Minecraft: Java Edition

Before you begin

Use this guide to create a Minecraft: Java Edition server, join its world, and manage settings, mods, and players.

• Every player needs Minecraft: Java Edition on a computer, signed in with an account that can play multiplayer. Bedrock Edition on consoles, mobile devices, or Windows does not join this Java server through the standard connection method.
• Match the server's Minecraft version. For a modded world, also agree on the loader and any mods required on players' computers.
• Sign in to hourlygameserver.com and have enough credits for the displayed first hourly charge.
• Read the Minecraft EULA before hosting.

Choose a region and size

Choose a region near most of your players. Compare the available Server tier, Server size, resources, and hourly price rather than selecting by player count alone.

Start with Small for a new vanilla world and a small group. Larger explored worlds, many players, heavy redstone, and demanding mods can justify Medium or Large. Higher View Distance and Simulation Distance also increase the workload. A large Max Players value is a connection limit, not a guarantee that the chosen size can handle that many active players.

After a normal play session, check CPU and Memory on Overview. Use Server Settings to compare a different size if needed.

Create the server

1. Open Minecraft: Java Edition from the games catalog and enter its creation wizard.
2. Continue to Server Configuration. Set Server Name, region, tier, and size. The generic Password field is not a Minecraft Java login password; do not rely on it to restrict entry.
3. Open Game Settings. Choose the rules below and expand each settings group you need. Keep Online Mode on so player accounts are authenticated.
4. For mods, configure the loader and version and select compatible projects under Install Mods before continuing. Leave the list empty for vanilla Minecraft.
5. Read Review, check the hourly charge, then select Create Server once.
6. Open the server in Console and follow Overview until it is Running. If it remains Stopped because there are insufficient credits, top up and select Start.

Creating and starting hosting incurs the displayed hourly charge. Waiting in a Minecraft menu does not stop the rented server.

Server Configuration lets you compare capacity before continuing. Jakarta, Premium, and Small are example selections, not requirements; choose for your players' location and world workload.

Choose game settings

The following are the creation form's defaults and allowed inputs. An existing server may show different saved values. Game-version support still matters: an exposed setting is not a promise that every Minecraft release or mod loader implements it identically.

The first Game Settings group opens by default. Expand Performance & Distance or Mods when you need simulation-distance or mod-related controls.

World-generation changes do not rebuild explored chunks. Changing a seed or world type on an established world can make future terrain inconsistent with the old world. Do not delete a server or its save merely to test a setting.

Apply changes safely

1. Tell players that the session will end, then select Stop and wait for Stopped.
2. Open Game Settings, change the required controls, and select Save Settings.
3. Select Start, wait for Running, and reconnect to check the result.

Saving settings alone does not start a stopped server. Wait out any startup or shutdown before editing, and make sure your shared-server role permits settings changes. Use Stop, not Delete, when you want to keep the world for the next session. See Save Data and Backups.

Connect from Minecraft

1. Copy Domain Name or IP Address from the server's Console once it is Running.
2. Start the matching Minecraft: Java Edition version. Select Multiplayer.
3. Choose Add Server to save the connection, or Direct Connection for a one-time join.
4. Enter the copied address, for example play.example.com:25565, without http:// or https://. Port 25565 is the default and can normally be omitted.
5. Join the server. For Add Server, save the entry and select it from your multiplayer list.

Only share the address with people you want to invite. A Console share link grants website access according to its role; it is not the Minecraft server address. Mojang's multiplayer instructions explain the game-side connection process.

Install and maintain mods

Minecraft uses Modrinth projects through Install Mods during creation or the Mods section afterward. No personal Modrinth token is required.

1. Choose a compatible Mod Loader and an explicit Minecraft Version in Game Settings. A blank version follows the available latest release, which may not suit your selected mods.
2. Search for a project or paste its Modrinth link. Check its supported Minecraft versions, loader, dependencies, and client requirements before adding it. Search results alone are not proof of compatibility with your loader.
3. Select Save Mods. While stopped, the selection applies on the next start. If saving while running, Save & Restart interrupts players and restarts the server.
4. Allow time for installation, then join with matching client-side requirements. Some mods are server-only; install client mods where the author requires them, rather than copying every server mod to every player automatically.

The integrated picker installs mods, not arbitrary plugin or modpack uploads. Removing content mods can remove blocks or items, or stop an existing world from loading. Change a small number at a time. Changing the Minecraft version or loader can also require a new world; preserve the existing save and check compatibility before switching. Review mod management.

Manage players and administrators

While Running, open Player Management. Minecraft identifies players by their in-game Java username, not a Steam ID.

• Kick disconnects a player now; Ban prevents return until Unban.
• Make Admin grants Minecraft operator rights. Use it only for a trusted player.
• Broadcast Message sends a message to connected players, useful before maintenance.

Allow a short time for the online list to update. In-game operator rights are separate from website roles and do not grant access to billing or server controls. The shared-server role must permit managing players to use these actions.

Troubleshooting

If the problem continues, use the server's support option with the approximate time, client version, and exact error message. Do not include passwords, tokens, or private account details.

Related help

• Creating a server
• Starting, stopping, and restarting
• Player Management
• Settings or mods did not apply
• Connection troubleshooting