hosting service.

What defines a great Minecraft server?

A successful Minecraft server provides a fun, stable, and engaging experience for players. This is achieved through:

  • Good hardware
  • Effective moderation
  • Balanced gameplay
  • A welcoming community

This session focused on good hardware and a balanced gameplay experience, which are foundational for a successful Minecraft server business.

Choosing the right server

Selecting a server involves balancing cost and performance. You have two primary options: a virtual private server or a bare metal dedicated server.

Virtual private server (VPS)

  • More affordable (starting at ~$5/month).
  • Scalable virtual machines.
  • Multi-tenant environment with resource isolation.
  • Best for smaller game servers or those just starting out.
  • Memory-optimized VPS is ideal for running modded servers.

Bare metal dedicated server

  • Single-tenant environment (better security and reliability).
  • Supports multiple game server deployments.
  • Higher cost but offers better performance.
  • No shared resources, 100 percent of the hardware is dedicated to your server.
  • Ideal for larger game servers with high player counts.

So, which one should you choose? Start with a VPS package if you’re new to hosting. Upgrade to a bare metal package as your business and player base grow.

Understanding server performance

When selecting a server, more isn’t always better. Many people focus on total CPU power, but for Minecraft, single-thread performance is crucial. For example, while a Xeon 6526 CPU may have a higher overall benchmark, a Xeon 2456 might perform better for Minecraft because of its superior single-thread rating, and it’s also 75 percent cheaper.

As your business scales, multi-threaded performance becomes more relevant, but initially, focus on single-thread rating to get the best gaming experience for your players.

Server location matters

In online gaming, latency is the real enemy, not the Ender Dragon. High ping rates (above 40ms) can frustrate players and drive them to other servers.

Key considerations

  • Choose a server close to your target players to reduce latency.
  • If expanding, ensure your hosting provider has multiple data center locations to accommodate growth.
  • Liquid Web offers servers in strategic locations to help minimize latency and optimize player experience.

Starting a Minecraft server business is an exciting opportunity, and choosing the right hosting solution is key to success. Whether you start with a VPS or go straight to a dedicated server, ensuring low latency, strong single-thread performance, and a scalable setup will position you for long-term success.

Later we’ll dive into Pterodactyl and discuss how to turn your Minecraft hosting skills into a profitable business.

Now, let’s talk about running your gaming server on an enterprise hosting platform. You’ll want to choose a hosting provider that supports large-scale businesses. The advantage of this is that enterprise platforms come with robust infrastructure, extensive support, and strong security measures, all of which contribute to a better gaming experience.

Choosing the right hosting option

When selecting a hosting provider, consider whether you need a self-managed, fully managed, or partially managed solution. Most likely, you’ll opt for a self-managed server at this stage, ensuring you only pay for what you actually need.

Additionally, make sure the provider offers popular Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, one of the most widely used operating systems for Minecraft servers.

Security and backup considerations

Security and backups are crucial for maintaining a smooth gaming experience. Your hosting provider should offer ready-to-use backup solutions. Block storage is a great way to store backups while keeping your server focused on gameplay.

There are also Minecraft plugins that let you designate backup locations, ensuring you always have a way to restore your server if something goes wrong.

DDoS protection

Gaming servers are frequent targets of DDoS attacks, which flood your server with traffic, making it inaccessible to legitimate players. Look for a hosting provider that includes basic DDoS protection by default, with optional upgrades for larger gaming communities. Without protection, a DDoS attack can cause severe lag, latency, and even drive players away due to frustration.

Managing your server with Pterodactyl

Once you’ve selected a server, you’ll want an efficient way to manage it. Pterodactyl is a free, open-source server control panel designed for game servers. It supports a wide range of games and provides a user-friendly interface for managing your server’s performance.

Pterodactyl is highly scalable. A fully featured deployment can involve multiple servers and components. For example, in a larger setup, you’d have a central panel server overseeing multiple nodes, each running different game servers.

