Create a server Maincrafter everyone can - this gives you the opportunity to gain access to your own world in which you can play with friends and set special rules. Other people's servers often have many disadvantages that prevent you from getting the most out of the game. For version 1.20.51 exist 4 the best way to create a Minecraft server for free.
This guide contains all the necessary information about creating and setting up your server. Read on and find out how to make a Minecraft server with mods.
In a separate guide, how to play minecraft online with friends.
Why create your own server in Minecraft
We list main advantages your own Minecraft world and why it is important to learn how to create your own personal server:
Someone else's server |
Your own server |
Lots of unknown players. | You can play with a limited group of friends. |
There are not enough valuable resources. | You start in a new world with a supply of materials. |
The best and most beautiful places are densely built up. | All space is available for construction. |
Uninteresting or stupid mods are used. | You can customize the modifications for yourself. |
A world wipe or server shutdown may occur at any moment. | The creator controls the backup and operation of the server. |
It is unknown how long the current world will exist. | The administrator completely controls the life of his world. |
The administration does not notice cheaters and griefers. | You can ban and punish players at your discretion. |
How to make a server in Minecraft
Minecraft is a very popular game, so there are many ways available to create servers. The variety of options gives you flexibility, which allows you to adapt to a specific situation, based on your finances, PC power and the computer systems of your friends. In the following paragraphs we will examine in detail top 4 instructions to create your own server in Minecraft.
Creating a Server Using Realms
Minecraft Realms is the official built-in system for creating and maintaining your own server. The purchased subscription allows you to quickly, efficiently and reliably create your own world for playing with friends. This method seems the most attractive, but it has both advantages and disadvantages:
pros | Cons |
24/7 server | Limit to 11 players. |
Free for all guests. | The administrator must sign up for a paid subscription. |
You can create up to 3 worlds. | You cannot use third-party modifications. |
There is a free trial period of 30 days. | You need to buy the official game. |
The server works around the clock. | You can only play on the latest version. |
Excellent performance. |
Before you try Realms, it is important to understand the following things:
- You can create a server in both Java and Bedrock versions.
- There is an option to try a Realms subscription for free.
- The set of available functions will depend on the option chosen.
The main differences between the Realms subscription versions are:
Functions | Java Edition (Realms) | Bedrock Edition (Realms) | Bedrock Edition (Realms Plus) |
---|---|---|---|
Price | $ 7.99 | $ 3.99 | $ 7.99 |
Man on the server | 11 | 3 | 11 |
Market support | No | Yes | Yes |
Free content from the market | No | No | More than 150 offers per month |
User Content | Includes free content from the community | No | No |
Next, we’ll tell you in more detail how to make a Realms subscription:
- Go to the official Minecraft website and buy the desired version of the game.
- On the site you can also learn more about paid subscriptions and try Java Realms for free.
- Version Java Edition the transition to creating a server is in the main menu.
- Next, all you have to do is buy a subscription or try its free temporary version.
- В Bedrock Edition click on the button "Market"to find a paid subscription to the server.
- Go to the second tab - unlike the Java Edition, there are two different subscription versions available here.
- Choose the appropriate option, then buy it or sign up for a trial period.
- After gaining access to the subscription, all that remains is to create a new Realms server.
Let's show you the easiest way to change the Realms world:
- Log into the game and navigate to your pre-made worlds.
- Find the Realms server, then click on the pencil icon - the quick settings menu will open.
- You will see a list of all current worlds (the active map is ticked) - to change the world, click on the desired icon, then select the item with activation.
- If everything was done correctly, the green checkmark will change its position - after that you can enter the game.
Other ways to change the current server world are presented in the video:
Instructions on how to invite a friend by player name:
- Log into the game and go to the created worlds.
- Click on the pencil icon and open the settings menu.
- Go to advanced server options.
- In the subsection about players, click on the button that is responsible for searching for his nickname.
- Enter the player's name - carefully check that all words are spelled correctly.
- If the nickname is entered correctly, a window with the player’s profile will pop up - click on the button "Add Friend".
- You can also add a player through the general list of friends.
- If you click on the minus button next to a friend’s name, the game will offer to delete or block this person - you can approve or cancel this decision.
There is also a way to invite a friend using a link:
- In the game, open the list of worlds.
- Go to the settings of the desired world.
- Unlock advanced world features.
