How to create a Minecraft server (Java and Bedrock)

Creating your own Minecraft server is the best way to play with friends by your own rules, or to start a real community. Here are the steps, from the first install to your first players.

1. Choose where to host the server

• On your computer: free, ideal for testing or playing with a few friends. But the PC must stay on, your connection must handle the players, and you need to open a port on your router (which exposes your IP address).
• With a Minecraft host: a few euros a month, a simple control panel, DDoS protection and a server online 24/7. This is the way to go as soon as you want to welcome the public. See how to choose a host.
• Minecraft Realms: Mojang's official offer, very simple, but limited to a small group of invited friends, with no plugins or mods. Not suited to a public server.

2. Choose the edition and the software

A Java server welcomes players on PC (Windows, macOS, Linux). A Bedrock server welcomes players on mobile, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and Windows. For the server software:

• Paper (Java): the most common choice. Fast, stable, compatible with Bukkit/Spigot plugins. Perfect for Survival, Factions, SkyBlock, minigames.
• Fabric or Forge / NeoForge (Java): for modded servers. Players must install the same mods.
• Geyser: a plugin that lets Bedrock players join a Java server. This is what makes a server cross-play.
• Bedrock Dedicated Server: Mojang's official software for Bedrock, with less room for customization.

3. Install and configure

With a host, you usually just pick “Paper” and the version in the panel. At home, install Java (the version required by your Minecraft version), download the server file, run it once and then accept the license agreement in eula.txt.

The main settings are in server.properties:

• motd: the message shown in the player's server list;
• max-players: the maximum number of players;
• online-mode=true: only accepts official Minecraft accounts (keep it on for security);
• white-list: restricts access to allowed players, useful while building;
• difficulty, gamemode, pvp: depending on your game mode.

4. The essential plugins

• LuckPerms: manage ranks and permissions;
• EssentialsX: basic commands (spawn, home, teleport, messages);
• CoreProtect: find and roll back a cheater's damage;
• WorldGuard: protect the spawn and specific areas;
• NuVotifier: reward the players who vote for your server (see the guide).

Only give operator rights (/op) to people you trust, and back up the world regularly.

5. Bring in your first players

Nobody joins an empty server: the first players are the hardest to attract. Start with your friends, create a Discord, then list your server for free on CraftRank: it shows up right away among the new servers and in its category. All our tips are in the guide attract players to your server.