Minecraft Server Hosting

Java Server or Bedrock Server?

Minecraft comes in two editions that cannot share a world. Mojang's own comparison says Java and Bedrock use different servers, so their players cannot play together. The choice of server therefore follows the devices your group plays on.

If everyone is on a computer and you want mods, plugins or a specific older version, Java is the answer. If even one friend plays on a console or phone, a Bedrock server keeps everyone together.

Choosing Memory for Vanilla, Plugins and Modpacks

Minecraft plans are sold by RAM because memory, more than anything else, decides what a Java server can carry. Every loaded chunk, entity, plugin and mod sits in memory. Two servers with ten players can need very different amounts: ten friends on vanilla survival are a light load, while ten players spread across a 300-mod pack, each with an automated base, are a heavy one.

Mojang does not publish server memory figures, but its own example start command on the server download page gives the server 4GB. Our recommendation is 3GB for a new vanilla world with friends, 4GB to 6GB for plugin servers, and 8GB or more for modpacks, guided by the pack author's own advice. Watch the memory graph in the panel during your busiest evening: if it sits near the top, move up a size from the client area.

Versions, Game Drops and Java 25

In December 2025 Mojang switched Java Edition to year-based version numbers: the year, the drop and then any hotfix. 26.1 was the first drop of 2026, and 26.3 Wilderness Bound followed on 15 September 2026. The same change of era raised the requirement to Java 25, starting with 26.1.

1. Stop the server and take a backup.
2. Open the Mod Manager and choose the version in the Minecraft Vanilla section, then install it.
3. Set the Java version to match: Java 25 for 26.x, an older Java for older releases and packs.
4. Start the server and read the log to confirm the version and world loaded.

Treat every upgrade as one-way. A world saved in a newer release should not be opened in an older one, so a backup taken before the change is your only clean way back.

Whitelist, Operators and Bans

Since 26.3 a fresh server.properties has white-list set to true, so a new server only admits players you add. That is a sensible default for a friends server. Add each player in the Web Console with /whitelist add and their name, check the list with /whitelist list, and remove someone with /whitelist remove. The names are stored in whitelist.json.

Operators are players allowed to use admin commands in game. Make yourself one with /op and your name in the Web Console, and take the role away again with /deop. Operators are kept in ops.json. Banned players and banned IP addresses have their own files, and /ban and /pardon manage them from the console or in game.

Plugins, Modpacks and Data Packs

Java servers come in a few broad flavours. A vanilla server runs Mojang's server exactly as released. Plugin servers such as Spigot keep the game vanilla for players, so anyone can join with the normal client, while plugins add commands, protection and minigames on the server side. Mod loaders such as Forge change the game itself, which means every player needs the same mods installed.

• Vanilla: install any release from the Mod Manager's Minecraft Vanilla section.
• Plugin server: use the Spigot installer, then drop plugin files into the plugins folder.
• Modded: use the Forge installer or upload a modpack's server files over SFTP.
• Data packs: place them in the world's datapacks folder; they work on any server type.
• Resource pack: host the file online and add its link to the resource-pack line in server.properties.

Modpacks often bundle their own server files and a recommended Java version, so read the pack's notes first. If a pack still refuses to start, open a ticket with a public link to the server files and our team installs it for you at no charge.

Running a Public Server Within Mojang's Rules

Mojang's EULA lets you install the Java server and host online play, and its Minecraft Usage Guidelines set out what a server may charge for. They matter as soon as a server takes donations or sells anything.

• You may charge for access, as long as the price is the same for everyone.
• Donations are fine, but donors must not receive anything only they can use.
• Cosmetics may be sold, except capes or anything that looks like one.
• Paid items must not ruin other players' experience or give a competitive advantage.
• Only players with a genuine copy of the game may join, and content must suit all ages.
• Show prices before players join, give buyers a purchase history, and never imply you are an official Minecraft service.

Mods are allowed under the EULA, but modified versions of the game or server must not be distributed. Read the Usage Guidelines in full before opening a store.

Worlds, Backups and Starting Over

A Minecraft world is a folder. To move one onto the server, stop it, upload the folder with the File Manager or SFTP, and set level-name in server.properties to the folder's name. To start a new world beside the old one, change level-name to a new name and restart: the old folder stays untouched for later.

Take a backup from the panel before every version change, modpack update or big plugin install, and set a scheduled backup task for everyday protection. We also keep offsite copies for the last 7 days. If you want a clean slate, the Wipe Server tool removes the world while leaving your settings in place.

What to Compare Before You Rent a Minecraft Server

Minecraft hosting is a crowded market, and the headline price hides most of the differences. Check these before you pay.

1. Real memory, not slot countsMemory decides what a Java server can run. Compare the RAM included, not a player number on the box.
2. Version and Java controlMake sure you can install older releases and change the Java version yourself, or older modpacks will not start.
3. Modpack supportLook for installers for common server types, SFTP access, and real people who will help when a pack will not boot.
4. Location and pingTest latency from where your players live; a nearby data centre does more for block breaking and PvP than extra hardware.
5. Backups you can restoreCheck you can back up and restore without a ticket, and how many days of offsite copies are kept.
6. Upgrade pathFind out whether you can move to a bigger size later without losing the world.
7. Billing termsCompare monthly against longer terms and look out for setup fees and minimum contracts.

Minecraft Server Glossary

Java Edition

The version of Minecraft for Windows, macOS and Linux, with the largest modding scene.

Bedrock

The version for consoles, mobile and Windows; it cannot play with Java.

server.properties

The main settings file: player limit, whitelist, difficulty, view distance, world name and more.

Whitelist

A list of players allowed to join; on by default for new servers since 26.3.

Operator (op)

A player allowed to use admin commands, kept in ops.json.

Game drop

Mojang's name for its regular content updates, numbered by year since 2026.

Plugin server

A server type such as Spigot that adds server-side features while players use the normal game.

Mod loader

Software such as Forge that loads mods into the game; every player needs the same mods.

Modpack

A curated bundle of mods and configs, often with its own server files.

Data pack

A built-in way to change rules, loot, recipes and more without a mod loader.

View distance

How far the server sends terrain to players; a big factor in memory use.

Minecraft Server Help and Next Steps

Useful pages for setting up and running your Java server.

• Minecraft server download, minecraft.netMojang's server software and the EULA.
• Minecraft Usage GuidelinesWhat servers may and may not sell.
• Java or Bedrock, minecraft.netMojang's comparison of the two editions.
• Gaming Deluxe control panelWhat the panel does and how to log in.
• Our server locations
• Contact support24/7 help with versions, modpacks and moving worlds.