Playing Minecraft solo is great. Playing Minecraft with friends on your own server is better. Whether you want to set up a private world for a small group, join a massive public community, or run a fully customized server with your own rules and mods — this guide walks you through every step.
We cover everything: the difference between Java and Bedrock servers, the quickest ways to play multiplayer without any technical setup, how to make your own server from scratch, how to pick the right server software, and how to join any server on any platform. Updated for 2026.
Quick Reference: Which Option Is Right for You?
| Goal | Best Option | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Play with friends on the same WiFi | LAN (Open to LAN) | ⭐ Easiest |
| Private world for up to 10 friends, no setup | Minecraft Realms | ⭐ Easiest |
| Free server, someone else manages it | Game hosting provider | ⭐⭐ Easy |
| Self-hosted from your own PC | Self-host (Java or Bedrock) | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate |
| Join a public server with thousands of players | Find server IP, Add Server | ⭐ Easiest |
| Run plugins, mods, or a custom community | Self-host or hosted server with Paper/Forge/Fabric | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate |
Part 1: Understanding the Editions
Before doing anything, you need to know which version of Minecraft you’re running — because Java and Bedrock servers are completely separate and incompatible by default.
Java Edition
Java Edition is the original PC version of Minecraft, available on Windows, macOS, and Linux through the official Minecraft launcher (minecraft.net). It offers the most flexibility: thousands of plugins, mods via Forge/Fabric/NeoForge, a massive community of server operators, and the best administrative tools. If you want customization, mods, or a proper community server — Java is the version to build on.
Java servers require players to connect using the Java Edition client. By default, Bedrock players cannot join Java servers (though this can be bridged with a plugin called GeyserMC — more on that later).
Bedrock Edition
Bedrock Edition is the version available on Windows 10/11 (via Microsoft Store), Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. Its biggest strength is cross-platform play — Xbox, Switch, mobile, and PC Bedrock players can all join the same server without any extra setup.
If you purchased Minecraft recently through the Microsoft Store or Xbox, you likely have Bedrock. If you use the Java launcher from minecraft.net, you have Java. Many newer purchases come with both editions bundled.
The golden rule: Java players can only join Java servers. Bedrock players can only join Bedrock servers (unless the Java server runs GeyserMC).
Part 2: The Easiest Multiplayer Options (No Server Setup Required)
Option A: LAN Play (Same Network Only)
If you and your friends are all on the same WiFi network — same house, same office, same building — you don’t need a server at all. One person opens a world and shares it over LAN.
On Java Edition:
- Open any single-player world
- Press Esc to open the pause menu
- Click Open to LAN
- Choose your game mode and whether to allow cheats
- Click Start LAN World
Other players on the same network open Minecraft, go to Multiplayer, and your world will appear automatically under “Local Area Network.” They click it and join.
On Bedrock Edition:
- Open any single-player world
- Pause and go to Settings
- Scroll down to Multiplayer and enable Visible to LAN Players
- Other Bedrock players on the same network go to Play → Friends and your world appears under LAN Games
Limitation: the host must stay online for anyone to play, and no one outside the local network can join without port forwarding.
Option B: Minecraft Realms (Easiest Online Option)
Minecraft Realms is Mojang’s official subscription-based hosting service. You pay a monthly fee and get a private server that’s always online — even when you’re logged off — with up to 10 active players at once. No technical setup, no port forwarding, automatic backups, and it works across platforms within the same edition.
Realms for Java Edition: supports up to 10 players simultaneously. Cross-play with Bedrock is not available through Realms.
Realms for Bedrock Edition: supports up to 10 players simultaneously. Fully cross-platform — Xbox, Switch, mobile, and PC Bedrock players can all join the same Realm.