However, if you’re just starting out, a single-server setup is perfectly fine. Pterodactyl makes it easy to manage everything from one dashboard while keeping future expansion options open.

Server specifications

Let’s go over some example specifications for a VPS setup. A typical option might include:

  • 2 CPU cores
  • 4GB RAM
  • 80GB storage

This setup, priced at around $17 per month, should provide a solid experience for a vanilla Minecraft server with a decent player count. When selecting a VPS, ensure that you have enough RAM, disk space, and processing power to match your server’s needs. For a modded Minecraft server, you may need 4-6GB of RAM, while an unmodded version requires less.

Setting up your server in Pterodactyl

Once your VPS is ready, you can set up your server through Pterodactyl. The process involves:

  • Configuring the node – Since this is a single-server setup, it will receive all available resources.
  • Selecting your server location – e.g., Lansing, Michigan.
  • Defining the server – Choose “Minecraft” as the server type and select your preferred mod (or vanilla Minecraft).
  • Starting the server – Once it’s listed in Pterodactyl, simply click the “Start” button, and your server will be up and running.

Pterodactyl is an excellent tool for managing your gaming server efficiently. It provides an intuitive dashboard, powerful automation features, and scalability for future expansion. If you’re setting up a Minecraft server, we highly recommend starting with Pterodactyl. It simplifies the process and offers all the resources you need to get started.

By choosing the right hosting provider, ensuring proper security and backups, and leveraging Pterodactyl for management, you can create a stable and enjoyable gaming environment for yourself and your players.

Next, let’s shift gears and focus on turning your Minecraft hosting skills into a business. You’ve been running servers, tweaking configurations, and managing plugins for a while. Now, it’s time to make that experience pay off. But why should you start reselling Minecraft hosting? It’s a no-brainer.

First, the Minecraft community is massive, and the demand for reliable servers is growing. It’s arguably one of the biggest games in the world, and the demand for stable servers is increasing. Players don’t want laggy, unreliable, self-hosted servers.

They want something that’s stable. What we’re talking about here is how you can provide exactly that. The good news is, you don’t need your own hardware. Your hosting provider can handle the infrastructure, while you focus on running the business.

Why use a hosting service?

Hosting services offer several advantages:

  • Better performance – Hosting providers typically offer better performance than home setups, with faster speeds and more reliable connections.
  • No need for expensive hardware – You don’t have to buy a server, which can be costly, and they cover the electricity and infrastructure bills.
  • Easy setup – No need for port forwarding, as long as there’s a dedicated IP address.
  • Faster connections – Hosting services usually offer one-gigabit uplinks, which most home setups can’t provide.
  • DDoS protection & backups – Hosting services protect against DDoS attacks and offer automated backup solutions.
  • 24/7 support – Hosting services provide customer support to help resolve any issues, so you’re never alone in this.
  • Scalability – Hosting services let you start small and grow as your business expands.

Who are your customers?

Let’s break it down: who’s paying for Minecraft server hosting? Well, not everyone wants to deal with the hassle of setting up and maintaining their own server. The people who pay for hosting usually fall into a few categories:

  • Survival mode & modded server owners – These players want smooth gameplay for their communities.
  • Private groups & communities – Groups of friends looking to play without the headaches of self-hosting.
  • Streamers & YouTubers – Content creators who need a stable, reliable platform to host their games and engage their audiences.

Where to find customers

So, where do you find these potential customers? Some of the best places include:

  • Discord & Reddit – Server owner groups and admin discussions happen here, along with niche gaming communities.
  • YouTube & Twitch – Content creators are always looking for reliable hosting solutions.
  • Minecraft server listing sites – Players actively search for premium servers here, so it’s crucial to get your name out there.