- On the player settings tab there is a button to get a link to the current server - click on it.
- Click on the button "Copy" – the link will be on the clipboard, after which you can transfer it to a friend in any convenient way.
We list the auxiliary materials that will help create and configure your first Realms server:
- How to set up a Microsoft account.
- How to buy a Realms subscription.
- How to join another player's server.
Additional tips for working with Realms are available on the official website at special guidance и FAQ section.
Creating a server on your computer
Local Java server for Minecraft - This is not the easiest, but economical way to create a world to play with your friends online. For this method, you will have to open the ports and have a good understanding of the available settings. This free way to create a Minecraft server, in addition to logical advantages, has a number of serious disadvantages:
pros | Cons |
No need to pay an additional subscription. | Only for Java Edition. |
It is possible to configure the server in detail. | If the PC with the server is turned off, then other players will not be able to enter the world. |
You can use third-party modifications. | A stable internet connection is required. |
To support the server you need a powerful computer. | |
Complex process of creation and adjustment. | |
It is advisable to have a static IP address. |
Download and Install Java
For the future server to work correctly, you need to download and install the current version of Java JDK:
- Move on website with the program.
- Select the latest version of the JDK.
- Open the tab for Windows and download the required installer.
If you have problems with the installation, you can uninstall the previous version of Java and try again.
Downloading and Installing a Minecraft Server
We will describe in detail how to install a Java server for Minecraft:
- Create a folder on your desktop called "Minecraft Server".
- Check out official site and download the current version of the server.
- Save the file as "server.jar" in the folder you created earlier.
- In the same directory, create a new notepad file, inside which place the line "java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui."
- Save this notepad as "Start.bat" by first selecting from the list of extensions "all files".
- Run the file "server.jar" – After some time, 3 new directories and 2 new files should appear in this folder.
If difficulties arise at this stage, then perhaps the computer has problems with Windows environment variables or incorrect installation of Java.
Setting up a local server
We list the main steps that must be completed before starting the server:
- Open the file "eula.txt".
- Rewrite the value for the parameter "eula" on "True".
- Open the file "server.properties".
- Find the line "online-mode" and put a value in it "False".
- Make sure that there is an open port for the server - this can be done through the console or modem settings (standard server port «25565» and if necessary it can be changed in the file "server.properties").
Let's also call 10 most important additional parameters for flexible configuration of your server:
Setting | The values | Definition |
---|---|---|
difficulty | Peaceful; easy; normal; hard. | Game difficulty level. |
hardcoretrue | False; true. | Activator of the “Hardcore” mode. |
level-seed | Any number. | Template for world generation (empty value – random creation). |
level-type | DEFAULT; FLAT; LARGEBIOMES; AMPLIFIEDDEFAULT. | Setting the world type. |
max-players | Number from 0 to 2147483647. | Limiting players on the server. |
say | Text from 0 to 60 characters. | Server description. |
pvptrue | False; true. | PvP mode switch. |
server-ip | Any IP other than the current IP of the computer. | Defines the connection address (usually left empty). |
server-port | Number from 1 to 65535. | Open port number for TCP and UDP protocol (default value is 25565). |
max-world-size | Number from 1 to 29999984. | Setting the world border to a certain radius around the zero coordinates. |
If you have any problems creating a server for the Java Edition, then use official leadership.
Testing and launching the server
To check your server, follow these steps:
- Run the file "start.bat".
- The GUI server window should open, where the world will begin to load in the chat logs - the last line should contain the word "Done"
- To connect to this server you need to enter the game and click "Online game".
- Press "Add".
- Enter server details and click on the button "Done".
- As soon as the server becomes active, you can select it in the list, after which you just have to click "Connect".
- When a person loads into a world, his name will appear in the chat log and the list of players.
If you cannot connect to the server, then check your current IP, and also that the port specified in the settings is open.
Creating a server on free hosting
Free server on Minecraft hosting is an easy way to rent and play on a dedicated server using third-party resources. Such services allow you to quickly set up a server and start playing in just a few minutes. It’s not difficult to use such hosting, but there’s only free cheese in a mousetrap and you’ll have to pay for the obvious advantages:
pros | Cons |
There are many free server options. | There is a limit on the number of players. |
For an additional fee, most of the disadvantages can be eliminated. | A wipe can happen at any moment. |
A simple and clear way. | Often unstable connection. |
It is possible to install mods. | Not all modifications can be installed. |
You can use a computer of any configuration. | Some hosting sites have a high queue and also a lot of forced advertising. |
Here are a few free hosting sites for Minecraft:
Each free hosting has its own pros and cons - you can try each and decide which one is better to use. Let's show an example of creating your own server using the ScalaCube service:
- Go to the registration menu to make a new account.
