To host a Vault Hunters 2nd Edition server, download the separate Second Edition server package for the 1.16.5 Forge modpack, extract it into a clean folder, run the supplied setup helper, accept Minecraft’s EULA, and start the generated server script. You then make the listening port reachable through the host firewall and, for a home connection, the router.
Running a modpack with friends? Godlike.Host offers modded Minecraft server hosting with one-click modpacks (CurseForge, FTB, Technic) and free DDoS protection.
The reliable approach is to keep the server files separate from every client installation, match the client and server pack versions exactly, allocate memory according to the number of concurrent players, and maintain tested backups of the world.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Recommended Free Tools
What you are installing
Vault Hunters Second Edition is the Minecraft 1.16.5 Forge line. CurseForge’s Vault Hunters Official Modpack (Second Edition) listing identifies a distinct server download, separate from the client profile. The server release is listed in the 2022 files index, including a January 11, 2022 entry.
A server archive is not interchangeable with a client instance. Do not copy a player’s CurseForge profile and expect it to become a server. Use the server package that belongs to the exact Second Edition release your players install. Every player should use the same modpack edition and version as the server.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Choose where the server will run
Dedicated computer
A spare desktop or server can run the world continuously without competing with someone playing on the same machine. It still needs a stable network connection, enough memory for the world and Java process, and room for backups and log files.
Your everyday PC
This is the simplest no-cost option, but the machine must reserve memory for the operating system, the Vault Hunters server, and the Minecraft client if you play on it. Do not assign all physical RAM to Java; the host needs headroom for background services and file caching.
Rented virtual machine or managed Minecraft host
A virtual machine gives you administrative control while moving the hardware and internet connection elsewhere. A managed host usually supplies a public endpoint and control panel, but you must confirm that it supports the exact 1.16.5 Forge server pack rather than only vanilla Minecraft or a different Forge version.
Hardware and memory planning
The official Vault Hunters FAQ recommends at least 8,192 MB for the client. Its server guidance uses this planning rule: 4 GB plus 2 GB for every player who will be online at the same time. This is a rule of thumb, not an independent performance guarantee.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Concurrent players | Starting server allocation | How the figure is calculated |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 GB | 4 GB base + 2 GB |
| 2 | 8 GB | 4 GB base + 4 GB |
| 3 | 10 GB | 4 GB base + 6 GB |
| 4 | 12 GB | 4 GB base + 8 GB |
| 5 | 14 GB | 4 GB base + 10 GB |
| 6 | 16 GB | 4 GB base + 12 GB |
Use the row for the maximum number of people likely to be online together, not the total number of players on your whitelist. Leave additional operating-system headroom, especially when the host also runs a client. If the machine has less physical memory than the chosen allocation plus that headroom, reduce the player target or move the server to another host.
Prepare free disk space for the extracted pack, the generated world, Forge logs, and several backup copies. A 64-bit operating system and 64-bit Java are appropriate for a modern modded server; the exact Java build must still be checked against the selected Second Edition archive.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Check Java before you start
Do not automatically install Java 17 because it is mentioned in current Vault Hunters documentation. The official Java 17 requirement applies to Third Edition, which uses Minecraft 1.18.2. The available Second Edition material identifies Minecraft 1.16.5 Forge but does not publish one definitive Java version for every server archive.
After downloading the server package, read its included instructions and the helper documentation. Use the Java version those files specify, and make sure the setup script can find that Java installation. If more than one Java version is installed, verify which executable the script or operating system is using before troubleshooting a launch failure.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Download the matching server package
- Open the CurseForge page for Vault Hunters Official Modpack (Second Edition).
- Select the file identified as the Second Edition server package, not the client profile.
- Record the file name and version. Give that exact information to every player so their client installation can be matched to the server.
- Create a new, dedicated folder for the server. Keep it outside the client’s CurseForge instance and do not place unrelated worlds or modpacks in it.
- Copy the downloaded archive into that folder and extract all of its contents there.
Keeping a clean folder makes updates, permissions checks, and backups much safer. It also prevents a client launcher from overwriting files that the server needs.
Install the server with the supplied files
Windows setup with VH-ServerHelper
- Download the VH-ServerHelper package that corresponds to the Second Edition server instructions.
- Place
vh-setup.batdirectly beside the extracted server files. It should not be in a parent folder or a separate downloads directory. - Run
vh-setup.batand allow it to install the requirements described by the helper. - Wait for the helper to finish creating the launch scripts. A successful setup produces
run.batandrun.shfor later starts.
Unix-like host
Use the extracted files and the Unix instructions included with the archive or helper. The generated run.sh is the subsequent start command. Ensure the script has execute permission according to your operating system, and run it from the server directory so relative paths resolve to the correct files.
Do not mix setup methods
Use the files and scripts supplied for the selected release. Replacing them with scripts from another edition, another Minecraft version, or an unrelated Forge installation can produce missing-mod errors, incompatible registries, or a server that starts with the wrong world configuration.
First launch, EULA, and initial world generation
- Start the generated script once:
run.baton Windows orrun.shon a Unix-like host. - If Minecraft creates an EULA file, read the license. Change
eula=falsetoeula=trueonly if you agree to it. - Start the script again and wait for the console to finish loading Forge and generating the world. The first run can take longer than later starts.
- Stop the server cleanly from its console after it reaches a ready state. Do not close the terminal or kill the Java process while world files are being written.
- Only after this first generation, open
server.properties. The first run creates the file and gives you a complete baseline to edit.
Keep the console visible during this process. A launch that exits immediately usually leaves a Java, permission, path, or missing-file message in the final lines of the log.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Set the server’s basic configuration
Edit server.properties while the server is stopped, then save the file before the next launch. Change only settings you understand and keep a copy of the original file. For a private group, enable the whitelist and add each player through the server console or the administration method provided by the pack. A whitelist prevents an exposed address from becoming an open invitation.
