If you are looking to host your very own Minecraft server, you have come to the right place! Making a server is easy, all you need to do is install a server, and we will handle the rest of the setup for you. Now, making a server can be daunting, but not to worry, we have all the answers you need to take your first steps into hosting a server!

For those who don’t know what hosting a server is like, you should check out our Dedicated Server Hosting 101 for all your questions about dedicated servers. Otherwise, read on to learn how to host your very own server for Minecraft: Java Edition.

What is Minecraft: Java Edition?

This classic game is arguably a legendary game, with the simple premise of mining and crafting, hence Minecraft. It’s an expansive, procedurally generated world that changes with each new game, so not one world is the same as the last. Perfect for the multiplayer experience as you and your group expand and build grand structures and conquer the world.

One major aspect of Minecraft is how easy it is to modify the game, from small yet basic tweaks to expansive changes introduced with mods. It’s because of how easy it is to mod the game that a collection of mods - also called a modpack - has garnered so much attention. Add these to your multiplayer server and you will have hours upon hours of fun!

What do I need to start a server?

To get started with a Minecraft server, all you need to do is install a Minecraft server, then once it has finished installing, you can start it up!

There are a number of options available for Minecraft servers. The following options are available for a vanilla Minecraft: Java Edition server:

  • Minecraft - Vanilla Minecraft, plain and simple.
  • Minecraft Snapshot - Bleeding edge versions of Vanilla Minecraft. Get ahead of the latest updates!

How do I join my server?

Once you have a server created, press the Start button and the server will start loading. Vanilla Minecraft servers will only take a few seconds to load, but for modpack servers, it is recommended that you wait a few minutes so the game can get everything ready. You will know when the server is ready to join when the message “Done!” appears in the Console.

To join the server, you will need the following:

  • A copy of Minecraft: Java Edition
  • The matching version of Minecraft: Java Edition installed
    • If a vanilla server has 1.21.1 installed, you will want to install this version of the game.
    • For modded servers, make sure that all versions of mods installed match the server.
    • Modpacks allow for easily matching mod versions. Make sure the same modpack version is installed.
  • A stable internet connection to play on the server.

Once you have all of the above installed, you are ready to join! Start the game, then click on the Multiplayer menu and click on Add Server. Copy over the friendly address or the IP address with the port, then click on Add Server again to add it to the menu. Click on the server and press Join Server to connect!

On the left is the friendly address, and on the right is the IP address with the port.

Can I change the settings on my server?

Yes, there are a few ways to change the settings available on a server. These will be through commands such as /difficulty, /gamerule, or with the server.properties file. Let’s go over some basic settings that some people may want to use.

Change Difficulty

There are two ways to go about changing difficulties. The first way is quickly done with /difficulty, changing what difficulty the server is running. However, this change is not saved to the server. For a more persistent solution, change difficulty in the server.properties file, save changes, then restart the server.

Keep inventory on death

Some people may not want to lose their items on death. This can be switched with a game rule called keepInventory (1.4.2-1.21.10) or keep_inventory (1.21.11+). Using the /gamerule command, we can change this setting to true, and the change will be immediately applied. Game rules are saved per world, so once it is set, it will stay this way after a restart.

Change game mode

By default, all Minecraft servers will be in Survival mode. If you want to change the game mode, an individual player can change game modes using the /gamemode command. You can run the command on yourself if you have permission, or someone else can give permission with /gamemode <mode> <player>.

The default game mode can also be set in server.properties, but this will only apply to new players. Change the gamemode to the desired mode, then restart the server to apply the game mode to all players. If you want everyone to stay in one game mode without changing, set force-gamemode to true, and players will only be able to use that game mode.

Hardcore mode is a special setting that is applied on world creation. This means that once a server is set to Hardcore, it will not be easy to change back. Set hardcore in server.properties to true, then create a new world by changing level-name and restart the server. Anyone that dies will be banned.

How do I become an admin/operator?

Minecraft’s form of server admin is referred to as “Operator” and players that are set as an operator can access all cheats and commands. To make a player an operator, use the op command in your server’s Console, such as op <player>. Once run, the player will immediately become an operator and they can use any command.

This message will appear when a player is successfully made an Operator.

You should always be careful when making players an operator. Only grant operator permissions to those you trust.

How do I add mods to my Minecraft: Java Edition server?

There are a variety of ways to add mods to a server! One of the easiest ways to mod a server is to select a premade modpack from the server installer. When creating a Minecraft server, scroll down to the bottom of the Minecraft page, then use the menu below to pick a modpack. Select one of the many options here, and your server will be ready in a couple clicks. It’s just that easy!

Quick and easy installation of any modpack you want! Simply search for a name and click any of the modpacks listed to make a server. Here, we are searching for any packs with “all the mods” in the name.

But if you are looking for a more custom experience, there is another way to set up a modded server. These options are best for those who have their very own modpack that they would like to play with:

  • Minecraft Forge - Create a blank Minecraft Forge server for custom modpacks.
  • Minecraft Fabric - Create a blank Minecraft Fabric server for custom modpacks.
  • Minecraft NeoForge - Create a blank Minecraft NeoForge server for custom modpacks

Another way to mod a server is with Plugins. These operate similar to a vanilla server, but plugins allow for modifying a server without requiring players to install content:

  • Spigot - Create a blank Spigot server for Spigot-compatible plugins.
  • CraftBukkit - Create a blank CraftBukkit server for CraftBukkit-compatible plugins.
  • PaperMC - Create a blank PaperMC server for PaperMC-compatible plugins.

If you use any of these templates above, you can upload files to the server using SFTP. For mods, follow this guide to install a modpack or your own mods to a server, and for plugins, check out this guide on installing plugins.

Can Minecraft: Bedrock Edition players join my server?

Unlike Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, Java Edition is primarily available only on PCs. Due to this difference, Java Edition players are unable to play with Bedrock Edition. This means that mods are only available on Java Edition, while Addons are not available.

That’s not to say it is impossible. Thanks to plugins, it’s possible for Bedrock Edition players to join a Java Edition server. The server is limited to what is available via datapacks and plugins, but allows for further crossplay. Check out our handy guide on setting up a Java Edition server for Bedrock Edition compatibility. Do be aware that plugins are third-party modifications and compatibility may not be perfect.

How can I start my own Minecraft: Java Edition server?

I am glad you asked because you are also in the right place! First, purchase one of our affordable plans to create a server. Memory requirements for a Minecraft: Java Edition will vary depending on modpacks, so check out our curated list of modpacks to find the right plan for you, or feel free to reach out to support for help on picking the right plan.