Running your own Minecraft server means your rules, your plugins, your world, and no player cap set by someone else. This guide covers every step, from picking a version to handing your friends an address they paste straight into the game.
You can run a server on your own PC, but a hosted server stays online 24/7 without tying up your machine or your home connection. If you want the short path, a Vastrox Minecraft plan is pre-configured and online in about a minute.
Java or Bedrock: pick the right edition
The two editions are not cross-compatible by default, so choose based on where your players are.
- Java Edition runs on Windows, macOS and Linux and has the deepest modding scene (Spigot, Paper, Forge, Fabric).
- Bedrock Edition runs on consoles, mobile and Windows 10/11. Use this if your group plays on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch or phones.
Mixed group? Look at Paper plus the Geyser plugin, which lets Bedrock players join a Java server.
What you need
- A version number that matches what your players have installed, for example 1.21.x
- Java 21 if you are self-hosting Java Edition
- 2 GB of RAM for a small vanilla world, 4 GB or more once you add plugins and players
Rule of thumb: budget about 1 GB of RAM per 4 to 6 active players on a plugin server. Modpacks need a lot more.
Step 1: Get the server software
For a plain world, download the official server jar from minecraft.net. For plugins and much better performance, use PaperMC, a drop-in replacement that runs the same worlds far more efficiently. Drop the jar into an empty folder. On a Vastrox server this is already done, so you can jump to configuration.
Step 2: Start it once and accept the EULA
Run the server so it generates its files:
java -Xms2G -Xmx2G -jar server.jar nogui
The first run stops immediately and creates eula.txt. Open it, change eula=false to eula=true, save, and start again. The world generates on the second run.
Step 3: Configure server.properties
This file controls the basics. The settings people change most:
gamemode=survivaldifficulty=normalmax-players=20view-distance=10(drop to 6 to 8 to reduce lag on busy servers)online-mode=true(keep this true so only genuine accounts can join)
Restart after any change.
Step 4: Open the port
Java uses port 25565; Bedrock uses 19132/UDP. If you self-host, forward that port on your router to the machine running the server. On a Vastrox server the port is already open and you get a ready-made address.
Opening ports on a home router also exposes your home IP. A hosted server keeps your address private and adds DDoS filtering, which matters the moment someone decides to attack your server.
Step 5: Add plugins (optional, but worth it)
If you used Paper, drop plugins into the plugins folder and restart. A solid starter set:
- EssentialsX for homes, warps, kits and basic commands
- LuckPerms for ranks and permissions
- CoreProtect to roll back griefing
- Vault as a bridge many plugins rely on
Step 6: Invite your friends
Give players your address. On a hosted server that looks like play.yourname.com or an IP and port. They paste it into Multiplayer, Add Server, and join.
Troubleshooting
"Can't connect to server" usually means the port is closed or the IP is wrong. Confirm the server is running and the firewall allows the port.
"Outdated client/server" means the versions do not match. Line up the client and server versions.
Lag and rubber-banding is almost always RAM or view distance. Lower view-distance, add RAM, and switch to Paper. See How to fix game server lag.
FAQ
How much RAM does a Minecraft server need?
2 GB is fine for a small vanilla world. Plan on 4 GB or more for plugins, and 8 GB and up for heavy modpacks.
Can Bedrock and Java players play together?
Not on the same server by default. Run Paper with the Geyser and Floodgate plugins to let Bedrock players join a Java server.
Do I need a static IP?
No. Most hosts give you a fixed address or a custom subdomain, so players always have one address to use.
Ready to skip the setup? Spin up a Minecraft server and you will have an address to share in about a minute.