Java vs Bedrock at a Glance

Most communities run Java servers because the modding ecosystem is incomparably larger. Add Geyser to let Bedrock players join your Java server.

First Boot

1. Open your Minecraft Java server in the panel.
2. In the Startup tab, choose your jar type. Common options:

   • vanilla: Pure Minecraft, no plugins or mods
   • paper: PaperMC, the most popular plugin server (faster than Spigot)
   • purpur: Purpur, a Paper fork with more config options
   • forge: For Forge mods
   • fabric: For Fabric mods
   • neoforge: NeoForge for newer Forge-style mods
3. Set the Minecraft version (1.20.4, 1.21, etc.).
4. Click Start.

First boot downloads the chosen jar, generates the world, and prompts for EULA acceptance. The console will show:

You need to agree to the EULA in order to run the server. Go to eula.txt for more info.

Edit eula.txt in the File Manager, change eula=false to eula=true, and restart.

Which server type you pick determines your next step: Plugins for Paper/Spigot/Purpur, or Mods for Forge/Fabric/NeoForge.

How to Connect

1. In Minecraft, go to Multiplayer > Add Server.
2. For the server address, enter the IP and port shown at the top of your panel page, for example 203.0.113.10:25566.
3. Join.

One thing to know: on our plans the assigned port is often not the Java default of 25565, so always include the port from your panel page in the address. An address without a port only works when the server happens to be on 25565.

server.properties

The main config file. Highlights:

server-port=25565
max-players=20
gamemode=survival
difficulty=normal
hardcore=false
pvp=true
spawn-protection=16
white-list=false
enforce-whitelist=false
op-permission-level=4
allow-flight=false
view-distance=10
simulation-distance=10
spawn-monsters=true
spawn-animals=true
allow-nether=true
generate-structures=true
level-name=world
level-seed=
level-type=minecraft\:normal
motd=A Minecraft Server
online-mode=true
max-world-size=29999984
network-compression-threshold=256
enable-rcon=false
rcon.port=25575
rcon.password=
enable-query=false
query.port=25565

One caution before the table: server-port is managed by the panel. Your server is bound to the port allocated in the Network tab, and the panel keeps this value in sync on boot. Do not change it by hand; if you need a different or additional port, that happens through the panel allocation, not this file.

After editing, restart.

Memory Allocation

Minecraft Java is heavily heap-size dependent. The Startup tab has a MEMORY or Xmx field that controls the JVM heap. As a rule of thumb, allocate roughly 75% of your plan's RAM to the heap and leave the rest for the OS and overhead. Modded packs and large plugin servers need substantially more heap than plain vanilla, so lean higher there. If the server crashes with an out-of-memory error, raise the Xmx value.

Becoming an Op (Admin)

From the panel Console:

op YourMinecraftUsername

You will get:

[Server thread/INFO]: Made YourMinecraftUsername a server operator

Op level 4 (the default) gives full admin access in-game. Commands you can now use:

/gamemode creative
/tp <player>
/give <player> <item> <count>
/kick <player>
/ban <player>
/whitelist add <player>
/stop                  Shutdown the server
/save-all              Force save
/weather clear
/time set day

What to Read Next

• Plugins for Paper/Spigot/Purpur servers (EssentialsX, LuckPerms, WorldEdit, and more)
• Mods for Forge/Fabric servers and modpacks
• Geyser Cross-Play to let Bedrock players join
• Performance and Backups for tuning and protecting your world