Pricing & maximizing revenue

Setting the right prices can be tricky, but it’s essential. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

  1. Monthly subscriptions – It’s always better to have constant revenue rather than relying on one-time purchases. A subscription model allows you to establish steady income while providing customers with a more affordable entry point.
  2. Upselling & add-ons – Charge for extra features like dedicated IPs, mod installs, or priority support.
  3. Competitive pricing – Research your competitors and make sure your prices are aligned with what others are offering, but don’t undercut yourself. You’re in business to make a profit!
  4. Value proposition – Ensure your customers know what makes your service unique and why it’s worth the price you’re charging.

Scaling your business

Scaling too quickly without a plan can be a nightmare. Start small with a few clients and use tools like Discord or a ticket system to handle support efficiently.

As demand grows, you can upgrade your servers and services accordingly. You don’t need to be the next big server host overnight. Build at your own pace, learn from the initial challenges, and grow as you go.

The key is to partner with a provider who can scale with you. Liquid Web, for example, offers the flexibility to grow as your business does. And, of course, always seek customer feedback to ensure you’re providing the best possible service.

If you’re a hobbyist looking to level up, now’s the time to make that jump into a hosting entrepreneur. The demand for quality Minecraft hosting is real, and players are willing to pay for it. You don’t have to worry about managing hardware, as your hosting provider can handle that while you focus on acquiring customers and growing your business.

Start small, build your brand, and grow as your player base expands. Find a reliable partner who can support you through the process.

How Liquid Web can help

Liquid Web offers affordable server options with excellent single-thread performance, automated backups, DDoS protection, and scalable resources. We provide self-managed server options and the latest Linux versions, including Ubuntu.

With our robust API and server management tools, you can build a fully automated game server deployment platform, whether you’re creating servers for your own community or reselling them.

Get started today

Explore our dedicated gaming servers to get started reselling Minecraft today.

Shop dedicated gaming servers


Read the transcript

Please note that AI was used to remove filler words for clarity.

[00:00:55] Kristina (Host):

Hello, everybody! Thanks for tuning in and joining us today for our webinar, “How to Start Selling Minecraft Servers,” presented by Liquid Web. We’re really glad to have you here.

My name is Kristina, and I’ll be kicking things off. Whether you’re an entrepreneur exploring new revenue streams or a gamer eager to monetize your passion, you’re absolutely in the right place.

Before we dive in, let me give you a quick introduction to who we are. Liquid Web is a premium hosting provider serving businesses of all sizes. We offer reliable solutions like dedicated servers, cloud hosting, and VPS hosting, all backed by 24/7 support.

A few housekeeping notes before we get started:

  • Today’s webinar will run for about an hour, possibly a bit less.
  • Please feel free to use the chat throughout the session. Keep it interactive! If you have questions, drop them in the chat. We’ve got subject matter experts behind the scenes ready to respond in real time.
  • This session is being recorded, and a replay will be sent to all attendees afterward.
  • As a thank you, all attendees will receive an exclusive offer: 4 free months of bare metal hosting when you purchase a one-year plan with us. This offer is designed to help you get started with everything you’ll learn today.

If you missed the offer details in the emails leading up to this webinar, don’t worry. I’ll share the link in the chat as well.

Now, without further ado, let me introduce today’s speaker: Chris La Nasa. Take it away, Chris!

[00:03:03] Chris La Nasa (Speaker):
Thanks, Kristina! Hi, everyone, I’m Chris La Nasa, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Liquid Web. I work closely with our product managers, engineers, and marketing teams, particularly on our core hosting products: VPS, dedicated servers, GPU-based hosting, and gaming initiatives. That’s why I’m excited to be here with you today.

Today’s session will be a high-level overview to help you get started with selling Minecraft servers. We’ll cover a lot, but just to set expectations, there are some areas we won’t go into detail on due to time constraints.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

  1. What makes a great Minecraft server.
  2. How to choose the right type of server.
  3. Introduction to Pterodactyl, a recommended game server control panel.
  4. How to turn Minecraft hosting into a business.
  5. How Liquid Web can support your efforts.

What we won’t cover today:

  • Step-by-step deployment of game servers.
  • Advanced automation or API configurations.
  • Full reseller or hosting business setup guides.

