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How to make a Minecraft server

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There are two ways to play Minecraft Java with friends on a world that stays up: run a server on your own computer, or rent one that's set up for you. This guide covers both, so you can choose.

Option 1: run it on your own PC

  1. Install Java. Each Minecraft version needs a specific Java version. Install the one listed for your Minecraft version.
  2. Download the server. Get the official Minecraft Java server .jar from minecraft.net (or Paper, if you want plugins) and put it in an empty folder.
  3. Accept the EULA. Run the server once. It stops and creates eula.txt. Change eula=false to eula=true and save.
  4. Give it memory and start it. Start it with a command like java -Xmx3G -jar server.jar nogui. The -Xmx value is the server's RAM (see the RAM section below).
  5. Let friends in. Forward TCP port 25565 on your router to your PC, then give your friends your public IP. On the same network, they can use your local IP instead.

The catch: your PC has to stay on whenever anyone plays, everyone who joins can see your home IP, your friends need the new address whenever your home IP changes, and backups are up to you.

Option 2: get one set up for you

Vanilla Minecraft on Paper, or a plain Fabric (1.21.1), NeoForge (1.21.1) or Forge (1.20.1) server to bring your own mods. No port forwarding. Your friends join at yourserver.play.packyard.ca, and that address stays the same.

Start a Minecraft server

Want mods? Start with Fabric, NeoForge or Forge. Want a modpack? See the modpack RAM guide.

How much RAM?

For vanilla on Paper with a few friends, we recommend 3 GB, and that's the size preselected on the order page. On the order page you can pick 3, 4, or 5 GB right now. For a plain modded server, 4 GB. Modpacks need more: see the modpack RAM guide.

Price

$1.50 per GB of RAM per month, with a $5 minimum (up to 3 GB). A 3 GB server is $5 a month.

Beta: 50% off for servers started by 6 December 2026, so 3 GB is $2.50 a month. We'll email you at least 14 days before the price changes. All prices in USD, plus applicable taxes. Money-back on your first payment within 72 hours.

The beta is open to the US & Canada (outside Quebec).

FAQ

Can Bedrock players join?

No. These are Java Edition servers.

Why can't my friend join?

Usually a version mismatch: their game must be on the same Minecraft version as the server (and the same mods, on a modded server). On a home server, also check the port forward.

Can I move my self-hosted world to Packyard later?

Yes. Small files go through the panel's web file manager; for a larger world, send us a download link at hello@packyard.ca.

Start a Minecraft server

Also see: Minecraft hosting, Modpack RAM guide, How to make a Cobblemon server. Back to Packyard home.

Packyard is not an official Minecraft product and is not affiliated with Mojang.