Quick answer: There are two ways to make a Minecraft server. Rent a hosted server (easiest — no port forwarding, runs 24/7, ready in minutes) or self-host by downloading the official server.jar, installing Java, accepting the EULA, and forwarding port 25565 on your router. This guide covers both.
Running your own Minecraft server means you and your friends get a persistent world that’s always online, with full control over settings, plugins, and mods. Here’s how to set one up.
Option 1: Rent a Hosted Server (Easiest)
Hosting a server on your own PC means it’s only online when your computer is, it eats your bandwidth, and it exposes your home IP. A hosting provider solves all of that. With Minecraft server hosting you get:
- 24/7 uptime — the world stays online even when your PC is off.
- No port forwarding — you get a ready-to-share IP instantly.
- One-click server types — swap between Vanilla, Paper, Forge, Fabric and more from a control panel.
- Easy RAM/plugin management — no command line required.
This is the route most communities take. Pick a plan with enough RAM for your player count, choose your server type, and share the IP.
Option 2: Self-Host on Your Own PC
- Install Java. Modern Minecraft needs a current version of Java (Java 21 for the latest releases). Download it and confirm with
java -version. - Download the server. Get the official
server.jarfrom minecraft.net (or a Paper jar for better performance), and put it in its own folder. - Run it once. Launch it with a command like
java -Xmx4G -Xms4G -jar server.jar nogui. It’ll stop and create files. - Accept the EULA. Open
eula.txtand changeeula=falsetoeula=true, then save. - Start it again. Run the same command; the world generates and the server comes online locally.
- Forward port 25565. To let friends outside your network join, forward TCP port 25565 to your PC’s local IP in your router settings, and share your public IP.
If it won’t start, check our server won’t start guide; if friends can’t join, see can’t connect to server. Once it’s online, make yourself an admin (op) so you can run commands.
Which Should You Choose?
Self-hosting is free but fragile — your PC has to stay on, you deal with port forwarding and firewalls, and performance competes with whatever else you’re running. For anything beyond a quick test with one or two friends, a hosted Minecraft server is far less hassle and keeps your world online around the clock.
FAQ
How much RAM does a Minecraft server need?
A small vanilla server for a few friends runs on 2–4 GB. Add more for bigger player counts, plugins, or modpacks — see how much RAM you need.
Do I need to port forward for a Minecraft server?
Only if you self-host and want people outside your home network to join — you’d forward TCP port 25565. Rented hosting gives you a public IP with no port forwarding needed.
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