Those topics are more complex and would be better suited for future, more in-depth webinars.

[00:04:44] Chris La Nasa (Speaker):

What makes a great Minecraft server?

At the core, a great Minecraft (or any gaming) server creates a fun, stable, and engaging experience for players. That experience relies on several key factors:

  • Quality hardware
  • Effective moderation
  • Balanced gameplay
  • A welcoming community

Today, we’ll focus specifically on quality hardware and balanced gameplay, the foundational elements of any successful Minecraft server.

Choosing the right server type

Choosing the right server involves balancing cost and performance. There are two primary options we recommend:

  1. Virtual Private Server (VPS)
  2. Bare Metal Dedicated Server

VPS

  • More budget-friendly; prices start around $5/month (though we recommend opting for a bit more powerful specs).
  • Great for single game servers, whether you expect just a few players or many.
  • Memory-optimized VPS plans are ideal if you’re running a heavily modded server.
  • Multi-tenant environment, but with virtualization and protections that isolate your resources.

Bare metal dedicated server

  • More expensive, but offers superior performance, security, and reliability.
  • Best suited for higher traffic, more complex servers, or when you want full control of the environment.

Now, bare metal dedicated servers are single-tenant, which means you’re the only one using that server and all of the hardware resources are dedicated to you. These are ideal for hosting multiple game servers, especially if you’re scaling up.

While you trade the lower cost of a VPS for the higher performance of a dedicated server, you gain complete control and power, no other users are competing for resources. In contrast, a VPS runs in a virtualized environment, which can slightly reduce performance due to the virtualization layer.

So, in short:

  • VPS: Great for starting out, it’s affordable, scalable, and efficient.
  • Bare Metal: Ideal when you’re ready to scale and need maximum performance, security, and reliability.

If you’re planning to host large game servers or serve large gaming communities, a bare metal server is often the better choice.

[00:08:05] Chris La Nasa (Speaker):

Choosing the right server specs

Now, let’s talk a bit about server hardware and how to evaluate it.

We’ll use a dedicated server example here, and we’ll show a VPS comparison later. When choosing hardware, it’s tempting to chase the biggest numbers, especially when browsing CPU benchmarks on sites like PassMark. But more isn’t always better.

What really matters, especially for Minecraft, is single-thread performance. Minecraft, like many games, runs primarily on a single thread, meaning CPU speed per core is more important than the number of cores.

For example:

  • A CPU with an overall benchmark score of 6526 might seem impressive.
  • But another CPU with a lower overall score of 2456 could actually outperform it on single-thread tasks, and it costs about 75 percent less.

That’s great news if you’re just starting out. You can save significantly without sacrificing player experience.

Of course, as your business grows and you begin to host multiple game servers or run more complex setups, you may eventually need the multi-threaded performance of higher-end CPUs. But early on, it’s wise to stick with what suits your current needs.

The importance of server location

In real estate, they say it’s all about location, location, location, and the same applies to game servers.

You might think the Ender Dragon is the ultimate threat in Minecraft, but in reality, your biggest enemy is latency.

Even though Minecraft isn’t a first-person shooter, latency still affects gameplay, especially in survival mode or mod-heavy environments. Players expect fast server responses, and when latency creeps above 40ms, you risk frustrating users and driving them away.

So, choose a server location that’s close to where your players are. And if you’re planning to grow internationally, make sure your hosting provider has data center coverage in the regions you want to expand to.

Hosting on an enterprise-grade platform

You also want your server to be hosted on a robust, enterprise-grade platform.

Sure, you can find cheap hosting providers out there, but providers that serve large businesses tend to offer:

  • Better infrastructure
  • Hardened environments
  • Higher availability
  • Greater support options

Look for providers that offer:

  • Self-managed, partially managed, and fully managed server options (most of you will likely start with self-managed)
  • Support for popular Linux distributions, especially Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, which is one of the most popular OS choices for Minecraft hosting

[00:12:16] Chris La Nasa (Speaker):

Security & backup essentials

Let’s talk about two critical pieces: backups and security.

