# 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.

Difficulty: Beginner

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](/guides/game-servers).

## 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):

```text
whitelist add PlayerName
whitelist on
whitelist list
```

**Verify:** 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:

```text
op PlayerName
```

Remove them again with `deop PlayerName`.

## Step 5: Add plugins or mods

**Paper (plugins)**

1. Download the plugin from its official page. It is a `.jar` file built for Paper or Bukkit.
2. Stop the server, upload the file to the `plugins` folder and start the server.
3. Type `plugins` in the console. Enabled plugins are shown in green.
**Fabric or NeoForge (mods)**

1. Download mods built for your exact Minecraft version and mod loader.
2. Stop the server, upload them to the `mods` folder and start the server.
3. Give your players the same mods (a modpack), installed with the same loader.

> **Warning**
>
> Back up the world before you add, update or remove plugins and mods. Stop the server first, so the world is saved completely.

## 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](/guides/game-servers).
- Lower latency for your players: [choose a data center location](/guides/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.

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Source: <https://hyperdc.com/guides/products/minecraft-java-server>\
Updated: 2026-10-16