Running your own Lineage 2 server is very doable, even for a home test setup. This is the modern, high-level version of the classic guide — the tools changed, the flow did not.
What you need
- Java (JDK) — the version your chosen pack requires (older packs need Java 8; modern forks need newer).
- MySQL or MariaDB — the database engine.
- A database client — DBeaver or HeidiSQL (the modern replacements for the old Navicat everyone used).
- An L2J server pack for your chronicle — e.g. aCis (Interlude) or L2jMobius (many chronicles).
- The matching game client for players to connect with.
Steps
- Install the JDK, then MySQL/MariaDB, then your DB client.
- Create the two databases the pack expects (login + game) and a DB user.
- Run the pack's database installer to build the tables.
- Edit the config files: database credentials, and the server/external IP (use
127.0.0.1for a local test). - Start the login server, then the game server.
- Point your client to your IP and log in. Create a GM account and you are live.
Going public
- Set your external IP correctly so players outside your network can connect.
- Add geodata and protection before you open to the public.
- Then list your server on L2TopZone to attract your first players and votes.
FAQ
What software do I need?
A JDK, MySQL or MariaDB, a database client (DBeaver/HeidiSQL) and an L2J server pack for your chronicle.
Which pack should a beginner use?
aCis for Interlude, or L2jMobius which supports many chronicles.
How do players connect from outside my network?
Set the external/public IP in the config; 127.0.0.1 only works for local testing.