Most guides are written by people who assume you already know stuff. This one doesn't. If you can follow a recipe, you can set up a server.
/ the basics
It's literally just a computer running Minecraft that other people can join. That's it. But there are a few flavors depending on what version your friends play. Here's the messy breakdown:
The original. This is where all the cool stuff lives — plugins, mods, custom worlds, minigames. If you've played on a big server like Hypixel, you were on Java. Most of what I'll talk about here is Java Edition because that's where the depth is.
This is the version on phones, consoles, and Windows 10/11. It's more locked down than Java — fewer plugins, no mods — but it's way easier to play with friends across different devices. If your group is on Xbox, iPad, and Android, Bedrock is your only option.
This one's wild. It's the actual Minecraft Java Edition compiled to JavaScript so it runs in a browser. No download, no Java install, not even a paid account. Uses a proxy to connect to normal Java servers.
If you want mods, plugins, and actual control, Java Edition. If your friends are scattered across phones, consoles, and PCs and you just want to play together, Bedrock works out of the box.
This guide focuses on Java Edition — it's what people mean 90% of the time when they say "Minecraft server."
/ eaglercraft
Eaglercraft is a browser port of Minecraft Java Edition — no download, no Java install, not even a paid account needed. It's the real Java client compiled to JavaScript. Wild, right?
Eaglercraft uses TeaVM to compile the actual Minecraft Java Edition client code into JavaScript/WebAssembly that runs in your browser. It connects to standard Java Edition servers using a BungeeCord proxy layer, meaning most Java servers work with Eaglercraft out of the box.
You can set up an Eaglercraft-compatible server in two ways: using a regular Java server with a proxy, or using dedicated Eaglercraft server software.
Run a normal Paper/Spigot server and use a BungeeCord proxy to allow Eaglercraft clients to connect. This is the most flexible setup — your server works for both Java and Eaglercraft players.
ws://your-ip:25565Use dedicated Eaglercraft server software that natively supports WebSocket connections. No proxy needed — Eaglercraft clients connect directly. Simpler for Eaglercraft-only servers.
java -jar eaglercraftx-bungee.jarlistener.yml (port, max players, MOTD)EaglercraftX is the current maintained fork. The original Eaglercraft 1.5.2 is outdated but still popular for lightweight servers.
online-mode=false in server.properties (or proxy config) is required because Eaglercraft cannot authenticate with Mojang's servers.online-mode only if you trust your players, or use a proxy plugin like AuthMe for password-based authentication./ requirements
Nothing crazy honestly. If you've got an old laptop gathering dust, you're probably good.
Minecraft Java Edition requires Java 17 or higher. Download the latest version from the official site.
Choose the right server software for your needs. Each has different features and performance characteristics.
/ setup
Six steps. I'll tell you exactly what to type. Follow along and you'll have a working server in 10 minutes. I've done this like a hundred times.
Download the PaperMC JAR file from their website. Choose the latest Minecraft version for the best compatibility. Save it in a dedicated folder called mc-server.
Open a terminal in your server folder and run: java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar paper-1.21.jar nogui The server will generate default files then stop.
Open the eula.txt file that was generated and change eula=false to eula=true. This accepts the Mojang End User License Agreement.
Edit server.properties to set your server name, max players, game mode, difficulty, and more. Key settings: max-players=20, server-port=25565, online-mode=true.
Run the same Java command again. Your server will start and be ready for connections! Type stop in the console to shut it down safely. Consider creating a startup script for convenience.
Open Minecraft, go to Multiplayer > Add Server, enter localhost as the server address to test. For friends to join, they'll need your public IP address (see Port Forwarding section).
/ networking
Your server's running on your computer. Cool. Now you need to let the internet in. Here's the annoying part.
To allow players outside your network to connect, you need to forward port 25565 on your router to your server computer.
Most home internet connections don't have a static IP. Use a Dynamic DNS service to get a free domain name that always points to your server, even if your IP changes.
Recommended: no-ip.com — Free dynamic DNS with a hostname like yourserver.ddns.net.
Set up a cron job or install their update client to keep your domain pointing to your current IP.
/ don't get hacked
When you run a server, random people on the internet can see your IP. That's not great! Here's the real talk on what that means and how to not get wrecked.
When someone connects to your server, they can see your public IP address. This means they could potentially:
Use a VPN or hosted server if privacy is a concern (see Hosting Options).
You don't have to expose your home IP. Here are practical ways to stay safe:
Eaglercraft cannot use Mojang authentication, which means your server must set online-mode=false. This is called offline mode and comes with serious security implications:
Mitigations: Use AuthMe (password-based login), CoreProtect (rollback grief), and GriefPrevention (claim land). Never give OP to anyone you don't fully trust.
Worried about sharing your email and password when you register? We take your privacy seriously — the same way you protect your Minecraft server, we protect your account.
/ plugins & mods
Plugins add features without players installing anything. Mods change everything — but everyone needs 'em. Here's where to find both.
Plugins add features to your server without modifying the client. Players don't need to install anything extra. Great for minigames, economy, ranks, and moderation tools.
Mods change the game entirely — new blocks, items, dimensions, and mechanics. Both the server and all players need to install the same mods. Best for custom RPG, tech, or adventure experiences.
/ hosting
You can run a server on the junk PC in your closet, or pay someone else to deal with the headache. Both work, depends what you're after.
Run the server on your own computer. Free, full control, and great for learning. Downsides: your PC must stay on, and performance depends on your hardware.
Free • Full control • Best for learning
Requires uptime • Limited by hardware
Professional hosting providers manage the hardware, offer DDoS protection, 24/7 uptime, and one-click setup. Ideal for public servers with many players.
Ryzen 9 9950X/7950X CPUs, NVMe SSDs, multi-gigabit DDoS protection, root-level access, and setup in under a day. Plans from £9/mo. Built for communities that outgrow basic hosts.
Get StartedBudget-friendly Minecraft hosting with Ryzen 9 processors, NVMe SSDs, DDoS protection, and instant setup. Plans starting at $4/mo. Reliable performance for small to large communities.
Get Started/ visual learners click here
These creators have helped thousands of people get servers running. Their videos are way better than staring at my paragraphs.
In-depth server tutorials, plugin reviews, and hosting guides — beginner-friendly and actually useful.
Watch on YouTubeDetailed server setup walkthroughs, performance optimization tips, and modded server configuration guides.
Watch on YouTubeSearch YouTube for "Minecraft server setup 2025" to find hundreds of up-to-date tutorials from the community.
Browse Tutorials/ pro tips
Once you've got the basics down, here's what separates a janky home server from something you'd actually let strangers play on.
Run multiple servers under one address. Players move between survival, creative, and minigames without ever disconnecting. This is how the big servers work — and you can set one up too.
Connect your server to Discord using plugins like DiscordSRV to sync chat, show server status, and let players manage their accounts via Discord.
The industry-standard permissions plugin. Create ranks, set permissions per group or player, and integrate with virtually every other plugin. Essential for any serious server.
The essential plugin suite for any server. Includes warp, home, teleport, economy, kits, and hundreds of commands. The backbone of most public servers.
Create a beautiful spawn area with plugins like Multiverse-Core for multiple worlds and SpawnPoint for teleportation. Use WorldGuard to protect spawn from griefing.
Protect your server with CoreProtect (rollback grief), NoCheatPlus or Grim (anti-cheat), and WorldGuard (region protection).
Use Spark profiler to diagnose lag, set view-distance in server.properties to 6-8, and consider Minecraft Performance flags like -XX:+UseG1GC for better memory management.
One actual server developer shared their wisdom. It's not much but it's honest work.
“idk i js do shi”