How to make a Minecraft server

1. Decide where it will run

You have two real options. Both run the same server software; the difference is who keeps the machine online.

Hosting at home is great for trying things out with one or two friends while you're playing anyway. If people want to log in while you're asleep, or more than a handful of players join, a host is less hassle.

2. Pick your server software

This is the choice that matters most, because plugins and mods only work on the software they were made for.

• Paper is a faster drop-in replacement for Vanilla that runs Bukkit and Spigot plugins (EssentialsX, LuckPerms, WorldEdit, CoreProtect…). Players join with a normal, unmodded client. Most SMPs should start here.
• Fabric loads mods. It's lightweight, updates to new Minecraft versions quickly and has excellent performance mods. Players usually need the same mods installed.
• Forge also loads mods and is behind many large, content-heavy modpacks.
• Vanilla is Mojang's own server with nothing added.

Our Paper vs Fabric vs Forge comparison goes deeper. If your friends play on phones or consoles, you need a Bedrock server instead.

3a. Running it on your own computer

1. Install the right Java. Minecraft 1.20.5 and newer need Java 21 or later; 1.18 to 1.20.4 need Java 17; 1.12 to 1.16 run on Java 8. Install a 64-bit build such as Eclipse Temurin. If the server stops with UnsupportedClassVersionError, your Java is too old for that Minecraft version.
2. Download the server jar into an empty folder: Vanilla from minecraft.net, Paper from papermc.io, Fabric's server launcher from fabricmc.net, or the Forge installer from minecraftforge.net (run it with --installServer).
3. Create a start script so you can set the memory. On Windows make start.bat, on macOS or Linux start.sh:

   java -Xms4G -Xmx4G -jar server.jar nogui

   Our startup command generator writes a tuned version for you, including Aikar's flags.
4. Run it once. It creates eula.txt and stops. Open it, read Mojang's EULA, change eula=false to eula=true, and run the script again. When you see Done (…)! For help, type "help", it's up.
5. Join from the same PC using the address localhost.
6. Let friends in. In your router, forward TCP port 25565 to your PC's local IP and allow Java through your firewall. Friends connect to your public IP. If your ISP uses CGNAT, port forwarding won't work and you'll need a host or a tunnelling service.

3b. Running it on a host

A host does steps 1, 2, 4 and 6 for you. On NS5 it looks like this:

1. Open the order page, choose Minecraft: Java Edition and pick Paper, Purpur, Fabric, Forge or Vanilla.
2. Choose a size. 4 GB is a good default for friends; our RAM calculator helps if you're unsure.
3. Pay, or start the free trial. The server installs itself in about a minute with the EULA already accepted.
4. Copy the address shown at the top of your server page and share it.

You can change the Minecraft version in the Startup tab and switch between Paper, Fabric, Forge and Vanilla in Settings later.

4. Settings to change before people join

These live in server.properties (on NS5, the Server Settings tab gives you a form with a live MOTD preview). Restart after changing them.

The server.properties generator explains every common setting and writes the file for you.

5. Make yourself an operator

From the server console (not in game), run op YourName. Operators can use commands like /gamemode, /whitelist and /ban. Only op people you trust completely.

6. What to do next

• Set up automatic backups before anyone builds anything important.
• Add a few plugins such as CoreProtect (rollback griefing) and LuckPerms (permissions).
• Pre-generate the world with Chunky so exploring doesn't cause lag. See fixing server lag.
• Running a survival community? Follow our SMP setup guide.

Common questions