How to make a Minecraft server: play with friends in minutes

Want to play with friends on your own world that keeps running when you're offline? There are three ways to get there. Below you'll also find how big the server should be and how to set it up step by step.

6 min read · Updated 16 October 2026

Three ways to your own server

Open to LAN in the game: Free, but the world only exists while you're playing, and friends outside your Wi-Fi need extra tools to join.
Host it on your own PC: Free, but your PC has to be on whenever others want to play. You need to forward ports on your router, and your home IP is visible to every player.
Rent a server: Runs around the clock in a data centre, with a fixed address, backups and no router settings. Costs a small monthly amount.

For a regular group of friends, a rented server is usually the most relaxed option: everyone can play whenever they like, and nobody has to leave their PC on.

Java or Bedrock?

If you play on a PC with the launcher, it's the Java Edition. If you play on a phone, tablet, console or with the Windows app from the store, it's the Bedrock Edition. A Java server is for Java players, a Bedrock server for Bedrock players. Pick the edition most of you have.

How big does the server need to be?

What matters is memory (RAM). For a small group with vanilla or a few plugins, 4 to 5 GB is enough. With 8 GB, usually up to about 20 people play with some plugins. Modpacks need a lot more, often 10 to 16 GB. More in the guide “How much RAM does a Minecraft server need?”.

Step by step at Navoryx

Go to Order a server, choose Minecraft and move the slider to the RAM size you need. The price is shown right next to it.
Give your server a name and pay via Stripe. The server is set up straight away, which usually takes just a few minutes.
Click Start in the customer area. On the first start you accept the Minecraft EULA once.
Copy the address and send it to your friends. In Minecraft: Multiplayer → Add Server → paste the address.

The most important settings

Name in the server list, game mode, difficulty: in the file server.properties (motd, gamemode, difficulty), then restart.
Only let friends in: turn on the whitelist and add names. In the Panel you do that with one click on the Players page.
Admin rights: give yourself OP so you can use commands. That's on the Players page too.
Version: under Versions in the Panel you choose the Minecraft version and the software (Paper, Purpur, Vanilla, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge).

Turn on daily backups. If someone blows up the base or an update goes wrong, you get the old state back with one click.

Plugins, mods and modpacks

Plugins (for example for land claims, homes or ranks) run on Paper or Purpur. Mods (new blocks, machines, dimensions) need Fabric, Forge or NeoForge. In the Panel you install both from Modrinth via the Installer, with the matching version and dependencies. Whole modpacks work the same way.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make a Minecraft server for free?

Yes, on your own PC or via LAN. But then the world only runs while your PC is on, and you have to handle the router, ports and updates yourself. A rented server runs permanently and costs €6.00 a month with us.

How many players fit on a server?

That depends on RAM and on plugins or mods. Small groups play with 4 to 5 GB, with 8 GB usually up to about 20 people with some plugins. You set the player limit in server.properties under max-players.

Can friends on phones or consoles join?

Not directly on a Java server. There's a separate Bedrock server for that. If most of you play on PC, Java is usually the better choice.

Can I upgrade later?

Yes. You can increase the RAM in the customer area at any time and the world is kept. You're billed pro rata.

Order a Minecraft server Prices and details