- Fill out the registration form and confirm your data entry.
- Go to section "Servers".
- Click the button "Get server".
- A page will open where you need to click on "More".
- Click on the command "Create your own server".
- Select the appropriate version of the game and click "Further".
- Select the nearest region.
- Check the version of your game, then select the appropriate option on the site.
- Among all tariffs, select free and follow further.
- Don't agree to additional paid services and click "Further".
- Leave the connection via IP and port, then click on "Further".
- Button "Continue" will allow you to go to the server data, which must be entered in the game in order to connect directly - just like in the method through the server on your PC.
If you have any problems installing or configuring your hosting, write to the service support or try services from other similar sites.
Creating a server on VDS or dedicated server
Dedicated server or server on VDS - in some way a combination of the two previous methods. The method allows you to install the server version of Minecraft on a powerful remote rented hosting. This method is not easy, but it provides the admin with certain advantages:
pros | Cons |
Flexible customization of your world. | Rent costs money. |
Stable 24/7 work. | You need to have a good understanding of installation and configuration. |
The server does not depend on the administrator's PC. | Available only for Java Edition. |
Any modifications can be used. | |
Full control over server parameters. |
There are many professional platforms for renting a virtual dedicated server (VDS) or a simple physical server:
Choose the most suitable service based on your own requests, paying attention to the highlighted RAM и free place – for example, for a server for 10 people, 4 GB of RAM and 50 GB SSD are enough.
Creating a Minecraft server on VDS with Ubuntu
We list the preparatory steps for installing a Minecraft server on Ubuntu:
- Download and install an SSH client to work with VDS, for example, termius.
- Rent hosting on the selected site and receive a login and password from it.
- If the purchased server does not have the Ubuntu distribution installed, then install it and enable SSH support.
- Launch the terminal to work with VDS.
Next, enter the following commands sequentially:
- "Sudo apt update" – package index updates;
- "sudo apt install openjdk-11-jre-headless" – installation of Java of the selected version;
- "sudo apt install screen" – downloading a program to allow you to create separate server sessions;
- "sudo ufw allow 25565" – port opening;
- «wget https://piston-data.mojang.com/v1/objects/8f3112a1049751cc472ec13e397eade5336ca7ae/server.jar» – loading the Minecraft server;
- «Screen» – preparing to launch the server;
- press the key twice in a row "Space";
- "java -Xms1024M -Xmx1024M -jar server.jar nogui" – general server settings;
- "nano eula.txt" – a file where you need to change the value for the parameter "eula" on "True";
- "nano server.properties" – a file for fine-tuning the server (the main parameters were discussed in the second method of installing the server on your PC);
- "java -Xms1024M -Xmx1024M -jar server.jar nogui" – launching world generation;
If everything was done correctly, then after a while the last line in the terminal will contain the word «Donate». Next will remain connect to rented hosting – to do this, go to the settings on the website where you bought the server and add the previously opened port through a colon.
Additional tips for working with the system:
- Team "screen-list" allows you to get into the console again to monitor and manage the server, for example, ban players.
- You can download and save the world to your PC through the program fileZilla, however, you need to know your Ubuntu login and password.
- If you encounter serious problems while creating and setting up a server on VDS with Ubuntu, you can try to find a site that offers ready-made solution for Minecraft – this will greatly simplify the installation.
Now you can enter the game and also invite friends: if the administrator’s computer is turned off, he will lose the ability to manage the server, but other players will continue to be in the world.
Advanced settings for Minecraft server
A standard server created using step-by-step instructions is still far from ideal - there is a set additional settings, which will significantly improve the flexibility of your own world. In the following paragraphs we will analyze all the advanced settings for the server in Minecraft.
Managing plugins and modifications
Mods allow you to diversify the classic game world, as well as adjust the server to a certain style or setting:
- С realms The choice of plugins depends on the purchased version of the subscription – in Java Edition various modifications can be used, and in Bedrock Edition The list of mods is limited to the built-in market.
