How to create a Minecraft server: your own server in minutes

Want to play on your own world with friends? Creating a Minecraft server is easier than you think. There are two ways: the fast one (order a ready-made server at DeinServerHost) and the technical one (host it yourself on a Linux server). This guide covers both – just pick the one that suits you.

Two ways to your own Minecraft server

The easiest way: order a server at DeinServerHost

If you just want to play without worrying about the tech, a ready-made game server is the best choice. It's instantly set up, online around the clock and automatically DDoS-protected.

1. Open the rent a Minecraft server page
2. Choose RAM/slots to match your number of players
3. Complete the order – the server is created automatically
4. Start it in the panel, pick a version/modpack and share the server IP with your friends

That's it – ready to play. If you'd rather do it yourself, continue below.

The do-it-yourself way: host a Minecraft server on Linux

Already have a root server or VPS running Linux (e.g. Debian/Ubuntu)? Then you can set up your Minecraft server yourself.

Requirements

• A Linux server with SSH access (root)
• Enough memory (at least 2 GB free for the server)
• An open port 25565 (default for Minecraft Java)

1. Update the system & install Java

Current Minecraft versions require Java 21 (for 1.20.5 and newer):

apt update && apt upgrade -y
apt install -y openjdk-21-jre-headless screen
java -version

2. Create a directory & download the server

mkdir -p ~/minecraft && cd ~/minecraft

Download the current server.jar from the official page minecraft.net/download/server (copy the link) and save it:

wget -O server.jar "<official-download-link>"

3. Accept the EULA

The first launch creates an eula.txt file. You have to accept the Minecraft EULA:

java -Xms2G -Xmx2G -jar server.jar --nogui
# The launch stops and creates eula.txt – now accept it:
sed -i 's/eula=false/eula=true/' eula.txt

4. Configure the server

The most important settings are in server.properties:

server-port=25565
max-players=20
view-distance=8
motd=My DeinServerHost Minecraft server

5. Open the port in the firewall

ufw allow 25565/tcp

6. Keep the server running

So the server keeps running after you close the SSH session, start it inside a screen session:

screen -S minecraft
java -Xms2G -Xmx2G -jar server.jar --nogui

Press Ctrl + A, then D to detach – the server keeps running. Return with screen -r minecraft.

7. Connect

Start Minecraft → Multiplayer → Add Server and enter your server's IP:

YOUR-SERVER-IP:25565

Next steps

• Optimise performance: Optimizing Minecraft server performance
• The finest worlds: The best Minecraft seeds