Use the listening port shown in server.properties when configuring your firewall and router. If you change that port, the router rule and the address given to friends must use the same value. Never place operator passwords, console credentials, or other administrative secrets in a public post.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Make the server reachable
On the host computer
- Allow the Java or Forge server process through the operating system’s firewall.
- If the firewall asks for a port, create an inbound rule for the listening port from
server.properties. - Limit the rule to the required network profiles and program where your operating system offers that choice.
- Restart the server and confirm that it is listening before testing from another device.
On a home router
- Give the server computer a stable private address, either with a DHCP reservation or a fixed address configured according to your network’s rules.
- Open the router’s port-forwarding or NAT page.
- Forward the Minecraft listening port to that private address and the same internal port.
- Save the rule, then test from outside your home network. A test from the same LAN may succeed even when internet forwarding is wrong.
Friends outside your home use your public address and the forwarded port. Players on the same LAN normally use the server computer’s private address. The exact menu names differ by router and operating system, so follow those devices’ current firewall and NAT instructions rather than copying a vendor-specific path that may no longer match.
Managed hosting
A managed provider normally supplies the public endpoint and may expose firewall controls in its panel. Upload the exact Second Edition server files or use the provider’s supported installer, then verify the Java runtime, Forge version, memory limit, backups, and restart behavior. “Forge supported” alone is not proof that this particular 1.16.5 pack is supported.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Invite players safely
- Give players the exact Second Edition client version that matches the server.
- Share only the public address and port needed for connection; keep the server console and control-panel credentials private.
- Enable the whitelist before distributing the address if the world is intended for friends only.
- Have one remote player test a connection while you watch the server console. This separates an internet or firewall problem from a client mod mismatch.
If a player can reach the server but is rejected during login, compare the client and server pack versions first. If nobody outside the LAN can see it, check the host firewall, the private address used by the forwarding rule, and whether the router has a public address that accepts inbound connections.
Back up the world and maintain the installation
Make consistent backups
- Tell players to leave the world and stop the server cleanly.
- Copy the complete world directory, not just a single region or player file.
- Include the server version, pack version, and backup date in the backup name.
- Store at least one copy away from the live machine.
- Periodically restore a copy to a separate test folder so you know the backup is usable.
Never copy a live world while Java is actively writing it unless the server’s own backup feature explicitly guarantees a consistent snapshot. A backup that cannot be restored is not protection against corruption or a failed update.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Update cautiously
Keep client and server versions together. Before replacing the production folder, duplicate the entire installation and test the new files against a copy of the world. If the update fails, stop the test server, preserve its logs, and return to the last known-good folder and backup instead of repeatedly changing the live world.
Keep records
Record the downloaded server filename, Java version, memory allocation, listening port, and backup locations. These details make a future migration to another computer or host predictable and reduce guesswork after a failure.
Troubleshooting by symptom
| Symptom | Likely cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The script is missing or the folder contains only client files | The client profile or an incomplete extraction was used | Download the separate Second Edition server package, extract it into a new folder, and run the supplied setup again. |
vh-setup.bat does not create launch scripts |
The helper is not beside the extracted files, or a required runtime cannot be found | Place the batch file in the server root, check its displayed error, and verify the Java version required by that archive. |
| The server exits immediately | EULA not accepted, Java mismatch, permissions problem, or missing files | Read the final console lines, confirm eula=true only after agreeing to the EULA, verify Java, and rerun from the server folder. |
| A client reports missing or extra mods | Client and server are different pack versions or editions | Compare the recorded server filename with every client installation and install the matching Second Edition release. |
| LAN players connect but internet players cannot | Firewall or router forwarding is incomplete | Allow the Java process, forward the configured listening port to the server’s current private address, and test from an external network. |
| The world becomes unstable after an update | The update was applied directly to the only world copy | Stop the server, restore the pre-update backup, and test future changes on a duplicated world first. |
Self-hosting versus managed hosting
| Factor | Self-hosted Second Edition | Managed Minecraft or Forge host |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Official community guidance describes setting up your own server as free when using the supplied files. | Monthly fee; confirm that the plan supports the exact 1.16.5 Forge pack. |
| Control | Full control of files, JVM settings, backups, and access rules. | The provider controls the panel, base image, and some maintenance details. |
| Networking | You handle firewall rules, NAT, public addressing, and uptime. | The provider normally supplies a public endpoint and panel controls. |
| Capacity | Limited by your computer’s memory, processor, storage, and upload connection. | Choose a plan by its advertised memory and player capacity, then verify the actual limits. |
| Maintenance | You perform updates, backups, and recovery. | Some plans automate installation or backups; confirm exactly what is included. |
Use the official memory rule as the minimum comparison point when evaluating a hosted plan, and leave room for the operating system or provider overhead rather than buying a plan that exactly matches the calculated figure.
Quick Recap
Final pre-launch checklist
- The downloaded file is the official Vault Hunters Second Edition server package, not a client profile.
- The archive is extracted into its own folder.
- The setup helper is beside the extracted files and has produced
run.batorrun.sh. - The Java runtime matches the instructions for the selected Second Edition build; Java 17 was not assumed from Third Edition documentation.
- The EULA is accepted only if you agree to it.
- Memory is sized for the maximum simultaneous player count, with host headroom.
- The server has completed one clean world-generation run.
- The firewall allows the server process, and home hosting has a correct NAT rule.
- The whitelist and player permissions are configured before the address is shared.
- A stopped-server backup exists away from the live machine.
- Client and server pack versions are recorded and match.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