Backups: Backups are a must. You want to ensure your game worlds are protected in case something goes wrong.

  • Use block storage to offload backups and keep your main server focused on performance.
  • Many Minecraft plugins let you define specific backup locations, making it easy to automate.
  • Always have a restoration plan in case you need to roll back quickly.

DDoS protection: Gaming servers are frequent targets for DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, which flood your server with bogus traffic, making it inaccessible to real players.

A good hosting provider should include basic DDoS protection out of the box.

  • Larger communities might need advanced DDoS solutions, but everyone should start with a minimum level of protection.
  • Think of DDoS protection as a shield. It filters malicious traffic and ensures only legitimate users can access your server.

Reliable DDoS protection is crucial to maintaining a smooth, uninterrupted gaming experience for your community.

In addition to kicking players off the server, DDoS attacks can cause serious lag and latency, and as we mentioned earlier, latency is one of the biggest enemies for anyone playing or hosting a Minecraft server. It can lead to player frustration, loss of trust, and eventually players leaving to find more stable servers. That’s why protection against attacks and performance issues is critical.

[00:14:05] Chris La Nasa (Speaker):

Managing your server with Pterodactyl

Now that we’ve covered how to choose a server, let’s talk about how to manage your server effectively.

One of the best tools available, especially for beginners, is Pterodactyl. It’s a free, open-source game server control panel that offers robust, provider-level features and automation.

While it’s widely used for Minecraft, Pterodactyl supports a growing list of games, making it a versatile and scalable solution for any game hosting setup.

Why use Pterodactyl?

  • Provides a graphical interface that puts everything at your fingertips
  • Offers an intuitive, easy-to-read dashboard
  • Allows you to monitor and manage all aspects of your server
  • Makes it easy to understand server performance and usage

Scalable deployment: From one server to many

There are two main ways to deploy Pterodactyl, depending on your current needs:

1. Multi-server deployment (for scaling businesses)

This model is great when you’ve grown and want to manage multiple game servers across different nodes.

Example setup:

  • Panel: Central control interface (e.g., hosted in Lansing, Michigan)
  • Location: Defined region for a group of nodes
  • Nodes: Systems running the Pterodactyl “Wings” daemon where the game servers live
  • Servers: Individual game instances

This structure allows you to scale your hosting business efficiently as demand increases.

2. Single server setup (perfect for beginners)

If you’re just starting out, a simple, single-server setup is more than enough, and Pterodactyl supports that easily.

In this setup, the panel, game server, and node all run on the same machine. It’s an all-in-one configuration that gives you the full feature set without complexity.

VPS example: A great starting point

Let’s walk through a VPS example for hosting a Minecraft server. We’re looking at a configuration with:

  • 2 CPUs
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 80 GB storage

This setup, around $17/month, is a solid starting point for a vanilla Minecraft server with a decent player count.

Key considerations

  • RAM and disk space should match your server’s scale.
  • Make sure you choose the correct number of CPU cores. Minecraft generally runs on a single thread, so you’ll need one core per server instance, plus one extra for the OS (an N + 1 rule).
  • A modded server may require 4–6 GB of RAM, while a vanilla server can run with less.

This kind of VPS setup is more than enough to get your first Minecraft server off the ground.

Getting started with Pterodactyl: A quick walkthrough

Here’s what it looks like when you start using Pterodactyl:

  1. Choose your location
     In this example, we selected Lansing, Michigan as the server location, represented with the shortcode “land.” It’s a Liquid Web data center.
  2. Configure your node
     Since this is a single-server setup, there’s only one node and one server. That server gets access to all the resources.
  3. Define the game server
     Once the node is configured, you define your server as a Minecraft server.
    • The “Nest” is the game category (e.g., Minecraft).
    • The “Egg” refers to the specific mod or server type (e.g., Vanilla Minecraft).
  4. Start the server
     After setup, your Minecraft server appears in the list. Simply click Start, and your server will be up and running.

