How to Host a Server for Free Minecraft

Welcome, Dev! Are you a Minecraft enthusiast who wants to host a server without spending any money? You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of hosting a free Minecraft server. Whether you want to invite your friends to play together or create a public server, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into the world of Minecraft hosting!

Step 1: Choose Your Server Provider

The first step in hosting a server for free Minecraft is to choose your server provider. Many websites offer free Minecraft server hosting, but not all of them are reliable. It’s essential to choose a provider that offers stable servers and good technical support. Here are some of the best free Minecraft server hosting providers:

Provider	Features	Limitations
Server.pro	Unlimited players, free subdomain, easy-to-use control panel	Ads on the website, limited RAM and storage
Aternos	Custom mods, automatic updates, unlimited players	Long queue times, limited RAM and storage
Minehut	Custom plugins, easy-to-use control panel, unlimited players	Limited RAM and storage, occasional lag

Server.pro

Server.pro is one of the most popular free Minecraft server hosting providers. It offers unlimited players, a free subdomain, and an easy-to-use control panel. You can create your server in just a few clicks, and you don’t need any technical knowledge. However, there are some limitations to the free plan. You’ll see ads on the website, and you’ll have limited RAM and storage. If you want to remove the ads and get more resources, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

Aternos

Aternos is another well-known Minecraft server hosting provider. It offers custom mods, automatic updates, and unlimited players. You can also create your server in just a few clicks, and you don’t need any technical knowledge. However, there are some limitations to the free plan. You may experience long queue times, and you’ll have limited RAM and storage. If you want to reduce the queue times and get more resources, you can donate to Aternos.

Minehut

Minehut is a relatively new Minecraft server hosting provider, but it’s gaining popularity fast. It offers custom plugins, an easy-to-use control panel, and unlimited players. You can create your server in just a few clicks, and you don’t need any technical knowledge. However, there are some limitations to the free plan. You may experience occasional lag, and you’ll have limited RAM and storage. If you want to remove the lag and get more resources, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

Step 2: Create Your Server

Once you’ve chosen your server provider, it’s time to create your Minecraft server. The process may vary depending on the provider, but the general steps are as follows:

1. Sign up for an account on your server provider’s website.
2. Create a new server, and choose the Minecraft version and world type.
3. Configure your server settings, such as the server name and game mode.
4. Wait for your server to be created. This may take a few minutes.

Creating a Server on Server.pro

If you’ve chosen Server.pro as your server provider, here’s how to create your Minecraft server:

1. Go to the Server.pro website and sign up for an account.
2. Click “Create Server” on the dashboard.
3. Select “Minecraft” as the game type.
4. Choose the Minecraft version and world type.
5. Configure your server settings, such as the server name and game mode.
6. Click “Create Server” and wait for your server to be created.

Creating a Server on Aternos

If you’ve chosen Aternos as your server provider, here’s how to create your Minecraft server:

1. Go to the Aternos website and sign up for an account.
2. Click “Create” on the dashboard.
3. Select “Minecraft” as the game type.
4. Choose the Minecraft version and world type.
5. Configure your server settings, such as the server name and game mode.
6. Click “Create” and wait for your server to be created.

Creating a Server on Minehut

If you’ve chosen Minehut as your server provider, here’s how to create your Minecraft server:

1. Go to the Minehut website and sign up for an account.
2. Click “Create Server” on the dashboard.
3. Select “Minecraft” as the game type.
4. Choose the Minecraft version and world type.
5. Configure your server settings, such as the server name and game mode.
6. Click “Create” and wait for your server to be created.

Step 3: Customize Your Server

After you’ve created your Minecraft server, it’s time to customize it. You can install mods, plugins, and texture packs to make your server unique. Here are some popular plugins and mods for Minecraft servers:

1. EssentialsX: adds essential commands and features to your server.
2. WorldEdit: allows you to edit the terrain and structures in your world.
3. WorldGuard: protects your server from griefers and unwanted players.
4. McMMO: adds RPG-style skills and abilities to your server.
5. OptiFine: enhances the graphics and performance of Minecraft.
6. Biomes O’ Plenty: adds new biomes and landscapes to your Minecraft world.

Installing Plugins on Server.pro

If you’ve chosen Server.pro as your server provider, here’s how to install plugins on your Minecraft server:

1. Go to the Server.pro control panel and click “Plugins”.
2. Choose the plugin you want to install, and click “Install”.
3. Restart your server to apply the changes.

Installing Plugins on Aternos

If you’ve chosen Aternos as your server provider, here’s how to install plugins on your Minecraft server:

1. Go to the Aternos dashboard and click “Plugins”.
2. Choose the plugin you want to install, and click “Install”.
3. Restart your server to apply the changes.

Installing Plugins on Minehut

If you’ve chosen Minehut as your server provider, here’s how to install plugins on your Minecraft server:

1. Go to the Minehut control panel and click “Plugins”.
2. Choose the plugin you want to install, and click “Install”.
3. Restart your server to apply the changes.

Step 4: Invite Players to Your Server

Now that you’ve created and customized your Minecraft server, it’s time to invite players to join. You can share the server IP address and port number with your friends, or make it public for anyone to join. Here are some tips for managing your Minecraft server:

1. Set up rules and guidelines for your server, such as no griefing or swearing.
2. Moderate your server and ban any players who break the rules.
3. Keep your server up-to-date with the latest Minecraft version and plugin updates.
4. Engage with your players and listen to their feedback and suggestions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I host a Minecraft server for free?

Yes, there are many websites that offer free Minecraft server hosting. However, the free plans may have limitations such as limited RAM and storage, or ads on the website. If you want more resources and features, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

2. Is it legal to host a Minecraft server?

Yes, it’s legal to host a Minecraft server as long as you own a legitimate copy of the game. However, you must comply with the Minecraft End User License Agreement (EULA) and any applicable laws and regulations.

3. How much RAM do I need to host a Minecraft server?

The amount of RAM you need depends on the number of players and plugins/mods on your server. Generally, you’ll need at least 1GB of RAM for a small server with a few players, and 2-4GB for a larger server with more players and mods.

4. How do I know if my server is running properly?

You can check the status of your Minecraft server on the provider’s website, or by using a server checker tool such as MineStatus. If your server is not running properly, you may need to troubleshoot the issue or contact technical support.

5. How do I backup my Minecraft server?

You can backup your Minecraft server by using the backup feature on the provider’s control panel, or by manually copying the server files to a local drive or cloud storage. It’s important to regularly backup your server to prevent data loss in case of server crashes or errors.

Conclusion

Hosting a server for free Minecraft is possible with the right provider and setup. By following the steps in this article, you can create a stable and customized Minecraft server for yourself and your friends. Don’t forget to regularly update and maintain your server to ensure the best gaming experience. Happy crafting!