Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRun a Mindustry server in Docker with Docker Compose, publish port 6567 over both TCP and UDP, and mount a persistent volume at /data. Then start the container, attach to its console, and use host <mapname> [mode] to begin a game. Decide first whether the server is for your local network or players connecting over the Internet: public access also requires router port forwarding and firewall rules.
Antihost offers Linux VPS plans with full root access, unlimited traffic on a 1 Gbps port and a 14-day free trial.
What the Docker server does
Mindustry’s dedicated server is a standalone, headless version of the game: it runs the multiplayer session without opening the game’s graphical interface. The official Mindustry servers guide describes starting a downloaded server with java -jar [server].jar and using host <mapname> [mode] to launch a game. Docker packages that server process in a container and gives you a repeatable way to start it, connect to its console, and update its image.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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 →This guide uses the ghcr.io/skint007/mindustry-server image as an example. Its README is the authority for the image’s current tag, paths, and supported configuration. The Compose service below uses the main tag shown in that project’s example; because a branch-style tag can change, check the README and choose a tag deliberately before deploying.
Choose LAN-only or public access
A server can be reachable only from devices on your home network, or it can accept connections from players outside that network. These are different network setups, not just different addresses to share.
#1 Best Overall
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
- LAN-only: Use this when everyone playing is on the same local network. A LAN-focused Docker project documents binding the service to a configured LAN IPv4 address rather than to every host interface. Its exact configuration is project-specific, so follow that project’s instructions rather than assuming the Compose example below enforces LAN-only access.
- Public Internet: In addition to publishing the container ports, allow the traffic through the host firewall and forward the ports through your router to the Docker host. The Mindustry FAQ says players outside the local network need port forwarding and the host’s IP address. Avoid sharing a private LAN address with remote players as though it were a public endpoint.
If you are unsure, begin with a local-network test. Publish the server more broadly only after you have configured the firewall and router deliberately.
Create the Compose file
Install Docker Engine and the Docker Compose plugin on the machine that will host the game, then create a directory for the server and save this as compose.yaml inside it:
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteservices:
mindustry-server:
image: ghcr.io/skint007/mindustry-server:main
container_name: mindustry-server
restart: unless-stopped
ports:
- "6567:6567/tcp"
- "6567:6567/udp"
volumes:
- mindustry-data:/data
stdin_open: true
tty: true
volumes:
mindustry-data:The mapping publishes Mindustry’s default port, 6567, for both TCP and UDP. Publishing only one protocol can leave players unable to connect reliably. The named volume keeps the image’s /data directory outside the replaceable container; the example image stores saves, maps, mods, and configuration there. stdin_open and tty keep an interactive console available for administration. restart: unless-stopped tells Docker to restart the service after a failure or host restart unless you have explicitly stopped it.
Do not assume every Mindustry image uses the same internal directory or console behavior. Confirm those details in the selected image’s README before changing images or adapting this file. In particular, keep the data mount aimed at the location that image uses for persistent server files.
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 16GB with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (16GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
Start the server and host a game
- Start the Compose service. From the directory containing
compose.yaml, rundocker compose up -d. The-doption leaves the service running in the background. - Check that the container is running. Run
docker psand look formindustry-server. If it exited, inspect its output withdocker logs mindustry-serverbefore trying to join. - Attach to the server console. Run
docker attach mindustry-server. Enter server commands in this console; the image README documentshelp,status,maps all, andstop. - Start a map and mode. Enter
host Glacier survivalto host the map named Glacier in survival mode. In general, the server command ishost <mapname> [mode]; use a map name available on that server and a supported mode. - Give players the right address. On the same LAN, players connect using the Docker host’s local network address. Remote players need the public-facing address and a working router forward and firewall allowance for port
6567on both protocols.
Attaching connects your terminal to the server’s interactive console. Do not treat closing that terminal as a server-management command: use the Docker controls you intend, and check the image README for its console behavior. The server process and the container are separate from the terminal window used to administer them.
Configure hosting and administer players
You can host manually after startup, or configure the example image to issue a host command automatically. Its README documents this console command for automatic hosting:
Recommended Free Tools
config startCommands host Glacier survivalTo clear that setting, use config startCommands "". Confirm the result in the console and verify that the chosen map exists; an automatic command cannot host a map the server cannot find.
The official Mindustry command reference documents these administration commands:
Rank #3
- CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Essentials Starter Kit
playerslists connected players;kickandbanremove or block players, whileunbanreverses a ban.whitelistmanages the whitelist, andadminmanages administrator status.save,load,saves, andloadautosavelet an operator manage saved games and autosaves.
