How to make a Minecraft server (Java Edition)

There are two ways to get your own server: run it on your own PC, or pay a host to run it for you. This guide covers both.

Option A: host it on your own PC

This is free and teaches you a lot. It also has real drawbacks, listed below.

1. Install Java. Check which Java version your Minecraft version needs, then install it from a reputable vendor such as Adoptium. Check it with java -version in a terminal.
2. Download the server jar from the official Minecraft website (minecraft.net). Only download it from there. Jars from random sites can contain malware.
3. Put it in its own empty folder, for example MinecraftServer. The server creates a lot of files.
4. Run it once. Open a terminal in that folder and run java -Xmx2G -Xms2G -jar server.jar nogui. The -Xmx2G part gives the server 2 GB of memory. The first run stops quickly and creates eula.txt.
5. Accept the EULA. Change eula=false to eula=true in eula.txt. Read the agreement first.
6. Start it again. This time it makes your world. When you see "Done", it is running. Join from the same PC with localhost in the multiplayer menu.
7. Change settings in server.properties, such as game mode, difficulty and max players. Restart after editing.
8. Let friends in. Forward TCP port 25565 on your router to your PC. The steps differ for every router. Friends then join using your public IP address.

Things to know about self-hosting

• Your PC must stay on. If it shuts down, sleeps or loses its connection, the server goes offline. The game and the server also compete for memory and CPU.
• Port forwarding opens your home network. Keep Java and the server up to date, use a whitelist (white-list=true in server.properties) and forward only the port you need. Your home IP address is shared with everyone who joins, and it can change unless you set up dynamic DNS.
• Upload speed matters. Home broadband often uploads much slower than it downloads, which can lag your players.

Option B: use a hosting service

A host runs the server on its own machines, so you skip Java, port forwarding and leaving your PC on.

1. Choose a plan. KrillCloud plans start from £6 a month. Player slots are never capped or charged for. Servers run in London with DDoS protection. See the plans page, and the RAM guide if you are unsure which to pick.
2. Start your server. Follow your first server in 5 minutes.
3. Change common settings on the Server Settings page, such as game mode, difficulty and max players, without editing files.
4. Add plugins, mods or a modpack from the panel. See installing plugins, mods and modpacks.
5. Share the address from your welcome email. Friends can join whether or not your PC is on. See connect to your server.

Which should you pick?

Self-host if you want to learn, play now and then with a few friends, and are happy to look after your own network.

Use a host if you want the server on around the clock, plan to run mods, have a bigger group, or would rather not open your home network.

If you start on your PC and later want to move, see upload a world and move your world.