- If you are using a server on free hosting, then most likely there will be a restriction on the use of mods, or only a ready-made assembly of plugins will be active, which cannot be changed.
- On your PC or on VDS via server Java You can install various modifications through special services, for example, Forge.
More details are given in a separate guide. how to install and manage mods in Minecraft.
Manual installation of mods on the platform via JAVA has a number of specific features:
- Usually you have to download and install the server not from the official Minecraft website, but from a platform that implements third-party mods.
- After installing such a server, you must also edit the files "eula.txt" и "server.properties", as for a regular Java server.
- Installed plugins will have to be moved to the folder "mods" what should be in the directory with the server (if it is not there, then create it).
- All server players must install the necessary mods themselves.
If you encounter difficulties when working with plugins on your own server, then contact the support of the service with which you tried to install and run the modifications.
Backup & Restore
Losing the world on a server with many players is a disaster for an admin, so it is important to make regular backups and also know how to restore the server if necessary:
- С realms the game independently makes backups at a specified interval and, if necessary, the current world can be rolled back or restored through the Realm settings menu.
- Server world JAVAcreated on your own computer will be stored in the directory "World" what is inside the folder where the server was installed - it is recommended to copy and download files when the server is turned off.
- On the free hosting It is not always possible to make backup copies of the world - sometimes you need to pay extra for this or switch to a paid subscription option.
- If the server is on VDS, then to unload the world, you need to install the program fileZilla, and also know your Ubuntu login and password - otherwise the file recovery process is similar to that described for the server on your PC.
It is recommended that you learn how to create and upload world backups before many players start playing on the server.
Setting up server parameters
Fine-tuning the server allows you to optimize its operation, as well as adjust the configuration to your world, taking into account its individual characteristics and development plans:
- The simplest setting occurs when using Realms subscriptions – parameters can be changed directly from the game menu or on the official website, however, in the created world there will still be some restrictions, which depend on the purchased version.
- On the free hosting Most of the settings are firmly tied to the site with the server used - their you can't just change it and you will have to upgrade to a paid subscription or pay for additional features.
- Server installation to your PC or VDS provides the most flexible setup world with a wide selection of parameters - some of them were discussed in the paragraph about JAVA servers.
Let's look at the main server parameters that can be manually changed before starting the Java server using the command "java -Xms1024M -Xmx1024M -jar server.jar nogui":
- "Xms1024M" – setting up the server to start with 1024 MB of RAM (can be increased if you need to use more RAM);
- "Xmx1024M" – limit on the use of 1024 MB of RAM (can be increased to improve performance and increase the number of players);
- "nogui" – blocks the launch of the graphical user interface (often it is not needed during normal server creation).
Before you let third parties onto your server, you should test it yourself, choosing the best parameters for the functioning of the world.
Frequently asked questions and problems
We will answer 10 questions about the difficulties and errors of creating a server in Minecraft:
What should I do if there is an error when creating a server with a REALMS subscription?
The service period has expired or the trial period has been incorrectly activated.
How to get REALMS in Minecraft?
You can take advantage of a free trial or purchase a monthly subscription.
Why can't I buy a REALMS subscription in Minecraft?
Due to sanctions, it is difficult to purchase a subscription on the territory of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus - try using a foreign card and IP address.
How to set up your server via REALMS?
Use special instructions on the official website in the general section and in answers to popular questions.
Why can't I install the Minecraft Java server?
Completely uninstall Java, check that you have downloaded the correct version, and then install it again.
What to do with the error “Unable to access jarfile minecraft_server.jar Unable to access jarfile a java exception has occurred”?
Rename the server file with the extension “jar” to a form that matches the command you are executing (in our guide this is “server”).
What to do if you can’t set up your server in Minecraft?
Try to do everything again according to the instructions from the official manual.
Why couldn't I connect to the world?
Check that the administrator has the correct port open, and also check the IP of the server creator.
What is the best free hosting for a Minecraft server?
Study all current offers and try to find an available free server or hosting with a trial period - all services offer such options from time to time.
Why did I quit and can’t connect to the hosting?
Free hosting can break the connection at any time, and to prevent this from happening, you need to sign up for a paid subscription.
Read on:We hope that with the help of this guide you learned how to create a Minecraft server for friends. Additional questions on the topic of the article can be left в comments. In a special section on our website, read other useful Minecraft guides.