How to Make a Minecraft Server

Making your own Minecraft server means you and your friends get a private world to play in together. No strangers, no rules you didn't set, just your group and your world.

There are a few ways to do this, and they range from completely free (but technical) to dead simple (but paid). This guide covers all of them so you can pick what works for you.

Method 1: Host a Server on Your Own Computer

This is the classic approach. You download the official Minecraft server software from Mojang and run it on your PC. Your computer becomes the server, and friends connect to it over the internet.

What you need

• A computer with at least 4 GB of RAM to spare (8 GB+ total recommended)
• Java installed (Java 17 or newer for modern Minecraft versions)
• A stable internet connection
• Access to your router's settings (for port forwarding)

Step-by-step setup

1. Download the server file. Go to the official Minecraft website and download the server .jar file for your version. Make sure you get the Java Edition server.
2. Create a folder. Make a new folder on your computer (something like "Minecraft Server") and put the .jar file inside it.
3. Run the server for the first time. Open a terminal or command prompt, navigate to your folder, and run: java -Xmx2G -Xms2G -jar server.jar nogui. This allocates 2 GB of RAM to the server. It will fail the first time - that's normal.
4. Accept the EULA. A file called eula.txt will appear. Open it and change eula=false to eula=true. Save and close.
5. Run the server again. Same command as step 3. This time it will generate your world and start up. You'll see "Done" in the console when it's ready.
6. Configure server settings. Open server.properties to change things like game mode, difficulty, max players, and world seed. Restart the server after making changes.
7. Set up port forwarding. This is the tricky part. Log into your router (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 in your browser), find the port forwarding section, and forward port 25565 (TCP) to your computer's local IP address. Every router is different, so you may need to look up instructions for your specific model.
8. Find your public IP address. Search "what is my IP" in your browser. This is the address your friends will use to connect.
9. Share the address. Give your public IP to your friends. They go to Multiplayer > Add Server, paste the IP, and connect.

Pros

• Completely free
• Full control over every setting
• Can install mods and plugins

Cons

• Requires technical knowledge - port forwarding, Java configuration, and command-line use
• Exposes your home IP address to anyone who connects, which is a privacy and security risk
• The server is only online when your computer is on and running the software
• Your PC's performance drops while hosting - gaming and hosting on the same machine is rough
• If your internet goes down, so does the server
• You're responsible for backups, updates, and fixing anything that breaks

Best for: Tech-savvy players who want full control and don't mind managing everything themselves.

Once your server is running, check out our guide on how to join a Minecraft server for a walkthrough on how your friends connect.

Method 2: Rent a VPS and Set It Up Yourself

A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a computer in a data center that you rent by the month. You install the Minecraft server software on it, just like you would on your own PC - but it runs 24/7 without tying up your own computer.

Step-by-step setup

1. Rent a VPS. Providers like Hetzner, DigitalOcean, or OVH offer servers starting around $5–10/month. Pick one with at least 4 GB of RAM and a Linux operating system (Ubuntu is a good choice).
2. Connect to your VPS. You'll use a tool called SSH to connect from your computer. On Mac or Linux, open a terminal and type: ssh root@your-server-ip. On Windows, use a program like PuTTY.
3. Install Java. Run the commands to install Java on the VPS. For Ubuntu: sudo apt update && sudo apt install openjdk-17-jre-headless.
4. Download and run the Minecraft server. Same process as Method 1 - download the .jar file, accept the EULA, configure settings, and start the server.
5. Keep the server running. Use a tool like screen or tmux to keep the server running after you disconnect from SSH.
6. Share the VPS IP address. Your friends connect using the VPS's IP address, just like in Method 1.

Pros

• Server runs 24/7 without using your own computer
• Doesn't expose your home IP address
• Full control over the server software
• Better internet connection than most home networks

Cons

• Costs $5–15/month depending on the specs
• Requires command-line knowledge (SSH, Linux basics)
• You handle all setup, updates, backups, and troubleshooting yourself
• No graphical interface - everything is done through text commands
• If something breaks at 2 AM, it's your problem to fix

Best for: People comfortable with the command line who want an always-on server without exposing their home network.

Method 3: Use a Minecraft Hosting Service

A hosting service does all the technical work for you. You don't download server files, configure Java, or deal with port forwarding. You just sign up, pick your settings, and your server is ready.

Most hosting services give you a control panel where you choose RAM, CPU cores, and server software. That works for experienced server admins, but it's confusing if you just want to play with friends.

How it works with LuckyChunk

LuckyChunk takes a different approach. There are no RAM plans, no CPU tiers, no configuration screens. The entire process is:

1. Pick your Minecraft version
2. Pay ($10/month)
3. Your server is ready - share the address with friends

That's it. Your server supports up to 20 players, runs vanilla Minecraft, and comes with a simple management panel where you can change versions, manage your whitelist, or reset the world. No technical knowledge needed.

Pros

• Ready in under a minute - no setup at all
• No technical knowledge required
• Doesn't use your computer or expose your IP
• Always available when your friends want to play
• Managed for you - updates, performance, and backups are handled

Cons

• Costs $10/month
• Vanilla only - no mods or plugins
• Less control compared to running your own server

Best for: Friend groups who want a private Minecraft world without any of the technical hassle.

Comparison: All 3 Methods

Which Method Should You Choose?

• Want full control and you're comfortable with tech? Self-host on your own PC or rent a VPS. You'll have to do all the setup and maintenance yourself, but you can customize everything.
• Want an always-on server without the hassle? Use a hosting service. LuckyChunk gives you a private server for up to 20 friends in under a minute - no technical knowledge needed.
• Not sure yet? Check our guide on how to play Minecraft with friends for a broader look at all the ways to play together, or see if free Minecraft server hosting is a good fit for your group.

No matter which method you pick, once the server is running, your friends just need the address to connect. We have a step-by-step walkthrough in our how to join a Minecraft server guide.