Minecraft server guides
Practical help for running your own Minecraft server, from the first start to the problems that come later. Each guide explains the why in a few lines and then gives the steps.
Getting started
- Java and Bedrock crossplay on one serverHow Geyser and Floodgate join the two editions, how Bedrock players get in, and what not to touch.
- How much RAM does a Minecraft server need?The sum we use ourselves: a base amount for the server, then a share per player, then view distance.
- How to make a Minecraft serverFrom nothing to a world your friends can join, in the order that saves you the most trouble.
- Java or Bedrock: which server do you need?Which edition your players have, what that means for plugins and mods, and when to pick crossplay.
- How to join your Minecraft serverWhere your server address is, and the exact buttons to press on Java and on Bedrock.
- Move your world or server to a new hostUpload a singleplayer world, or move a whole server from another host with one download link.
Plugins, mods and server software
- Fabric, Forge or NeoForge: which mod loader?Let the mods you want decide. What each loader is good at, and which Minecraft versions it lives on.
- How to install a modpack on your serverSearch CurseForge and FTB from the panel, install the server version of a pack, then match it on your players' side.
- How to install plugins on a Minecraft serverInstall from the catalog in two clicks, or upload a .jar yourself, and keep plugins working after updates.
- How to join a modded Minecraft serverThe player's side of a modded server: same pack, same version, enough memory, and the errors in plain words.
- Paper, Purpur or Spigot: which plugin server?What Paper and Purpur add on top of Spigot, when that matters, and how to switch safely.
Players and community
- Link your Minecraft chat to DiscordA two way chat bridge with DiscordSRV, the mod version for modpacks, and the panel's own Discord alerts.
- Set up permissions with LuckPermsGroups instead of op for everyone: a member, a moderator and an admin rank in about ten commands.
- How to stop griefing on your Minecraft serverKeep strangers out, let players protect their builds, and roll back damage block by block when it happens.
- Whitelist and operator levels explainedDecide who may join, and who may run which admin commands, with the tools built into Minecraft.
Performance
- Build a server network with a lobbyTwo or more servers behind one address: a lobby first, and survival, creative or minigames behind it.
- Pre-generate your world to stop exploration lagLet the server build the map while nobody plays, so exploring later costs nothing.
- How to reduce lag on a Minecraft serverTell server lag from connection lag and low FPS, measure it, then fix the causes that matter most.
Fixing problems
- Can't connect to your Minecraft server? Check these in orderEvery common connection message with its cause and fix, starting with the ones that happen most.
- Which Java version does your Minecraft server need?The table from Java 8 to Java 25, how the panel sets it, and how to read a class version error.