How to set up a Realm:
- Open Minecraft and navigate to Minecraft Realms (Java) or Play → Realms (Bedrock)
- Click Create New Realm or subscribe through the Minecraft website
- Choose your world settings (game mode, difficulty, world)
- Invite friends by their Minecraft username or share an invite link/code
- Your friends accept the invite — they can now join anytime, even when you’re offline
How to join a Realm you’ve been invited to:
- Java: click the envelope icon in the Realms menu to see pending invites
- Bedrock: go to Play → Friends and look for the Realm in your list
Pricing (as of 2026): Realms subscriptions vary by region but are generally affordable for a small friend group. Check minecraft.net for current pricing.
Is Realms worth it? For casual groups of 2–10 friends who want zero technical hassle, yes. For anything larger, more customized, or mod-heavy, a dedicated server gives better value and control.
Part 3: How to Join Any Minecraft Server
Joining a Java Server
- Launch Minecraft: Java Edition
- Click Multiplayer from the main menu
- Click Add Server
- Enter a name for the server (anything you like, just for your own reference)
- Enter the server address (IP address or domain name) in the Server Address field
- Click Done, then click Join Server
Default Java server port is 25565. If the server runs on a different port, the address looks like: play.servername.com:PORT — the colon separates the address from the port number.
Direct Connect: if you just want to try a server once without saving it, click Direct Connect instead of Add Server and type the address.
Joining a Bedrock Server
- Launch Minecraft (Bedrock Edition)
- Click Play
- Go to the Servers tab
- Scroll down past the featured servers and click Add Server
- Enter a name, the server address, and the port (default Bedrock port is 19132)
- Click Save, then click the server to join
Featured servers: Bedrock’s Servers tab also shows Mojang’s official partner servers (Mineplex, Lifeboat, etc.) at the top. These are free to join with no address needed — just click and play.
Console players (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch): official Bedrock partner servers appear in the Servers tab on consoles. To join custom third-party servers on console, the most reliable method is to have a friend already connected to that server — go to Friends, find the friend currently playing on that server, and select Join Game. Some players use third-party DNS workarounds, but these involve additional complexity and may violate platform terms.
Finding Public Servers to Join
Thousands of public Minecraft servers exist for every imaginable game mode — survival, SkyBlock, Factions, PvP, creative, roleplay, minigames, and more. To find them:
- Minecraft Server List sites: Minecraft-Server-List.com, Planet Minecraft, Minecraft Buzz, and similar directories let you browse and filter by game mode, player count, and version
- Reddit: r/MinecraftBuddies and r/MCSERVERS have posts from players looking to fill their servers, often including IPs and descriptions
- Discord communities: search for Minecraft-themed Discord servers in your preferred game mode — most active servers have Discord communities where the IP is pinned
- The official Minecraft website: minecraft.net/en-us/servers lists Mojang-curated servers for Bedrock Edition
Every public server listing will show you an IP address (or domain name) to enter in the Add Server field.
Part 4: Choosing Your Server Software
If you’re making your own server rather than using Realms or a hosting service, the most important decision is which server software to run. The choice determines whether you can use plugins, mods, or neither.
The Two Worlds: Plugins vs Mods
There’s a critical distinction that trips up most new server owners:
Plugins run entirely on the server side. Players connect with a completely unmodified Minecraft client and don’t need to install anything. Plugins add features like land protection, economy systems, custom commands, anti-cheat, minigames, and ranks — but they don’t fundamentally change Minecraft’s core gameplay.
Mods run on both the server and client. Players must install the same mod loader and matching mods to connect. Mods can do far more dramatic things — adding entirely new blocks, dimensions, mobs, machines, and gameplay systems — but they require everyone to set up their client before joining.
Java Server Software Options
Vanilla (Official Mojang Server) The official server jar from Mojang. Zero plugins, zero mods, pure Minecraft. Easy to set up, compatible with the latest version immediately. Performance is noticeably worse than optimized alternatives. Best for: 2–4 friends who want nothing fancy.
Paper (Recommended Default) Paper is the gold standard for plugin-based servers in 2026. It’s a performance-optimized fork of Spigot that typically delivers 20–50% better TPS (ticks per second) than Vanilla, supports all Bukkit and Spigot plugins, and has a huge active development community. Players connect with a normal Java client — no mods needed. Best for: any server that wants plugins, better performance, or is larger than 4–5 players.
