Do I need a powerful computer to host a Minecraft server?

For a few friends on vanilla you can get by with 2 to 4 GB of RAM. Modpacks and larger player counts need more, which is where a managed host saves you headaches.

Can I run a server and play on the same PC?

Yes, but split your RAM so the operating system, the game client, and the server each have enough. This is the most common cause of lag for self hosters.

Why can my friends not connect?

Almost always port forwarding or a firewall. Port 25565 needs to be open and forwarded to the machine running the server, or you can use a host that gives you a ready IP.

How to Make a Minecraft Server

Running your own Minecraft server gives you full control over the world, the rules, and who gets to join. This guide walks through every step for a Java Edition server, whether you host it at home or rent one.

What you need before you start#

You need three things: the server software, a copy of Java that matches your Minecraft version, and somewhere to run it. Recent versions of Minecraft (1.20.5 and newer) need Java 21. Older versions run on Java 17 or Java 8 depending on how far back you go.

If you plan to host at home, you also need to be comfortable opening a port on your router. If that sounds like a hassle, a managed host handles the hardware, the network, and the IP for you.

Step 1: Choose your server software#

The vanilla server jar from Mojang works, but most owners pick a performance focused build instead. Paper is the popular choice because it runs faster and supports plugins. If you want mods rather than plugins, you want Fabric or Forge instead. Our guide on Paper vs Spigot vs Purpur breaks down the plugin options.

Step 2: Create a folder and add the jar#

Make a dedicated folder for the server so its files stay tidy. Drop the server jar inside and rename it to something simple like server.jar.

Step 3: Start the server once#

Open a terminal in that folder and run the start command. Set the memory with the -Xms and -Xmx flags. This example gives the server 4 GB:

java -Xms4G -Xmx4G -jar server.jar nogui

The first launch stops with a notice about the EULA. That is expected.

Step 4: Accept the EULA#

Open the eula.txt file the server just created and change the line to:

eula=true

Save the file. This confirms you agree to Mojang's End User License Agreement.

Step 5: Configure server.properties#

Start the server again and it generates server.properties. This file holds the main settings. A few worth knowing on day one:

motd=My Minecraft Server
max-players=20
gamemode=survival
difficulty=normal
view-distance=10
online-mode=true

Keep online-mode=true so only players with genuine accounts can join. Lower view-distance later if you need more performance.

Step 6: Let players connect#

If everyone is on your local network, they connect using your machine's local IP and port 25565. To let friends join over the internet from a home server, you forward TCP port 25565 on your router to the machine running the server, then share your public IP.

This is the step that trips up most people. Home connections also expose your IP, which carries some risk. A host removes both problems by giving you a clean IP and a network built to absorb attacks.

Should you host at home or rent?#

Home hosting is free but ties up your computer, your power, and your bandwidth, and your world is only online while that machine is. A dedicated host keeps the server online around the clock, handles backups, and gives you a control panel for files and console access.

Prism Nodes runs Minecraft servers on Ryzen 9 hardware with instant setup, so you can skip port forwarding and have a server live in about a minute. Use code IMSWITCHING for 15% off your first month.

Next steps#

Once the server is up, plan your memory with our guide on how much RAM a Minecraft server needs, then lock it down with a whitelist if you want a private world.