You are thinking about starting a Minecraft server. Maybe you want a place for your friend group. Maybe you dream of building a big public community. Before you spend money and hours configuring plugins, here is what running a server actually costs and whether it is worth it.
The Honest Time Cost
Setting up a basic server takes 1-2 hours. Choosing a host, installing Paper, adding a few plugins, setting permissions. Basic stuff.
But running a server long-term is not a one-time setup. Here is what ongoing maintenance looks like:
| Task | Frequency | Time | |---|---|---| | Plugin updates | Weekly to monthly | 15-30 min | | Player issues (reports, bans, appeals) | Daily on public servers | 10-60 min | | Config tweaks | Monthly | 15-30 min | | Minecraft version updates | Every few months | 1-4 hours | | Backup management | Weekly check | 5 min | | Community management (Discord, announcements) | Daily | 15-30 min |
A small friends-only server needs almost no maintenance. Start it, play it, ignore it until something breaks. Maybe an hour per month.
A public server with 20-50 regular players is a part-time job. Expect 5-10 hours per week if you want to keep it healthy.
The Honest Money Cost
Free Options
Aternos / Minehut: Free but limited. Queue times, forced shutdowns, lag, limited plugin support. Fine for occasional play with friends. Not viable for anything serious.
Minecraft Realms: 8 euros per month. No plugins, no mods, limited settings. Extremely easy to set up but very restrictive.
Self-hosting on your PC: Free but your internet speed limits player count, your power bill goes up, your IP is exposed, and the server dies when you turn off your PC.
Paid Hosting
| Plan | Typical Cost | Best For | |---|---|---| | 2 GB shared | 3-5 euros/month | 1-5 friends | | 4 GB shared | 6-10 euros/month | 5-15 casual players | | 8 GB shared | 12-18 euros/month | 15-40 active players | | 16 GB shared | 20-35 euros/month | 40-80+ players |
For most friend groups, a 3-8 euro monthly cost split between a few people is basically nothing. Cheaper than a single lunch.
When It Is Worth It
For Friend Groups
Absolutely yes. A server gives you a persistent world that is always available. No more "hey can you turn on your PC so we can play?" Everyone joins whenever they want. Projects continue even when you are offline. The cost split between 3-5 friends is trivial.
For Community Building
If you enjoy building communities and have the time for moderation, running a Minecraft server is deeply rewarding. Watching players build towns, form groups, create economies, and tell stories in a world you created is unique. No other game gives you this level of community interaction as a host.
For Learning
Running a Minecraft server teaches you real skills: Linux basics, networking, database management, community moderation, and basic system administration. If you are interested in IT or programming, this is a motivation-friendly way to learn concepts that transfer to real careers.
For Revenue
Some servers make money through cosmetic donations. This is possible but difficult. You need a large, engaged player base (100+ daily players) before donation revenue becomes meaningful. The Minecraft EULA prohibits selling gameplay advantages, so you are limited to cosmetics like particle effects, chat colors, and pets.
Do not start a server expecting to make money. Start it for fun and if it grows large enough, donations might cover hosting costs.
When It Is Not Worth It
You Have No Time
A public server without active moderation descends into chaos. Griefing, spam bots, drama. If you do not have at least 5-10 hours per week to manage a public server, keep it private or find co-admins.
Your Friends Only Play for a Week
This is the most common scenario. Someone suggests "let's start a server!" Everyone plays intensely for a week, then nobody logs on. The server sits empty. You keep paying for hosting.
Solution: Start with a low-cost plan. If people stop playing after a week, cancel or pause the hosting. If they keep playing, upgrade.
You Expect Instant Community
Building a player base takes months of consistent effort. Posting on server lists, maintaining a Discord, hosting events, keeping the server fresh with updates. If you expect 100 players in the first week, you will be disappointed.
The Bottom Line
For a friend group: Yes, absolutely worth it. A 4 GB plan costs less than a streaming subscription and gives you a better multiplayer experience than any built-in option.
For a public server: Worth it if you treat it as a long-term hobby and enjoy community building. Not worth it if you expect quick results or money.
For learning: Worth it regardless. The skills transfer to real-world IT.
Space-Node plans start at a few euros per month for 2 GB. All servers run on Ryzen 9 3900X hardware in the Netherlands. Start small, upgrade if your friends keep playing. Check the plans here.