Spigot The predecessor to Paper. Still functional and widely supported, but Paper is backward-compatible with all Spigot plugins and outperforms it in every benchmark. There’s essentially no reason to choose Spigot over Paper in 2026 unless a specific plugin demands it.
Forge Forge is the largest modding platform for Minecraft. It supports enormous modpacks like RLCraft, All The Mods, SkyFactory, and Feed The Beast that add hundreds of new blocks, mobs, dimensions, and mechanics. Players must install Forge and the matching mods on their client to connect. Best for: running a modpack or heavily modded world.
NeoForge A community fork of Forge created in 2023 after a leadership dispute. Aims to modernize Forge’s architecture. Many new mods are targeting NeoForge, and it’s increasingly the choice for newer modpacks. If your modpack specifies NeoForge, use NeoForge — don’t substitute Forge.
Fabric A lightweight, modern mod loader that updates to new Minecraft versions extremely quickly (often within hours of a release). Home to popular performance mods like Sodium and Lithium. Great for smaller, focused modpacks and vanilla-plus setups where you want a few mods without the overhead of Forge. Players need Fabric + matching mods installed. Best for: lightweight modded servers, vanilla-plus, and quick adoption of the latest version.
The Simple Decision Chart
- Just want to play survival with friends, no extras? → Vanilla or Paper
- Want plugins (land claims, economy, chat management, anti-cheat)? → Paper
- Want to run a big modpack (RLCraft, ATM, FTB)? → Forge or NeoForge (whichever the modpack specifies)
- Want lightweight mods with fast updates? → Fabric
- Want cross-play between Java and Bedrock players? → Java server with Paper + GeyserMC plugin
Bedrock Dedicated Server (BDS)
For Bedrock servers, Mojang provides the Bedrock Dedicated Server (BDS) — a free download available for Windows and Linux. It supports cross-platform Bedrock play natively but has limited plugin/mod support compared to Java. Configuration is done through a server.properties file. Best for: casual cross-platform groups who don’t need heavy customization.
Part 5: Self-Hosting a Java Server (Step by Step)
Self-hosting means running the server on your own computer. Your PC must stay on whenever you want people to be able to play.
What You Need
- A computer with at least 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended for multiple players)
- A stable internet connection
- Java 21 installed (required for Minecraft 1.21+)
- The server JAR file (downloaded from minecraft.net or papermc.io)
Step 1: Install Java 21
Download Java 21 from Adoptium (adoptium.net) — choose the Temurin 21 LTS build for your operating system. Install it like any other program.
Verify it installed correctly by opening a terminal or Command Prompt and typing:
java -versionYou should see “version 21” in the output.
Step 2: Download Your Server JAR
- Vanilla: go to minecraft.net, click “Java Edition Server” and download the latest
server.jar - Paper: go to papermc.io, click Downloads → Paper, and download the latest build for your Minecraft version
Create a dedicated folder for your server (e.g., C:\MinecraftServer on Windows or ~/minecraft-server on Mac/Linux) and put the JAR file inside it.
Step 3: Run the Server for the First Time
Open a terminal/Command Prompt, navigate to your server folder, and run:
java -Xms2G -Xmx4G -jar server.jar nogui-Xms2G sets the minimum RAM allocation (2 GB). -Xmx4G sets the maximum (4 GB). Adjust these based on how much RAM your PC has and how many players you expect. Leave at least 2 GB free for your operating system.
The server will start, generate some files, and then stop. This is expected the first time.
Step 4: Accept the EULA
Open the eula.txt file the server created in your server folder. Find the line that says:
eula=falseChange it to:
eula=trueSave the file. This accepts Mojang’s End User License Agreement, which is required before the server will run.
Step 5: Run the Server Again
Run the same command from Step 3 again. This time, the server will generate a world and fully start. When you see the line:
Done! For help, type "help"Your server is running.
