Scale-to-Zero Minecraft server with Terraform and Fly Machines

Running a Minecraft server for friends has become an archetypal first foray into the workings of the Internet. For some it’s learning to expose the tender underbelly of a home network to outside connections. For others it’s exploring the world of VMs

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Fly.io
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Dov Alperin
•8 min read•intermediate•
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Overview

This article provides a comprehensive guide on creating a scale-to-zero Minecraft server using Terraform and Fly Machines. It covers the necessary components, setup process, and the benefits of automatically scaling resources based on user activity.

What You'll Learn

1

How to set up a scale-to-zero Minecraft server using Terraform and Fly Machines

2

Why using Terraform simplifies resource provisioning for cloud applications

3

How to configure a Minecraft server to automatically shut down when not in use

Prerequisites & Requirements

  • Terraform installed on your machine
  • Basic understanding of cloud computing concepts(optional)

Key Questions Answered

How does the scale-to-zero feature work in Fly Machines?
The scale-to-zero feature allows the Minecraft server to shut down when no players are connected and automatically restart when a player attempts to connect. This ensures that resources are not wasted during idle times, making it cost-effective.
What components are needed to create a Minecraft server on Fly.io?
To create a Minecraft server on Fly.io, you need Terraform for configuration, Fly Machines for the virtual machine, and a Docker image for the Minecraft server. Additionally, you will set up a Fly Volume for persistent storage and a public IP address for connectivity.
What are the costs associated with running a Minecraft server on Fly.io?
Running a Minecraft server on Fly.io incurs costs based on the resources allocated, such as 4 shared vCPUs and 8GB of RAM. This setup is outside the free tier, making it important to utilize the scale-to-zero feature to minimize expenses when the server is not in use.

Technologies & Tools

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Infrastructure As Code
Terraform
Used to configure and provision the Fly.io resources declaratively.
Virtual Machines
Fly Machines
Provides fast-starting virtual machines for running the Minecraft server.
Containerization
Docker
Used for running the Minecraft server in a containerized environment.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Utilize the scale-to-zero feature to save costs when running cloud applications.
This feature automatically shuts down the server when idle, which is particularly useful for applications with variable usage patterns, such as gaming servers.
2
Leverage Terraform for managing infrastructure as code to streamline deployments.
Using Terraform allows for version control and easy replication of your infrastructure setup, which is beneficial for both development and production environments.
3
Ensure to configure the Autostop feature in your Minecraft server settings.
This feature helps in automatically shutting down the server after a specified period of inactivity, further optimizing resource usage and costs.

Common Pitfalls

1
Failing to configure the server's access controls can lead to unauthorized access.
Without proper access controls, anyone can join the server, which may not be desirable. It's important to set up an allowlist to manage who can connect.
2
Not utilizing the scale-to-zero feature can lead to unexpected costs.
If the server remains active without players, it will incur charges. Configuring the server to shut down when idle is crucial for cost management.

Related Concepts

Infrastructure As Code
Cloud Computing
Docker Containers
Virtual Machines