How do you host a Minecraft server? You like Minecraft, but you don't want to play with people you don't know. It's understandable: you can tell your friends to "eff off" a lot more comfortably than a stranger. The easiest way to do so is to host your own server, and we've got all you need to know.
Hosting your own server on best Minecraft servers, including Mojang's built-in realms feature – but that requires a monthly subscription, and you can host a Minecraft server for free in other ways.
How to host a Minecraft server
Setting up a server requires time and a certain level of technical knowledge. First you need to know if you can host it. It looks lo-fi, but Minecraft needs a pile of bandwidth. The Can I host Minecraft site will let you know if it's possible to host on the machine you have in mind.
If your needs aren't met, head over to Multiplay and see if they have a package that suits you. If it looks like you're good to go, and install the Java Edition from the Minecraft website.
You'll need to ensure you've got the latest version of Java installed for security purposes. Access Java through your control – if you need to install it or update the file, you can do so on the Java website.
Next, you'll need to follow these instructions in order:
- Create a folder for your server
- File 'eula.txt' and open it in a text editor
- Change the line "eula=false" to "eula=true" to accept to license agreement
- Send your external IP address to anyone you want to grant access to
It's not recommended that you host a server on the same PC that you plan to run it on, as it can be very resource-intensive. However, if you're lucky enough to own a powerful machine, it is possible.
How to host a Minecraft Realms server
Minecraft Realms isn't free, but it's certainly the most pain-free way to set up and host your own Minecraft multiplayer server. Mojang's in-house service, Realms is a subscription-based offering that allows you to host your own server with up to three different worlds, and you can grant access to each world to different friends. You'll need to know their name to invite them, but there are no other requirements for entry.
To set one up, open Minecraft and instead of entering single-player or multiplayer, click on Realms. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a subscription. Only the host needs to pay, and you can invite up to ten friends to each world. The rest is very self-explanatory, and in our experience this has been the easiest way to host a Minecraft server, even if it's not free.
Third-party Minecraft server hosting
For servers bigger than ten people, there are third-party companies who will host a server for you, usually for a fee. Before paying anyone to host your server, make sure they're trustworthy by checking reviews.
In our experience, the best Minecraft hosting providers are:
- Hostinger – best overall
- Sparked Host – most -friendly
- MroHosting – best for storage
- Shockbyte – best uptime
- GGServers – huge offering of plans
- ScalaCube – best for multiple servers
Now that you're armed with a server for you and your friends to get together on, it's time to find the best Minecraft farm guide is what you need.