The reference also lists configurable options including server name, desc, port, startCommands, logging, strict, and antiSpam. The exact syntax and accepted values belong to Mindustry’s command reference; check it before changing a setting rather than guessing at a value.
Keep saves, maps, mods, and settings
The named mindustry-data volume is the persistence boundary in this setup. Recreating or updating the container does not remove the files held in that volume. Removing the volume, however, can erase the server’s persistent data, so do not add the Compose option -v to a removal command unless you intentionally want to delete the associated volume.
Add a custom map
For the example image, copy the custom .msav map file into config/maps/ within the persistent data directory, then run reloadmaps in the server console. Check the image README for how to access or identify that data directory on your host; do not assume a host path when you are using a named volume.
Add a mod
Copy the mod’s .jar file into config/mods/ in the persistent data directory, then restart the server so it can load the mod. Confirm mod compatibility with the Mindustry version you are running. The available sources do not establish compatibility for particular mods or versions.
Rank #4
- All-in-One Complete Kit: This SANOOV RPi 5 bundle comes with Raspberry Pi 5 4GB RAM single board, active cooler, durable ABS case and screwdriver. No extra parts needed, ready to use right out of the box for beginners and hobbyists
- Powerful Single Board Computer: Equipped with 4GB RAM and high-performance processor, delivers fast running speed for 4K playback, AI projects, programming and daily computing tasks. SANOOV for raspberry pi 5 4GB is equipped with broadcom 64 quad-core Arm Cortex A76 processor with gigabit ethernet and upgraded with IEEE 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 dual-band 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz and Power Over Ethernet (POE). Upgrading delivers 2-3 x speed vs Pi 4, redefining the experience
- Efficient Active Cooler: Effectively lowers operating temperature and prevents performance throttling. Runs quietly even under long-time heavy load, ensures stable operation all day long. SANOOV RPi 5 4GB kit offer an active cooler, which combines an aluminium heatsink with a high-performance PWM fan. Active cooler is fully compatible with the Pi OS, which can effectively reduce the temperature of RPi5 and ensure its good performance during long-term high load operation
- Sturdy ABS Protective Case: Well-fitted for Raspberry Pi 5 board, can be secured with 4 screws to effectively protect the Pi 5 motherboard from damage, reserves full access to all ports and buttons. SANOOV uses ABS material to produce the case, which has a softer texture and feel. Meanwhile, SANOOV case adopts a layered design for easy disassembly and installation. (Tip: The Case cannot install M.2 HAT Add on Board and Solid State Drive!)
- Wide Application & Full Compatibility: Seamlessly compatible with official OS and mainstream peripheral accessories for Raspberry Pi 5. Whether you are a beginner, student, electronics hobbyist or professional developer, this all-in-one kit meets your diverse needs. It excels in IoT projects, robotics design, retro gaming devices, home media servers and other DIY creations. Backed by a large global community, you can easily find guides, technical support and shared projects online
Back up before changing versions
Back up the persistent data before changing the Mindustry version or container image tag. The LAN-focused Docker project documents tar-based backup and restore procedures for its data directory; use its instructions if you deploy that project. Backup commands and host paths vary with the chosen image and volume setup, so verify your own restore procedure rather than assuming that a copy of the Compose file is a backup of your saves.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Update the image without discarding data
For the example image, the documented update sequence is:
- Back up the persistent data.
- From the directory containing the Compose file, run
docker compose pullto fetch the configured image. - Run
docker compose up -dto recreate the service using the pulled image. - Check that the container starts, attach to the console, and verify that the game can be hosted and that the expected saves, maps, mods, and settings are present.
Keep mindustry-data:/data in place during an ordinary image update. Changing the image tag selects a different container image; it should not be used as a substitute for a backup or as a way to reset the persistent data. The LAN project’s alternative update method changes a configured MINDUSTRY_VERSION and rebuilds, which is specific to that project and is not required by the example image.
Networking checks when players cannot connect
Mindustry’s default endpoint is port 6567 over TCP and UDP. The official server guide specifically tells Windows operators to allow both protocols through the firewall. A successful container start does not prove that the host firewall, router, or external network path is configured correctly.
Best Value
- 【What you Get】You will get 1*Pi 5 8GB Single Board,1*RasTech Case,1*Active Cooler,1*Screwdriver,1*Installation instructions,12-month free warranty, lifetime service, 24-hour prompt and friendly response.
