Getting Started with the your Minecraft server

This guide is written for non-technical users to help you start and manage a Minecraft server using the Thundranode control panel. You don’t need any server or coding experience to run a Minecraft server

Support & Help

If you need help at any time, support is available on our Discord.

You can join our Discord:

• From the top of our website, or

• By using the chat button in the bottom-right corner of the site

Our support team and community are happy to help you get started.

1. Dashboard (Overview)

The Dashboard shows basic information about your server:

• Server status (Online / Offline)

• Resource usage (CPU, Memory, Disk)

• A Start / Stop / Restart button

 First-time users: Your server may be offline. That’s normal.

2. Starting the Server

1. Click Console in the left menu.

2. Press the Start button at the top.

3. Wait 1–3 minutes for the server to fully start.

4. You’ll see text messages appear — this is normal.

✅ When you see messages like Done or Server started, your server is ready.

3. Joining Your Minecraft Server

1. Open Minecraft on your computer.

2. Go to Multiplayer → Add Server.

3. Enter the Server Address provided to you.

4. Click Join Server.

You’re now in your server!

4. Console (Basic Use)

The Console lets you see what the server is doing and send simple commands.

Common actions:

• See player join/leave messages

• Restart the server

• Type simple commands (optional)

Helpful Commands (Optional)

• stop → Safely stops the server

• say Hello! → Sends a message to all players

⚠️ If you’re unsure, it’s okay to not type anything here.

5. Files (Server Files)

The Files section stores your server’s files.

You might use this to:

• Upload a world file

• Download backups

• Edit configuration files (advanced)

Beginners usually don’t need to touch this.

6. Backups (Recommended)

Backups save your world in case something goes wrong.

To create a backup:

1. Click Backups

2. Click Create Backup

3. Wait for it to finish

Make backups before:

• Installing mods or plugins

• Updating versions

7. Server Properties (Basic Settings)

This section controls Minecraft settings like:

• Game mode (Survival / Creative)

• Difficulty (Peaceful / Easy / Normal / Hard)

• PvP on/off

After making changes:

1. Save the settings

2. Restart the server for changes to apply

8. Player Manager

Use Player Manager to manage who can play.

You can:

• Add/remove players from the whitelist

• Give operator (admin) permissions

• Ban or unban players

Use this to keep your server private and safe.

9. World Manager

The World Manager lets you manage your Minecraft world.

Typical uses:

• Upload a new world

• Switch between worlds

• Reset the world

⚠️ Resetting a world deletes progress. Make a backup first.

10. Server Version Type

This controls what type of Minecraft server you’re running, such as:

• Vanilla (default Minecraft)

• Paper / Spigot (better performance, supports plugins)

• Fabric / Forge (mods)

After changing the version:

• The server may reinstall files

• A restart is required

If unsure, leave this as-is.

11. Modpack Installer

Use this if you want a pre-made modpack (e.g., Pixelmon, RLCraft).

Steps:

1. Open Modpack Installer

2. Choose a modpack

3. Install

4. Restart the server

⚠️ Players must install the same modpack in their Minecraft launcher.

12. Mod Installer

Mods add new features to Minecraft (Forge/Fabric only).

You can:

• Browse available mods

• Install them automatically

Always restart the server after installing mods.

13. Plugin Installer

Plugins add features like:

• Land protection

• Permissions

• Economy systems

Works with Paper / Spigot servers.

Steps:

1. Open Plugin Installer

2. Select plugins

3. Install

4. Restart the server

14. Stopping the Server Safely

When you’re done:

1. Go to Console

2. Click Stop

3. Wait until the server fully shuts down

⚠️ Avoid force-closing to prevent world corruption.

Need Help?

If something doesn’t work:

• Check the Console for red error messages

• Restart the server

• Restore from a Backup

Discord Support

If you’re stuck or have questions, support is available on our Discord.

You can join:

• From the top of our website, or

• Via the chat button in the bottom-right corner

Our team is always happy to help you.

You’re now ready to run your Minecraft server — have fun!