This simple, streamlined process is why we highly recommend starting with Pterodactyl. It’s beginner-friendly and has the flexibility to grow with your business.

[00:20:02] Chris La Nasa (Speaker):

Next step: Turning Minecraft hosting into a business

Now that you’ve got your server running, it’s time to monetize your expertise.

You’ve likely been managing servers, tweaking configurations, and experimenting with plugins for a while. Why not turn those skills into a revenue stream?

Here’s why reselling Minecraft hosting is a no-brainer:

  • Massive global community: Minecraft is one of the most popular games in the world.
  • Constant demand: Players are always looking for fast, reliable servers.
  • Low barrier to entry: With the right tools and knowledge (like what you’ve learned today), it’s easier than ever to get started.

Why players are willing to pay for hosting

Players don’t want laggy, unreliable, self-hosted servers. They want stability, speed, and uptime, and everything we’ve discussed so far is designed to help you offer exactly that.

The good news? You don’t need your own hardware. A hosting provider can handle the infrastructure while you focus on running your business.

Why use a hosting provider?

Here’s why working with a professional hosting provider makes sense:

  • Better performance: Commercial hosting platforms offer enterprise-grade servers.
  • No need to buy your own server: Avoid high upfront costs.
  • No electricity or cooling costs: These are handled by the host.
  • No need for port forwarding: As long as your host provides a dedicated IP.
  • High-speed internet: Most providers offer 1 Gbps uplinks, far better than most home connections.
  • DDoS protection: Essential for gaming servers.
  • Automated backups: Easily restore data if something goes wrong.
  • Reliable support: You’re not alone. Get help via email, chat, or phone.
  • Scalability: Start small and upgrade as your player base or business grows.

[00:22:27] Chris La Nasa (Speaker):

Who pays for Minecraft hosting?

Not everyone wants to deal with the hassle of setting up and managing their own server. Your potential customers typically fall into these groups:

  1. Survival and modded server owners: They want smooth gameplay for their communities.
  2. Private groups or friends: Players who want a shared world without the stress of server maintenance.
  3. Content creators: Streamers and YouTubers need a reliable platform to create and share content. They value uptime and performance for their audience experience.

Where to find your customers

Your target audience is already active in several online spaces. Focus your outreach here:

  • Discord and Reddit: Look for server owner groups, admin forums, and niche gaming communities.
  • YouTube and Twitch: Reach out to creators or promote your own content as a way to showcase your server’s performance.
  • Minecraft server listing sites: Players actively search for premium servers. Make sure yours is listed.

Pricing your hosting services

Pricing is tricky, even for large companies. Here’s how to approach it strategically:

  • Monthly subscriptions: Recurring revenue is more reliable than one-time payments.
  • Offer upsells:
    • Dedicated IPs
    • Mod installs
    • Priority support
  • Competitive pricing: Match or beat the big names, without undercutting yourself.
     Always make sure you’re covering your costs and making a profit.

Do your research: check out what competitors are charging and develop a value proposition that sets you apart. If you offer something unique, you may be able to charge a premium.

Scaling without overloading yourself

Growing too fast without a plan can backfire. So:

  • Start small: Just a few clients at first.
  • Use a lightweight support system: Discord or a ticket system works great early on.
  • Upgrade as needed: Hosting providers let you add resources or new servers as you grow.

You don’t need to become the next Hypixel overnight. Build at your own pace. Learn as you go. Resolve early issues and use that experience to plan your next steps.

Take customer feedback seriously. Use it to refine your services and deliver a top-tier experience, just like we discussed at the beginning: performance, stability, and community are everything.

From hobbyist to hosting entrepreneur

If you’ve made it this far, it’s because you’re ready to level up from Minecraft hobbyist to hosting entrepreneur.

You already know how to run a server. Now it’s time to make money doing it.

The demand for quality Minecraft hosting is real, and it’s growing. Players are willing to pay for a great experience.

