Minecraft Java server: set up, invite players and add plugins
Run your Minecraft Java server at HyperDC: connect, edit server.properties, turn on the whitelist, give operator rights, add Paper plugins or mods, fix errors.
- Beginner
- 20 min read
- Updated
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This guide covers Minecraft: Java Edition servers. Game servers are provided through HyperDC Cloud Control and managed entirely in the client area: open Services › My Services and your game server to reach its files and console. There is no separate game panel. For the general steps (address, location, backups), see game servers: getting started.
Before you start
- Your game server is active and you know its address and port, for example
203.0.113.10:25565. - Your server runs the same Minecraft version as the players' game, or players choose that version in the launcher.
Step 1: Join your server
In Minecraft, open Multiplayer, select Add Server, enter the address with the port and join. If your server uses the default port 25565, the address alone is enough.
Verify: you are in the world, and the console shows that you joined.
Step 2: Set the basics in server.properties
Stop the server, open server.properties in the server's main folder and change the values you need. Changes take effect only after a restart.
| Key | What it does |
|---|---|
motd | The message shown in the server list |
max-players | The most players at the same time |
difficulty | peaceful, easy, normal or hard |
gamemode | The default game mode, such as survival or creative |
white-list | true lets only whitelisted players join |
view-distance | How far the world is sent to players; lower values save memory and CPU |
online-mode | Keep true, so that only real Minecraft accounts can join |
Do not change server-port unless your plan's settings tell you to: the port belongs to your server's address.
Step 3: Protect the server with a whitelist
In the server console (without the slash) or in the game chat (with a slash, as an operator):
whitelist add PlayerName
whitelist on
whitelist listVerify: a player who is not on the list cannot join; whitelist list shows your players.
Step 4: Give yourself operator rights
Operators can run commands in the game. Give the rights only to people you trust:
op PlayerNameRemove them again with deop PlayerName.
Step 5: Add plugins or mods
Paper (plugins)
- Download the plugin from its official page. It is a
.jarfile built for Paper or Bukkit. - Stop the server, upload the file to the
pluginsfolder and start the server. - Type
pluginsin the console. Enabled plugins are shown in green.
Fabric or NeoForge (mods)
- Download mods built for your exact Minecraft version and mod loader.
- Stop the server, upload them to the
modsfolder and start the server. - Give your players the same mods (a modpack), installed with the same loader.
Troubleshooting
Players are told the client or the server is outdated or incompatible. Players and server run different Minecraft versions. Select the server's version in the launcher, or update the server.
Joining fails with a message about verifying the username. The player's game could not confirm the account. Ask them to restart the launcher and sign in again. Do not set online-mode=false to work around it: it lets anyone join with any name.
A player is told they are not on the whitelist. Add the player with whitelist add, using the exact name.
The server lags. Lower view-distance and simulation-distance, and remove heavy plugins or mods. If the console shows memory errors, move up a plan.
The server does not start after adding a plugin or mod. Remove the last added file, start again and read the first error in the console. Mods built for another version or loader are the usual cause.
Next steps
- Backups, updates and the admin side: game servers: getting started.
- Lower latency for your players: choose a data center location.
Frequently asked questions
Paper, Fabric or NeoForge?
Paper runs Bukkit and Paper plugins and keeps the game vanilla for players, who need no extra files. Fabric and NeoForge run mods, and every player needs the same mods. Plugins and mods are not interchangeable.
How much memory does my server need?
Small groups play well with 4 to 6 GB. Many plugins, mods, players or a large view distance need more.
Can Bedrock players join a Java server?
Not directly. Bedrock Edition players need a Bedrock server, or a bridge such as GeyserMC on the Java server.
Where do I type commands?
In the server console on your game server's page in the client area, without the leading slash, or in the game chat with a slash if you have operator rights.