How to Make a Minecraft Server to Play with Friends (Full Guide)

How Many Ways Can You Run a Minecraft Server?

Before you start, understand that there are 2 main approaches to running a Minecraft server for friends, each suited to different situations. Choosing the right one from the start saves time and spares you headaches later.

The first is "self-hosting on your PC," using your home computer as the server. This has no monthly cost, but you have to configure your network yourself, leave the PC on the whole time you want friends to be able to join, and you often run into port forwarding problems. The second is "renting a server," using a Minecraft hosting service that runs 24/7 in a data center — you pay a monthly fee in exchange for convenience and stability.

Self-Hosting vs. Renting a Server: Pros and Cons

To make the decision easier, look at the comparison table below, which summarizes the differences in the areas players care about most — cost, hassle, stability, and the experience for the friends who join.

Java vs Bedrock: What's the Difference (Know Before You Start)

Before you run a server, know that Minecraft has 2 main versions — Java Edition and Bedrock Edition — and the server version must match the version your friends play, or they won't be able to join.

Java Edition is the original version on PC, popular among modders because there are a huge number of mods and plugins to choose from. Bedrock Edition is the cross-platform version that plays across devices — mobile (iOS/Android), consoles (Xbox, PS, Switch), and Windows — making it easy for friends on different devices to play together.

• Java Edition → mainly played on PC, its strength is the largest selection of mods/plugins, ideal for groups wanting heavy mods
• Bedrock Edition → cross-platform (mobile/console/Windows), ideal for friend groups using a variety of devices
• Friends must play the same version as the server, so check first whether most of your friends play Java or Bedrock

Setting Up a Minecraft Server via a Hosting Service (Step-by-Step)

The advantage of renting a server is that the process is far easier than self-hosting — no dealing with port forwarding or network configuration at all. Below are the basic steps to set up a Minecraft server through a Minecraft hosting service.

• Choose a Minecraft hosting plan based on your player count and required RAM (from ฿150/month)
• Choose the version to run — Java or Bedrock — to match what your friends play
• Choose the number of player slots based on your group size
• Pay and wait for the system to activate — at Plusweb it is instant, no long wait
• Enter the control panel to configure the server, such as game mode (Survival/Creative), world name, and enabling/disabling mods
• Copy the server IP/address you receive and send it to friends to enter under the Multiplayer menu, and you can all play together right away

How Many Players, and How Much RAM Do You Need?

RAM is the single most important factor in whether a Minecraft server runs smoothly or lags. The more players and the heavier the mods, the more RAM you need. The table below is a rough starting guide for a typical server.

How to Install Mods / Plugins Without Lag

The charm of Java Minecraft is the mods and plugins that add almost unlimited features — from new monsters and items to in-server economies. But installing mods also brings performance risks if you're not careful.

On a rented server that supports mods, you can install mods or modpacks through the control panel without editing files in a complex way. Plusweb supports installing mods/modpacks and has an auto-update system, which makes management much easier.

• Install mods one at a time and test first — don't install dozens at once, or lag will be hard to trace
• Choose modpacks compatible with your server's Minecraft version (match Forge/Fabric to the version)
• The more mods, the more RAM they use — scale your RAM plan accordingly
• Use auto-update so mod and server versions don't fall out of sync and become incompatible
• Always back up your world before installing new mods, so you can roll back if something goes wrong

Run Your Server with Plusweb Minecraft Hosting

If you've read this far and feel self-hosting on your PC is too much hassle, renting a server with Plusweb is the shortcut that gets you playing with friends in minutes — no headaches over network configuration or leaving your PC on.

Plusweb Minecraft Hosting starts at just ฿150/month, supports both Java and Bedrock, allows mods/modpacks, includes auto-update, activates instantly, and lets you choose the number of player slots. Best of all, the data center is in Thailand, giving low ping for Thai and ASEAN players so the server runs smoothly.

• From ฿150/month, supports both Java and Bedrock
• Install mods/modpacks with auto-update
• Instant activation, no waiting, no port setup
• Choose the number of player slots for your group size
• Data center in Thailand, low ping, 99.9% uptime