How To Create A Server For Minecraft Multiplayer

How do you set up a reliable Minecraft Multiplayer server. In this article we'll be sharing with you 9 of the very best servers for your Minecraft Multiplayer experience. This article will help you set up and manage your Minecraft Multiplayer server. It also includes information about price comparisons, pros and cons of each service and great advice to get you started.

What is a Minecraft server

Why do you need your own Minecraft server

Best overall servers for Minecraft

Minecraft has been around since 2021 and remains hugely popular due to its extremely entertaining and diverse gameplay. But the real fun begins when your own server is created to play with your friends and even make new ones.

If you're considering creating your Minecraft world, continue reading to learn all you need to know.

A server is a combination of hardware and software platforms that allows developers and administrators to run their websites, complex applications, and virtual online worlds.

It's basically a powerful computer, launched remotely from one the hundreds of data centers across the globe. It is online 24/7, and runs a special software that makes it possible for multiple users to access the web services or gaming realms residing on its hard drive.

Minecraft servers are more targeted. At a technical level, they are not too different from any VDS or dedicated servers. The software they run is what makes them different.

These specialised servers are made to create unique Minecraft worlds online, allowing people to play together, change the rules of the game and communicate with each other.

Why do you need your own Minecraft server?

It's natural to want your rules when creating your Minecraft world. This is best done by having Minecraft on your Minecraft Multiplayer server. It can be set up exactly how you want it to be, invite the players that you wish to play with, and you can make any changes at any time.

Your Minecraft Multiplayer server allows you to control many elements of the game like:

Changing characteristics of the vanilla Minecraft world - the creatures inhabiting it, the materials it contains, etc.

Providing individual collections of accessible materials that players can use for crafting.

The most convenient way to create and manage a virtual Minecraft realm.

Having the opportunity to make money from your Minecraft server.

Playing exclusively with your closest friends without being disturbed by strangers.

Building your very own private and cozy Minecraft world.

If the above sounds like a lot of fun, then you definitely should consider creating your private server.

How to play Minecraft Online

Although Minecraft is great to play by yourself, it's even more fun to play with friends or to join a group. Many Minecraft fans are eagerly searching for the best online way to play the games. That's why you need to have a server.

We will guide you through different ways to create Minecraft servers, showing you the best way to set up your own, explaining how to play with your friends for free and what great Minecraft servers (with engaging and entertaining mods) already exist.

How to create a Minecraft server with Realms

Project Realms was developed by Mojang and Microsoft, the developers behind Minecraft. A Realm is an individual Minecraft server. It can be as different or as normal as you wish, and it's an excellent way to play Minecraft officialy.

Realms Plus is all you need to get started. This is Microsoft's service which allows you create your own realm on Microsoft's servers. You can play with as many as ten friends.

Realms offers safe and reliable resources for playing Minecraft online. You don't have to worry about updating game clients or making backups.

However, it comes with two major drawbacks:

You must use a licensed Minecraft version and pay to play.

Microsoft's restrictions will have to be adhered to. There are no cheats, mods, custom rules, or plugins.

Realms is not the right place for you if you want to create your own experience without any restrictions. But don't worry. There are other options available.

How to create your own Minecraft server

The first thing you have to do is download the Minecraft server that suits your needs. There are two server types:

Vanilla. That is the classic implementation of the Minecraft server as offered by the developers of the game. It has the same restrictions as Realms on modes and plugins, however it still allows for a more personal and unique experience. You can also save all data on your computer or dedicated server.

Bukkit. This is a project by passionate gamers who wanted to escape Microsoft's restrictions and explore Minecraft’s unlimited possibilities using modifications made by third-party developers or fans.

These servers can be downloaded online for free.

Vanilla is available at the official Minecraft site. To work with it, you must download Minecraft Server and launch it via the Java command-line interface.

Download and install Java

Open the command prompt in your operating system

Windows: Select the Start button and then type cmd. Command Prompt will appear in the list.

MacOS: Command + spacebar to launch Spotlight. Type Terminal and then double-click on the search result.

Linux: Press Ctrl+Alt+t keys simultaneously

java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraftserver.1.17.1.jar nogui

Your server has now been up.

Next, configure your server and find a connection to it. This will depend on the type of hosting you have chosen.

You will need to download Forge in order to create a Bukkit server. After it has been downloaded, you will need to launch it and set the parameters.

Where to host your server

Your server needs to have a home to make it accessible.

If you've downloaded a server and launched it on your computer, your server will only be online for as long as your computer is running it. Turn the computer off (or even close the command line while running Minecraft server), and bye-bye custom Minecraft world.

So you need a computer that will remain online and accessible for the players 24/7.

You can either use a generic host provider or rent a dedicated server to host the game world.

Once you have remote accessibility to your rented Server:

Download your chosen Minecraft server onto it

Start the server via the Java command java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraftserver.1.17.1.jar nogui

Setup your connection parameters, find IP-addresses and ports, etc.

While this is a very popular method for setting up your own Minecraft Multiplayer server, we agree that it involves a bit of work.

So let's look at some other solutions.

How to host a Minecraft server for free

The process of creating and setting up a free Minecraft server is almost the same as for the paid version.

First, you have to find a free hosting provider that will allow you to host your data on its hardware. This isn’t always easy as not everyone likes sharing their property with others.

