Guide

How to make a Minecraft server

A Minecraft server lets your friends play together in one shared world. You can run one yourself, or have a host run it for you. Here is what goes into it, and the fastest way to get online.

1. Decide: self-host or managed hosting

Self-hosting on your own PC is free, but the server is only online while your computer is on, and you handle networking, updates, and backups. Managed hosting runs the server for you, around the clock, on a machine built for it.

2. Pick your version and loader

Choose Java Edition and the software that fits how you play: Vanilla for the base game, Paper for plugins, and Fabric or Forge for mods and modpacks. This decides what you can install later.

3. Size it by RAM

RAM is what a server needs most. A small vanilla world for a few friends runs on 4 GB; modpacks and busy communities want 8 GB or more. You can start smaller and move up any time.

4. Create it and get your address

On loothost you pick a plan, region, and address, and we build the server in minutes. You get a friendly address to share, plus a dashboard for the console, files, players, worlds, and backups.

5. Connect and invite your friends

Open Minecraft, add the server by its address, and join. Share the same address with your friends, set a whitelist if you want it private, and you are playing together.