Let your hosting provider, like Liquid Web, handle the infrastructure so you can focus on building your brand and growing your business.

How Liquid Web can help

We offer a full suite of tools and services to help you succeed:

  • Affordable server options with strong single-thread performance
  • Self-managed servers
  • Latest Linux distributions, including Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
  • Block storage and automated daily backups
  • Built-in DDoS protection
  • A powerful API for automation
  • A user-friendly management portal

When combined with tools like Pterodactyl, you can create a fully automated, scalable server hosting platform, perfect for growing a game server community or reselling hosting services.

Wrapping up

That brings us to the end of our presentation. We hope you found this session informative and actionable. Now I’ll hand things back to Kristina.

[00:40:43] Kristina (Host):

Thank you, Chris, and thank you to everyone who joined us today. We’re going to share the recording of the session out, so keep an eye out for that. Stay tuned for more webinars from Liquid Web. If you have ideas of topics you want us to cover, please let us know.

Thank you everybody for joining us here today. Bye for now.

Follow-up questions from the webinar answered by the panelists

  • Global data centers: Choose a provider with data centers worldwide so you can serve customers no matter where they are.
  • High-speed connectivity: Look for providers that offer strong internet infrastructure and gigabit uplinks.
  • Scalable resources: You want to grow, so your provider should make it easy to scale, whether it’s RAM, CPU, or storage.
  • Reliable server types: Opt for dedicated servers or high-end VPS solutions to deliver high performance.
  • Built-in DDoS mitigation: Essential for keeping servers online and protecting player experiences.
  • User-friendly control panel: Something like Pterodactyl makes server management much easier, especially for beginners.
  • High uptime guarantee: Look for providers that offer 99.99 percent (four nines) uptime and solid SLAs.
  • 24/7 support: Make sure you have access to reliable technical support when you need it.

All of these combined help ensure you’re offering a stable, trustworthy service to your customers.

  • Start small: Get your feet wet with just a few customers and grow gradually.
  • Work with a scalable hosting partner: Make sure they can support your business as it grows.
  • Research your pricing: Understand your market and price competitively. Ensure you’re charging enough to cover costs and make a profit.
  • Offer upsells: Provide value-added services like mod installs, dedicated IPs, or priority support.
  • Use subscription models: Recurring revenue is the most stable form of income.
  • Leverage affiliate marketing: Partner with influencers or gaming communities to help promote your services in exchange for a commission. It’s a common practice in the software world and very effective.

You’ll need to set up the environment, meaning the Pterodactyl panel, but you don’t have to pre-configure individual Minecraft servers. You can deploy them after the sale, within the control panel.

Starting this as a side hustle is very realistic. it’s definitely doable. It’s easy to set up, and once it’s running, it can bring in passive income with low startup costs. Start small, with just a few clients, and lean on tools like Pterodactyl to reduce time spent managing servers. As your customer base grows, it’ll become clearer whether this can become more than a side hustle. If you’re making enough and demand is strong, you can scale into a full-time business. Most of the time, your clients will manage their own Minecraft instances. You’re just providing the hosting environment. Unless there’s a server issue, your role is minimal day to day.

Discord and Reddit are still top-tier. There are a lot of subreddits and servers dedicated to Minecraft communities where players are actively looking for server hosts, and based on a recent Liquid Web study, over 25 percent of Minecraft players are willing to pay more for premium hosting to improve their gaming experience. That’s a big opportunity considering the size of the Minecraft player base globally.


Pterodactyl already uses Docker. Each game server is deployed in a Docker container. The “eggs” in Pterodactyl define those configurations, for Minecraft or any supported game. So, yes, Docker is a key part of how the environment works.

Liquid Web doesn’t currently provide a hands-on getting-started guide. We focus on delivering reliable infrastructure. However, Pterodactyl has excellent documentation, and there are plenty of online communities and tutorials that can help you learn the ropes. The community is incredibly active, and you’ll find a ton of resources out there.

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