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Run a Minecraft server

Create a Minecraft server, choose its software and version, add plugins or mods, and let players join with your own domain.

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On this page

Create the server

  1. Go to New deployment, pick Games, then Minecraft.

  2. Choose the Minecraft Software:

    SoftwarePick it when
    PaperYou want plugins and good performance. The best default.
    LeafMCLarge or busy servers; a performance fork based on Purpur and Gale. Supports plugins.
    VanillaYou want the official server with no modifications.
    Forge / FabricYou want mods. Players need the same mod loader and mods installed.

  3. Choose the Minecraft Version. Latest (recommended) follows the newest release; pick a specific version if your plugins, mods or players need it.

  4. Pick Resources. As a rough guide, 2–4 GB of RAM suits a small group on Paper; modpacks often need 6 GB or more.

  5. Press and hold Hold to deploy game server.

First start

Open the server's Console. On the first start, Minecraft asks you to accept its EULA: click Accept EULA in the dialog that appears, and the server finishes starting.

Players connect with the address shown on the server page (host:port).

Manage it

TabWhat it's for
ConsoleLive log and server commands (no leading /), for example say Hello
PlayersSee who's online or offline; Make operator / remove operator status
PluginsSearch and install plugins (Paper and LeafMC)
ModsSearch and install mods (Forge and Fabric)
ConfigurationCommon server.properties settings: world, difficulty, game mode, max players, view distance, whitelist and more
ImportUpload an existing world as a .zip, then restart to load it
File ManagerEverything else: config files, logs, the world folder
BackupsBack up before updates, big plugin changes or imports

After installing plugins or mods, or changing the configuration, restart the server to apply.

Use your own domain

Players can join with something like play.example.com instead of an IP and port. On the server page, open Connect a domain via Cloudflare for a guided walkthrough. In short:

  1. Add your domain to Cloudflare and switch your registrar to Cloudflare's nameservers.
  2. Create an SRV record named _minecraft._tcp.play that points at your server's address and port.
  3. Set the record to DNS only (grey cloud). Cloudflare's proxy doesn't support the Minecraft protocol on the free plan.
  4. Players then add play.example.com in Minecraft, with no port needed.

Tips

  • Keep a backup before changing the Minecraft version. Worlds upgraded to a newer version can't be opened by an older one.
  • Lag? Check CPU and RAM usage on the server page. Lowering the view distance and simulation distance in Configuration often helps most.
  • Whitelist your server if it's just for friends: whitelist on, then whitelist add NAME in the Console.

Still stuck?

Our team can look at your specific setup.

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