Run your own Minecraft server: setup and configuration
Pick Java or Bedrock and a server software, connect your friends, and configure the server from the live console.
A ByteNests game server gives you a Minecraft server with its own address, a live console and hourly billing that stops when you delete it. No port forwarding and no PC left on overnight.
Java or Bedrock?
Minecraft: Java Edition: Players on Windows, macOS and Linux with the Java edition: Paper (recommended), Purpur, Vanilla, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition: Players on consoles, phones, tablets and the Windows Bedrock edition: Bedrock Dedicated Server
For Java, pick Paper for a fast server that runs plugins, Fabric, Forge or NeoForge for mods (match the one your modpack uses), or Vanilla for the unmodified game.
Create the server
Open Game Servers and choose Create.
Pick the game and server software. The latest release is installed.
Pick a plan. The form marks the best fit for the game; modpacks and bigger groups need more memory.
Name the server and accept the Minecraft EULA.
The install takes a few minutes, and the server starts on its own when it is ready. Billing is hourly, up to the monthly price, from the end of the install.
Connect
The server page shows the address and port. In Minecraft Java, choose Multiplayer → Add Server and paste the address and port. In Bedrock, choose Servers → Add Server and enter them in the two fields.
Configure it from the console
The Console on the server page shows the server log live and runs commands as an operator. Some useful ones for Java Edition:
op <player>: Give a player operator rights, so they can run commands in game.
whitelist add <player> then whitelist on: Only let listed players join.
difficulty normal: Set the difficulty: peaceful, easy, normal or hard.
gamerule keepInventory true: Keep items when a player dies. Other game rules work the same way.
defaultgamemode survival: The game mode new players start in.
list: Who is online.
save-all: Write the world to disk now.
Bedrock uses allowlist instead of whitelist; most other commands are the same.
Day to day
Restart at the top of the page applies changes that need a restart and clears up a laggy server.
Stop shuts the server down; Start brings it back.
Memory, disk and uptime are on the server page, so you can see when it is time for a bigger plan.
Deleting a game server deletes its world files for good.