Have you ever wondered how people set up their own Minecraft servers to play with their friends? Maybe with special mods, or voice chat? One way to get a Minecraft server up and running easily is buy one for Bisect Hosting or Apex Hosting, there are a lot of services that offer that. But what if you feel a little frisky? What if you want to make your own and you have an old, but capable, computer? Well, first you may want to consider it a little more right now. Some things you’ll need to know first are:
How to navigate files and file systems, like folders and notepad.
Basic knowledge of Code and what some of it means.
Basic knowledge of Networking
Windows Computer
Internet Access
If you have all these things, lets get started! First, you’ve got to know what your final result will be, there are multiple versions and configurations of a Minecraft server, so here’s a list:
Vanilla Server: This type of server is exactly like what the name says it is, Vanilla. No mods, nothing, it’s just a joinable world for all your friends, with this guide, only Java players can join.
Spigot Server: This type of server is a little less custom than the others, but allows you to have both Bedrock and Java players (With the correct plugins installed like ViaVersion and Geyser). It allows you to have plugins like WorldEdit, PvP plugins, and other interesting things.
Fabric Server: This is a server run with the Fabric API. It is used to run a server with Fabric mods, although in my opinion, it has less mods than the next one we will cover. Also, both the server and players have to have the same mods to log onto the server.
Forge Server: A type of server that runs Forge mods, and if you run 1.20.1 it may be possible to run Fabric mods with Forge mods, obviously with the right mods and configurations.
Bedrock server: This one I will disregard because there is nothing special about it except a server that runs like a Realm. Only bedrock players can join and I personally do not have any experience with it.
Now that we’ve got the basic types of servers, follow the linked videos under what category of server you’d like to set up!
How to set up a Vanilla Server!
This video shows you exactly what to do for a straightforward, vanilla, non-modded server!
How to set up a Spigot Server!
Check this video out if you’re looking for Spigot plugins to add to your server!
These two videos fill you in about all the spigot settings and how to set it up.
Fabric Server:
Oh, the modding opportunities from this type of server; it makes the game so different. Remember: When you are looking for Fabric mods, look on Modrinth. Don’t support Curseforge, they have bad practices.
Forge Server:
My favorite type of server! This time, if you’re looking for Forge mods, use Modrinth, but Curseforge has taken over the Forge mod market, so it’s fine to use that website for Forge.
