How to Make a Minecraft Server (Java & Bedrock)

Updated

A Minecraft server is a program that keeps one world online so your friends can join whenever they like, without anyone's game client having to stay open. You can run it on your own computer, on a rented server, or on a host that manages the machine for you. This guide covers all three, for both Minecraft: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition.

Java Edition or Bedrock Edition

The two editions use different server programs and cannot join each other's servers by default.

  • Java Edition runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and has the largest library of plugins and mods.
  • Bedrock Edition runs on consoles, phones and Windows, and is the right choice if your players are mostly on those devices.

If your group is mixed, run a Java server and add the Geyser plugin, which lets Bedrock players connect to it.

How much RAM you need

Memory is the main thing that decides how many players a server holds.

  • A vanilla server with 4GB handles roughly 10 to 20 players.
  • Most modpacks want 6 to 8GB.
  • Heavy packs such as All the Mods 9 or Create want 10 to 16GB.

Plugin servers sit in between. Start at the low end and move up if the console shows lag spikes or the server runs out of memory.

Option 1: run it on your own computer

This is free but only works while your computer is on, and your home connection limits how many people can join.

  1. Download the server file for your edition from the official Minecraft website.
  2. Install a Java runtime that matches your Minecraft version (Java Edition only). The download page lists which one it needs.
  3. Run the server once. It creates a file called eula.txt and stops.
  4. Open eula.txt, change eula=false to eula=true, and save. This accepts the Minecraft EULA.
  5. Run the server again. It generates the world and a server.properties file.

Java servers listen on TCP port 25565 by default, and Bedrock servers use UDP port 19132. For friends outside your home network to join, you have to forward that port on your router, which also exposes your home IP address. That is the main reason people move to a hosted server.

Settings worth changing in server.properties

  • max-players sets the player limit.
  • gamemode and difficulty set the defaults for new players.
  • pvp turns player-versus-player damage on or off.
  • white-list restricts joining to players you approve.
  • online-mode should stay true so only accounts that own the game can join.

Option 2: use a hosted server on Pyro

On a hosted server the machine, the port and the restarts are handled for you.

  1. Pick a Minecraft plan in the billing portal and check out. Placing the order creates the server.
  2. Open the server in the Game Panel and press Start on the Home screen. The console shows the boot log and the status changes to running when the server is ready.
  3. Open the Networking tab to find your connect address, an IP and port pair such as 123.45.67.89:25565. Give it to your players.
  4. Choose your server software on the Software page: Paper, Spigot, Purpur, Fabric, Quilt, Forge, NeoForge or Vanilla.
  5. Install a modpack from CurseForge or Modrinth in one click from the same page, or upload your own server pack.

Turn on backups before you change software or install mods, since a change reinstalls the server. The first server walkthrough covers the panel in more detail, and mods, plugins and modpacks explains how to add content.

Add crossplay with Geyser

Install the Geyser plugin on a Java server and Bedrock players can join with the same address. Bedrock uses a UDP port, so check the Networking tab for the extra port you need to give them.

Common problems

  • Players cannot connect. Check the address and port in the Networking tab, and confirm the server status is running.
  • The server stops at startup. Read the console. A missing eula.txt agreement and not enough memory for the version or modpack are the two usual causes.
  • Lag with more players. Check memory use, reduce the view distance in server.properties, or move up a RAM tier.

Which should you pick

Run it yourself if you only need a world for a few friends while your computer is on. Choose a hosted server when you want it online around the clock, with DDoS protection, backups and modpack installs handled for you.