DDSS2 Server Setup Guide: Step-by-Step

This guide explains how to set up a dedicated server for Dungeons & Dragons and Space Shuttles 2 (DDSS2), a modded Minecraft pack. You’ll learn the exact steps to install, configure, and launch a stable server for you and your friends, including hardware recommendations and common troubleshooting fixes.

Background: What Is DDSS2?

DDSS2 is a popular modpack for Minecraft that combines the exploration and building of the base game with the challenge of surviving on a hostile alien planet. It includes over 200 mods, such as tech progression, space travel, and advanced automation. Because of its complexity, running a dedicated server is often better than using a single-player world with LAN, as it allows multiple players to join at any time without the host needing to be online.

The pack is distributed through the CurseForge launcher and requires a specific version of Minecraft (typically 1.12.2) and Forge. The server files are separate from the client files, and you must download the server pack separately from the client pack.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before Starting

A computer or VPS with at least 4 GB of RAM dedicated to the server (8 GB recommended for 4+ players).
Java 8 (64-bit) installed – the modpack is built on Java 8 and will not run on newer versions without compatibility issues.
A copy of the DDSS2 server files – available from the CurseForge page under the “Files� tab, look for the “Server� download.
Port forwarding access on your router if hosting from home, or a firewall rule on your VPS.
A text editor like Notepad++ or VS Code to edit configuration files.

Step-by-Step Installation

Download the server files from the CurseForge page. The file is usually a ZIP archive named something like ddss2-server-1.0.0.zip.
Extract the ZIP to a dedicated folder, e.g., C:\DDSS2Server on Windows or /home/user/ddss2 on Linux.
Run the installer – inside the folder you’ll find a file called server-installer.jar or installer.bat. Double-click it (or run java -jar server-installer.jar) to download the necessary mods and libraries.
Accept the EULA – after the installer finishes, open eula.txt and change eula=false to eula=true.
Start the server – run start.bat (Windows) or start.sh (Linux). The first launch will generate the world and may take several minutes.
Configure server.properties – edit this file to set your server name, port (default 25565), and other settings like difficulty and spawn protection.

Configuration and Optimization

After the first launch, you’ll want to tweak a few settings for performance and gameplay. Open server.properties and consider these changes:

view-distance – set to 8 or lower to reduce memory usage.
max-tick-time – set to -1 to prevent the server from shutting down if it lags (common with modded packs).
online-mode – set to true for official authentication, or false if you want cracked clients (not recommended).

Also, in the config folder, you can adjust mod-specific settings. For example, in config\ftbquests\quests you can edit quest rewards, and in config\draconicevolution you can tweak energy storage values. Always back up the config files before editing.

Common Problems and Fixes

Server won’t start or crashes with “OutOfMemoryError� – increase the RAM in the startup script. Edit start.bat and change -Xmx4G to -Xmx8G (or more if you have it).
Players can’t connect – ensure port 25565 is forwarded in your router, and check your firewall allows Java. For VPS, open the port in the provider’s control panel.
Lag spikes – reduce view-distance, disable any resource-heavy mods like OptiFine on the server (it’s client-only), and make sure you’re using a solid-state drive (SSD).
“Mods not found� error – make sure you downloaded the server pack, not the client pack. The server pack includes the mods in a mods folder; if missing, re-download and re-extract.

Hardware and Hosting Options

You have two main ways to host: on your own PC or on a rented VPS. Hosting on your own PC is free but requires a good internet connection (at least 10 Mbps upload) and leaves your PC running 24/7. A VPS is more reliable and often faster, but costs money. For a small group (2-5 players), a VPS with 4 vCPUs and 8 GB RAM is a good starting point. Popular options include providers like OVH, Hetzner, or AWS Lightsail, but any provider that gives you root access and a recent Linux distribution works.

Safety and Backup

Always keep backups of your world. The server creates a world folder that contains all player data and terrain. To back up, stop the server and copy that folder to another location. You can automate this with a script that runs daily. Also, be careful when editing config files – a syntax error can prevent the server from starting. If that happens, revert to the backup you made before editing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install the modpack on the server separately?

Yes, the server files are separate from the client. Download the server pack from the CurseForge page and follow the installation steps above. The client pack is only for players joining.

Can I run the server on a Raspberry Pi?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. DDSS2 is very demanding, and a Pi’s ARM processor and limited RAM (usually 4-8 GB) will struggle to keep up, resulting in severe lag. Stick to a x86_64 machine with at least 8 GB RAM.

How do I whitelist players?

Edit whitelist.json in the server folder. Add entries like {"uuid": "player-uuid", "name": "player-name"}. To get a player’s UUID, use a service like mcuuid.net. Alternatively, use the in-game command /whitelist add <player> if you have op permissions.

Why is my server using 100% CPU?

This is common during world generation, especially with modded packs. If it persists after the world is fully generated, check for entities or machines that are lagging. Use the /lagg command (if the pack includes it) to find problem areas, and consider reducing the view-distance.

Can I use a hosting provider instead of doing it myself?

Yes, many Minecraft hosting companies offer one-click installs for modpacks like DDSS2. This is easier but costs more and gives you less control. If you choose this route, you’ll still need to configure the server settings, but the provider handles the technical setup.

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