How to Make a Minecraft Server

Having your own Minecraft server means your friend group gets a world that's always there. No strangers, your rules, your world. The question is just how you want to make it happen.

You can do it for free if you don't mind getting your hands dirty, or pay someone else to handle the technical stuff. Here's every way to make a Minecraft server, starting with the fully DIY approach.

Method 1: Host a Server on Your Own Computer

The OG method. You download the server .jar from Mojang, run it on your PC, and your computer literally becomes a Minecraft server. Friends connect to you over the internet using your IP address.

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: People who know their way around a terminal and want complete control over their server.

Once it's running, send your friends to our how to join a Minecraft server guide so they know how to connect.

Method 2: Rent a VPS and Set It Up Yourself

A VPS is basically a computer in a data center that you rent. You set up the Minecraft server on it the same way as Method 1, except it runs 24/7 and your home IP stays private. The downside: you need to be comfortable with the command line.

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
• Your home IP stays private
• Full control - install whatever you want
• Data center internet is way faster than your home connection

Cons

• Not free - you're paying monthly for the VPS
• Requires command-line knowledge (SSH, Linux basics)
• You handle all setup, updates, backups, and troubleshooting yourself
• No graphical interface - it's all terminal commands
• If something breaks at 2 AM while your friends are playing, that's on you

Best for: People who know Linux basics and want a server that's always on without sharing their home IP.

Method 3: Use a Minecraft Hosting Service

If you read Method 1 and Method 2 and thought "that's way too much work," this is the option for you. Someone else runs the server hardware. You just sign up and play.

Most hosting services still give you a control panel full of RAM sliders and CPU options though. Good if you're an experienced admin, but overkill if you just want to make a Minecraft server for your friend group.

How it works with LuckyChunk

LuckyChunk skips all that. No RAM plans, no CPU tiers, no configuration screens. The whole thing is:

1. Pick your Minecraft version
2. Pay ($20/month)
3. Your server is ready - share the address with friends

That's it. Supports up to 20 players, runs vanilla Minecraft, and there's a simple panel for changing versions, managing your whitelist, or resetting the world if you want a fresh start.

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 $20/month
• Vanilla only - no mods or plugins
• Less control compared to running your own server

Best for: Friend groups who want their own server without touching a terminal.

Comparison: All 3 Methods

Which Method Should You Choose?

• You like tinkering and want full control? Self-host on your own PC or grab a VPS. Be ready to handle setup, updates, and the occasional 2 AM crash.
• You just want to play? Use LuckyChunk. Pick a version, pay, and you're done in under a minute.
• Trying to spend $0? Check our free Minecraft server hosting guide to see what's out there and whether it's worth the trade-offs.

Whichever way you go, once the server is running your friends just need the address. Send them our how to join a Minecraft server guide if they need help connecting.