Step 6: Configure server.properties
Your server folder now contains a server.properties file. Open it with any plain text editor (Notepad works on Windows — not Word). Key settings to know:
| Setting | What It Does | Default |
|---|---|---|
gamemode | survival, creative, adventure | survival |
difficulty | peaceful, easy, normal, hard | easy |
max-players | Maximum players allowed | 20 |
level-name | Name of the world folder | world |
level-seed | World seed (leave blank for random) | (blank) |
pvp | Whether players can damage each other | true |
online-mode | Verify players have a paid account | true |
motd | Message shown in the server list | A Minecraft Server |
view-distance | How far chunks load (lower = better performance) | 10 |
white-list | Only whitelisted players can join | false |
Save the file and restart the server for changes to take effect.
Step 7: Connect Locally
While the server is running, you can connect from the same computer by opening Minecraft and entering the server address:
localhostor:
127.0.0.1Step 8: Port Forwarding (For Friends Outside Your Network)
For friends outside your home network to connect, you need to forward the Minecraft server port through your router.
- Find your computer’s local IP address:
- Windows: open Command Prompt, type
ipconfig, look for “IPv4 Address” (usually192.168.x.x) - Mac/Linux: open Terminal, type
ifconfigorip addr
- Windows: open Command Prompt, type
- Log into your router’s admin panel by typing your router’s IP address (usually
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1) into a web browser. Check the sticker on your router for admin credentials. - Find the Port Forwarding section (may be under Advanced, WAN, or Firewall depending on your router).
- Create a new rule:
- External Port: 25565 (Java) or 19132 (Bedrock)
- Internal Port: same as above
- Protocol: TCP (Java) or UDP (Bedrock)
- Internal IP: your computer’s local IP from Step 1
- Save the rule.
- Find your public IP address by visiting whatismyipaddress.com. Share this address with friends so they can connect.
Important: your public IP address may change over time if your ISP uses dynamic IPs. If friends can’t connect after a while, your IP may have changed. Services like No-IP provide free dynamic DNS to give your server a stable domain name that updates automatically.
Part 6: Self-Hosting a Bedrock Server (Step by Step)
Download and Extract
- Go to minecraft.net, scroll to the server downloads section, and download Bedrock Dedicated Server for Windows or Linux
- Extract the ZIP file to a dedicated folder (e.g.,
C:\MinecraftBedrockServer)
Run the Server
- Windows: double-click
bedrock_server.exe - Linux: run
LD_LIBRARY_PATH=. ./bedrock_serverin the terminal
The server generates its files and starts. When you see “Server started” in the console window, it’s running.
Configure server.properties
Edit the server.properties file before running the server for the first time. Key Bedrock-specific settings:
| Setting | What It Does |
|---|---|
server-name | Name shown in the server list |
gamemode | survival, creative, or adventure |
difficulty | peaceful, easy, normal, hard |
allow-cheats | Whether cheat commands are allowed |
max-players | Maximum simultaneous players |
online-mode | Requires Xbox/Microsoft account authentication |
level-seed | World seed |
Port Forwarding for Bedrock
Bedrock uses UDP port 19132. Follow the same router port forwarding steps as Java, but use UDP protocol and port 19132.
Part 7: Hosted Server Services (The Easiest Path)
Self-hosting requires your PC to stay on 24/7, consumes your electricity and bandwidth, and requires you to manage port forwarding. For most people running a server for more than a handful of friends, a game hosting service is the better choice.
What Hosting Services Provide
- Your server runs on their hardware 24/7, even when you’re offline
- A web-based control panel to manage settings, install plugins/mods, view logs, and restart the server
- No port forwarding to configure — they handle the networking
- Automatic backups
- DDoS protection
- One-click installations for Paper, Forge, Fabric, modpacks, and more
What to Look for in a Minecraft Host
RAM: Minecraft servers are RAM-hungry. For a small survival server (2–5 players, Paper, no heavy plugins), 2–4 GB is enough. Add a few plugins and 5–10 players, you’ll want 4–6 GB. Heavy modpacks (Forge with 200+ mods) can need 8–12 GB or more.