- 【More Connectors】There are two USB 3.0 ports(5Gbps simultaneously) and two USB 2.0 ports, which triple total bandwidth ,support any combination of up to two cameras or displays. Peak SD card performance is doubled through support for the SDR104 high-speed mode. It provides a smooth desktop experience for you. Offer Gigabit Ethernet and a PCIe interface, along with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0/BLE wireless capability. The RasTech Pi 5 Kit use the new 27W 5.1V 5A USB-C power connector.
- 【 Support Dual 4Kp60 Display 】Each of the two microHDMI sockets can control a 4K display at 60 Hertz, now support HDR, offering super HD video for media streaming projects. RPi 5 is the first RPi model that comes with a PCI Express port (PCIe 2.0 x1 with 500 MB/s) to attach SSDs (requires separate M.2 HAT).
- 【 Excellent Chips And Applications】Pi 5 is a full-size Pi computer using silicon built in-house at Pi. The RP1 “southbridge” provides the bulk of the I/O capabilities for Pi 5. Pi 5 is more friendly and convenient in the development of Internet of Things, Web development, machine identification, automatic control and other electronic equipment applications and network.
- 【 Faster CPU, Better GPU 】 Pi 5 features a Broadcom BCM2712 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz, it delivers a 2–3× increase in CPU performance relative to RaspberryPi 4. The 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU is compatible to OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, substantial uplift in graphics performance. Pi 5 Offers lightning-fast CPU speed, a PCI Express interface, a Real Time Clock (RTC) and a power button and runs significantly cooler than Pi 4.
- Players on the same network cannot join: Check that the container is running, both protocol mappings appear in Compose, the host firewall allows the traffic, and players are using the host’s LAN address rather than a container-internal address.
- LAN players can join but remote players cannot: The likely missing piece is outside Docker. Check the router’s port-forwarding rule to the host’s current LAN address and allow both TCP and UDP through the host firewall. Then share the public-facing address with remote players.
- The server is intended to be LAN-only: Check that the deployment binds to the intended LAN IPv4 address rather than exposing the listener on every host interface. The LAN-focused project documents listener checks for port
6567; follow its instructions if using that project. - The container starts but does not host a match: Attach to the console, check
statusandmaps all, and issue a validhostcommand. If usingstartCommands, confirm the named map exists.
Choose an image, storage style, and host
| Decision | Option | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Who can connect? | LAN-only | Limit access to the local network; a LAN-focused project documents binding to a configured LAN IPv4 address. Follow the selected project’s network configuration. |
| Who can connect? | Public Internet | Requires router port forwarding and firewall allowances for TCP and UDP port 6567, in addition to Docker’s published ports. |
| How is Mindustry packaged? | Dedicated-server image | Compose manages the image and service. Verify its tag, data path, and console details in its README. |
| How is Mindustry packaged? | Self-managed server JAR | The official guide describes running the server with Java using java -jar [server].jar. You manage the Java installation and process rather than using the example image’s setup. |
| Where are files stored? | Named volume | The example keeps persistent data in Docker’s named volume, separate from the replaceable container. Backups require access to that volume’s data. |
| Where are files stored? | Bind mount | Files reside at a host path you select. The supplied image example uses a named volume; a bind-mount path and its permissions are not specified there. |
| When does a match start? | Manual console command | An operator issues host <mapname> [mode] after startup. |
| When does a match start? | startCommands |
The example image can be configured to host a selected map and mode after startup; the command is image-specific. |
| Where does it run? | Home machine or Raspberry Pi | Home hardware avoids a separate hosting service but makes availability and network setup your responsibility. The Mindustry FAQ says a dedicated server can run on a Raspberry Pi with the correct Java version; it does not specify a model-specific player limit or performance figure. |
| Where does it run? | VPS | A VPS can provide a host reachable over the Internet, but the supplied sources do not establish a provider, cost, or minimum specification. You still need to configure networking, persistent storage, backups, and updates. |
There is no sourced player-capacity benchmark here for a particular CPU, Pi model, or VPS size. The LAN-focused project’s documented default MAX_PLAYERS=32 is an example configuration value, not a universal Mindustry limit or a guarantee that a given machine can support 32 players.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Operational improvements and limits
The LAN-oriented Docker project also documents health checks, resource limits, non-root operation, and optional systemd startup. These can be useful ways to make a server easier to monitor or manage, but they are implementation-specific patterns rather than requirements of Mindustry. Apply them only with the corresponding project’s configuration and an understanding of how that image stores data and runs its process.
Whichever setup you choose, verify the basics after a restart or update: the container is running, the server console responds, the intended map can be hosted, persistent files remain available, and the network path matches the audience you intend to serve.
Quick Recap
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.
