How to Create a Minecraft Server 2026: Step-by-Step for Beginners

Published on 2026-06-25

The simplest guide to creating your own Minecraft server in 2026. Covers Java and Bedrock, port forwarding, server software choices, and getting friends connected.

Creating a Minecraft server lets you play with friends on your own world with your own rules. You control everything from game mode to mods to who can join. Here is the simplest path from zero to a running server.

Choose Your Edition

First, decide which Minecraft edition your group plays:

Java Edition: The original PC version. Supports the most mods, plugins, and custom server software. Most multiplayer communities play Java.

Bedrock Edition: Cross-platform (Windows 10/11, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, mobile). Fewer modding options but friends on different devices can play together.

This guide covers both, but the steps differ slightly.

Option 1: Use a Hosting Service

The easiest approach for beginners:

Pick a Minecraft hosting provider
Choose your plan (RAM and player count)
Select your server software (Vanilla, Paper, Fabric, etc.)
The host sets everything up automatically
Share the server IP with friends
Play

No technical knowledge required. The host manages hardware, software, updates, and uptime. You manage the game settings and players through a web panel.

This costs a few dollars per month depending on the provider and specs.

Option 2: Self-Host on Your PC

Free but requires some technical steps:

Java Server

Download the latest Java (JDK 21+)
Download the server JAR from minecraft.net (vanilla) or papermc.io (Paper, recommended)
Create a folder for your server files
Put the JAR in the folder
Create a start script:

java -Xmx4G -Xms4G -jar server.jar nogui

Run the script once, it creates files then stops
Open eula.txt and change eula=false to eula=true
Run the script again, the server starts
Connect using localhost from your own PC

Bedrock Server

Download the Bedrock Dedicated Server from minecraft.net
Extract to a folder
Run the executable
The server starts and generates a world
Connect from Bedrock edition using the local IP

Connecting Friends

For friends on the same local network (LAN), they connect using your computer's local IP address (usually 192.168.x.x).

For friends over the internet, you need to port forward:

Find your local IP (run ipconfig on Windows)
Log into your router (usually 192.168.1.1)
Add a port forwarding rule for port 25565 (Java) or 19132 (Bedrock)
Point it to your local IP
Friends connect using your public IP (find it at whatismyip.com)

Alternatively, use a tool like playit.gg or ngrok to skip port forwarding entirely.

Option 3: Self-Host on a VPS

Best of both worlds: you control everything and the server runs 24/7 without keeping your home PC on.

Rent a VPS (4+ GB RAM recommended)
Connect via SSH
Install Java
Download and run the server JAR
Configure settings
The VPS public IP is your server address

No port forwarding needed since VPS machines have public IPs by default.

Server Configuration

After first start, edit server.properties:

server-name: Your server's display name
gamemode: survival, creative, or adventure
difficulty: peaceful, easy, normal, hard
max-players: How many can join simultaneously
pvp: true or false
white-list: true to restrict who can join
view-distance: How far players can see (lower = better performance)

Choosing Server Software

Vanilla: The official server from Mojang. No plugins, no mods, just base Minecraft.

Paper: The most popular server software. Runs Bukkit/Spigot plugins and includes performance optimizations. Recommended for most servers.

Fabric: For modded servers using Fabric mods. Lightweight and modern.

Forge/NeoForge: For modded servers using Forge mods. Required for most modpacks.

Purpur: Fork of Paper with additional configuration options and features.

RAM Requirements

2-4 players, vanilla: 2 GB
5-10 players, light plugins: 4 GB
10-20 players, plugins and datapacks: 6-8 GB
Modpacks: 6-12 GB depending on mod count
Large communities (20+): 8-16 GB

Allocate about 80% of available RAM to the server, leaving the rest for the OS.

FAQ

How much does it cost to run a Minecraft server? Self-hosting is free (just electricity). Hosting services cost 3 to 15 dollars per month depending on specs.

Can Java and Bedrock players play together? Yes, with Geyser plugin installed on a Java server. It translates Bedrock connections to Java.

Do I need a powerful PC to host? For a few friends, any modern PC works. For larger groups or modpacks, you want a good CPU and plenty of RAM.