Location: pick a server physically close to where most of your players live. A Frankfurt server is ideal for European players; New York or Dallas for US players. Latency compounds into visible lag.
Control Panel: most hosts use Pterodactyl or a proprietary panel. Look for one that lets you easily install server software, edit files, schedule restarts, and view console output.
Pricing: expect $5–$15/month for a small survival server. Larger or modded servers cost more. Free tiers exist but typically come with very limited RAM and may go to sleep when inactive.
RAM Recommendations by Server Type
| Setup | Recommended RAM |
|---|---|
| Vanilla / Paper, 2–5 players | 2–4 GB |
| Paper + plugins, 5–15 players | 4–6 GB |
| Paper + plugins, 15–30 players | 6–10 GB |
| Fabric lightweight modpack | 4–6 GB |
| Forge / NeoForge modpack (100+ mods) | 8–12 GB |
| Large public server (30+ players) | 12 GB+ |
Part 8: Cross-Play Between Java and Bedrock (GeyserMC)
Java and Bedrock are fundamentally different codebases. They don’t natively talk to each other. But GeyserMC is a plugin that acts as a translation layer, allowing Bedrock players to connect to a Java server.
How it works: GeyserMC runs on your Java server and translates Bedrock network packets into Java packets in real time. Bedrock players connect using a separate port (usually 19132) and appear as normal Java players in the game.
Floodgate: a companion plugin that lets Bedrock players authenticate with their Microsoft/Xbox account instead of requiring a Java account. Essential if you want Bedrock players who don’t own Java Edition to join.
Limitations: GeyserMC works very well for most gameplay, but it’s a compatibility layer rather than native support. Some redstone mechanics, player movement feel, and plugin behavior can differ slightly for Bedrock players. Test thoroughly before advertising full cross-play support.
Installation (Paper server):
- Download GeyserMC plugin from geysermc.org
- Drop it in your server’s
pluginsfolder - Download Floodgate from the same site and add it to
pluginsas well - Restart the server
- Bedrock players connect using your server’s IP and port 19132
Part 9: Essential Plugins for Paper Servers
If you’re running a Paper server, these plugins are the foundation of almost every well-run server:
EssentialsX — the single most important plugin. Adds 100+ commands including /home, /warp, /tpa, /kit, /ban, /mute, /heal, /gamemode, and a simple economy system. Install this on every Paper server.
WorldGuard + WorldEdit — WorldGuard lets you protect regions from griefing; WorldEdit lets you select and edit large areas of blocks quickly. The combination is essential for any public server.
LuckPerms — the standard permissions plugin. Lets you create rank groups (Member, VIP, Admin, etc.) and control exactly what commands each rank can use.
Vault — not a plugin on its own, but a required dependency that lets economy plugins talk to each other. Install it alongside EssentialsX.
CoreProtect — logs every block placement and removal. When someone griefs your server, CoreProtect lets you roll back the damage and identify who did it.
DiscordSRV — connects your server’s chat to a Discord channel, so players can see and send messages from Discord in-game and vice versa. Excellent for community management.
Part 10: Basic Server Commands Every Owner Should Know
Once your server is running, these commands are typed directly into the server console (or in-game with / if you’re an operator):
| Command | What It Does |
|---|---|
op [username] | Gives a player operator (admin) status |
deop [username] | Removes operator status |
whitelist add [username] | Adds player to whitelist |
whitelist on | Enables whitelist (invite-only) |
ban [username] | Permanently bans a player |
kick [username] | Removes a player from the server |
gamemode survival [username] | Sets a player’s game mode |
give [username] [item] [amount] | Gives an item to a player |
tp [player1] [player2] | Teleports player1 to player2 |
save-all | Forces the server to save the world |
stop | Shuts down the server safely |
list | Shows currently online players |
Java servers require the Minecraft username. Bedrock servers may use Xbox gamertags depending on your server settings.