Moreover, you'll be forced to use a non-official Minecraft server application created by a third party. The same applies to your game client. Because the original game isn’t available for free, and there’s no way of overriding this,

If you're ok with all of the above, you just need to download the Bukkit-server and launch it via the Forge Minecraft server app on your free hosting. This is the same method as the one we described above for the non-free options.

Why you shouldn't give away your server

Yes, you can host your Minecraft server for free. We would not recommend hosting your Minecraft server for free.

Free hosting providers can be slow and unreliable. You want your virtual world to be available at all times. Hosting free of charge would ruin the entire experience by its slow performance.

If you don't pay money, the provider doesn't have any obligation to you. You have no recourse if they decide to terminate your virtual world.

Free hosting providers still have to pay the bills. They might place advertisements on your site, or in your gaming chat. This can be very annoying to say the least. If you have minors on your server, you might find some ads that are inappropriate for them. This could land you in serious trouble.

Another way free hosting providers can make money is selling your personal information. You might not want to do that, but it is possible.

Hosting free of charge will severely limit your options due to hardware limitations. You won't get as many friends to play as your wish and you'll be restricted in the number of materials, constructions and NPCs that you can add.

If you wanted to start your own Minecraft server to have unlimited creative freedom and a reliable platform, a free server will only lead to disappointment.

There's another option.

Ready to try?

In just 55 seconds, you can get your virtual machine.

Try it now

The best way to host your Minecraft server

Instead of dealing with troublesome and confusing dedicated servers, you can use a hosting platform like Hostman.

Hostman has a marketplace where you can find thousands of software products that are ready to be deployed in a matter of seconds. This includes Minecraft servers. In a matter of seconds, you can create your own server and avoid some of the restrictions imposed on you by Microsoft.

Visit the Hostman Marketplace

Choose a Minecraft server

Click on "Deploy"

Done!

You're now ready to enjoy your own unique instance of Minecraft virtual world, supported by a reliable and swift hardware platform.

If you're looking for a high performing Minecraft server installation with a certain level of freedom that doesn't cost a fortune, you can find it here.

Connection to your virtual Minecraft worlds is usually established via the game client:

Open the game.

Go to the Multiplayer menu.

Choose the Direct Connect option.

Enter the IP address for the server.

Within a few seconds, you should be connected to the server hosted on the address you specified.

But what is the address for Minecraft's server?

If the server is up and running on your local machine, then the IP address of the server is the same as the IP address of the PC itself. To discover your IP address, you can use a site like Speedtest. Remote hosting allows you to find your IP address through the control panel of your service provider.

Popular ready-made Minecraft servers

You won't see the server list in Minecraft if you are using a third-party client. There are many Minecraft servers and maps that have been prepared. Each has its own set of rules and unique gameplay.

Here's a list of some popular ready-made Minecraft servers for you to try out. We have added a brief description to each server, but there is a lot more information available if you want further information.

One of the best Minecraft servers. Flash Ants Great map for those of you who want to bring a bit of Call of Duty into the classic building and survival game. Brawl transforms Minecraft in a shooter game with many different gameplay styles.

This is a great setup for fans of classic online RPGs like Runescape. These servers are a great imitation of the game and do it very well. Explore dungeons, kill monsters, find artifacts, etc.

This map is a recreation of the game "Among Us". Among Us Performium is very popular and allows players to enjoy the unique gameplay of Among Us in a different and more interesting way.

Best Minecraft survival servers

At its core, Minecraft is a survival game. These servers will appeal to survivalists who are looking for more challenge and realism.

This is a great alternative to the classic GTA games. It won't be as pretty as the original game, but the atmosphere and features are there. You can build your own house, buy weapons, and join the police in fighting crime. A true GTA experience.

This one is perfect for people looking for an extra dose of adrenaline. There are many different types of monsters and griefers on this map. Your only task is survival.

Best Minecraft parkour server

It's only natural that parkour has made its way into Minecraft, given its popularity. This collection of Minecraft worlds will challenge you. You'll need to jump over cubes to get to the next point. These servers are known as parkour servers, and they are extremely fun to play on.

This Minecraft world is inspired by the children's game "The floor is lava". Concrete platforms floating on top of a huge amount of lava. Your goal is to make it through this hell as quickly and safely as possible, while avoiding being burned by a volcano.

Great server and map. SkyBlocks is one of the best features in MANACUBE. There are an impressive number of blocks floating in midair. These blocks can be used to move from one point to the next. You might be wondering, "What is the best Minecraft server with skyblocks?" This is it.

Best Minecraft prison servers

Jail in real life isn't fun. But in Minecraft it can be a real blast! Here are some servers with prison themes to soothe your inner escape artist.

One of the most popular servers on the internet, and one of the largest offering prison mode. It is set in the old, with a pirate theme. Get ready to board the enemy's ship and plunder until your heart is full of pirate treasures.

One of the oldest jail servers. This is all about life inside prison. You'll need to learn all of the little details about surviving in a prison, participating in massive gang fights, etc.

Summary

Minecraft servers are very popular gaming platforms, bringing together thousands of players for a ton of fun. You can create a server for your friends only, or a public one to invite others from around the globe. This will allow you to make money and offer unique features that aren't available elsewhere.

Hostman, no matter what your choice, is the best place for you to host your server.

Click on the Deploy button to get everything set up. Hostman can be tried for free for the first seven days. Hostman is only 19 dollars per month, if it's something you like (which we hope),