---
title: "Getting started with your Minecraft server"
description: "Accept the EULA, connect via your panel port, customize server.properties, allocate memory, and grant yourself operator privileges."
url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/minecraft/java-getting-started/"
category: "Minecraft"
category_url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/minecraft/"
published: "2026-07-02T02:41:18.486Z"
updated: "2026-08-07T21:07:36.577Z"
source_format: "markdown"
site: "GameServerKings"
---

# Getting started with your Minecraft server

Minecraft is the best-selling game of all time, and its server community is the largest in gaming. This guide covers spinning up **Java Edition** on your [hosted Minecraft server](/games/minecraft/): choosing a server type, first boot, the EULA, connecting, core settings, memory allocation, and making yourself an operator.

For Bedrock Edition (Windows 10/11, console, mobile), see [Bedrock](/knowledge-base/minecraft/bedrock/). To let Bedrock players join a Java server, see [Geyser Cross-Play](/knowledge-base/minecraft/geyser-crossplay/).

## Java vs Bedrock at a Glance

| Edition | Plugin / Mod Support | Cross-Play |
|---------|----------------------|------------|
| Java | Massive (Spigot, Paper, Fabric, Forge) | No (except via Geyser proxy) |
| Bedrock | Limited (addons) | Yes (Win10, Xbox, PS, mobile, Switch) |
| Geyser proxy | Java server + Bedrock clients | Yes |

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:

```text title="Console output"
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](/knowledge-base/minecraft/java-plugins/) for Paper/Spigot/Purpur, or [How to install mods for Minecraft Java Edition](/knowledge-base/minecraft/java-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 from the **Address** at the top left of your panel, for example `203.0.113.10:25566`.

3. Join.

> [!IMPORTANT] Include the port from your panel page
> 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:

```properties title="server.properties"
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
```

> [!WARNING] Do not change `server-port` by hand
> 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.

| Setting | Notes |
|---------|-------|
| server-port | Managed by the panel allocation. Use the port shown on your panel page; often not 25565 |
| max-players | Slot cap (subject to your slot purchase) |
| gamemode | survival, creative, adventure, spectator |
| difficulty | peaceful, easy, normal, hard |
| online-mode | true = require legitimate Minecraft accounts (recommended). false = allow cracked clients |
| view-distance | Chunks rendered per player (8 to 12 is sane; 16 is high) |
| level-seed | Empty = random; set for a specific world generation |
| motd | Server list message |

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's Console:

```text
> op YourMinecraftUsername
```

You will get:

```text title="Console output"
[Server thread/INFO]: Made YourMinecraftUsername a server operator
```

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

```text
/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
```

## server.properties Worth Knowing

Beyond the port, these are the lines owners tune most:

| Property | Default | Notes |
|----------|---------|-------|
| simulation-distance | 10 | Chunks where entities and crops actually tick. Lower this before view-distance when TPS drops |
| pvp | true | Player versus player damage |
| spawn-protection | 16 | Radius around spawn only ops can edit. 0 disables |
| white-list | true or false | Pair with the whitelist add command in console |
| enforce-whitelist | false | true kicks non-whitelisted players on reload |
| enable-command-block | false | Needed for redstone command contraptions |

Restart after editing; `/reload` does not apply most of these.

## What to Read Next

- [Plugins](/knowledge-base/minecraft/java-plugins/) for Paper/Spigot/Purpur servers (EssentialsX, LuckPerms, WorldEdit, and more)
- [How to install mods for Minecraft Java Edition](/knowledge-base/minecraft/java-mods/) for Forge/Fabric servers and modpacks
- [Geyser Cross-Play](/knowledge-base/minecraft/geyser-crossplay/) to let Bedrock players join
- [Performance and Backups](/knowledge-base/minecraft/performance-and-backups/) for tuning and protecting your world
- [Minecraft Server Commands](/knowledge-base/minecraft/admin-commands/) for op, gamerules and the full command reference

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