Troubleshooting Common Server Problems
“Connection refused” or “Can’t connect to server” Check: Is the server actually running? Is port forwarding set up correctly? Are you using the right port (25565 for Java, 19132 for Bedrock)? Try canyouseeme.org to verify your port is open externally. If connecting from the same PC, use localhost not your public IP.
Server crashes on startup Almost always a Java version mismatch. Run java -version in the terminal and confirm you have Java 21. Minecraft 1.21+ requires Java 21 — older Java versions cause immediate crashes.
“Failed to authenticate your connection” The server is in online mode but can’t reach Mojang’s authentication servers. Check your internet connection. If testing in a local network only, you can temporarily set online-mode=false in server.properties, but never do this on a public server — it opens the door to unauthorized access.
High lag / low TPS Switch from Vanilla to Paper if you haven’t already. Reduce view-distance in server.properties (try 8 instead of 10). Allocate more RAM to the server. Check whether any automatic farms or redstone clocks are creating excessive entity counts or chunk loading — these are the most common causes of server lag. Speaking of farms, our building an automatic farm in Minecraft guide covers how to build efficient farms that don’t murder your server’s TPS.
“EULA error” — server won’t start Edit eula.txt in your server folder and change eula=false to eula=true. The server won’t run without this.
Players can’t connect from outside the network Port forwarding isn’t set up or is misconfigured. Double-check: the internal IP in your port forwarding rule matches your PC’s current local IP, the protocol is correct (TCP for Java, UDP for Bedrock), and your firewall isn’t blocking the port.
Whitelist players can’t join Make sure you’ve added them with whitelist add [username] using the exact Minecraft username or gamertag. Run whitelist list to confirm they appear.
Related Guides
- Building an automatic farm in Minecraft — once your server is running, automatic farms are what makes group play sustainable; here’s how to build every major farm type
- Minecraft redstone basics and circuits guide — servers thrive on redstone contraptions; this guide covers everything from beginner circuits to logic gates and auto-crafters
- How to use an enchanting table in Minecraft — getting all players properly geared is a major early server goal; master the enchanting system to equip your whole group
- How to defeat the Ender Dragon in Minecraft — a server’s biggest milestone moment; tackling the Ender Dragon as a group is one of the best multiplayer experiences in the game
- How to survive your first night in Minecraft — if you’re inviting new players to your server, this is the guide to share with them before they join
- How to find diamonds in Minecraft — on a survival server, diamond races and trading economies are natural progression goals for any active player base
- How to make a shield in Minecraft — essential gear for any new player joining a server with PvP or hostile mobs enabled
- How to brew potions in Minecraft — communal potion brewing stations and potion economies are popular server features worth building
- How to find/get to the Nether in Minecraft — coordinating a group Nether expedition is a classic early server event
- All Minecraft base builds guide 2026 — players on a new server need homes; this covers every base type from quick dirt shacks to elaborate mega bases
- How to tame axolotls in Minecraft — communal axolotl farms are a popular server project, especially for players heading to Ocean Monuments as a group
- Best Minecraft Bedrock shaders 1.21 — how to install — if your server runs Bedrock or has Bedrock players via GeyserMC, shaders make the shared world look incredible
Final Thoughts
Setting up a Minecraft server doesn’t have to be complicated. If you just want to play with a few friends this weekend, LAN play takes two minutes. Realms takes five. A hosted server from a game hosting provider takes maybe twenty minutes and runs 24/7 without you lifting another finger.
Self-hosting from your own PC is a valid option too — especially if you like having full control and don’t mind the setup. Just make sure your PC stays on when friends want to play, your port forwarding is correct, and you’re running Paper rather than Vanilla if you’re expecting more than a handful of players.
The key decisions in order: Java or Bedrock? Plugins or mods? Self-host or hosted service? Vanilla, Paper, Forge, or Fabric? Answer those four questions and everything else is just setup steps.
