ValueGameNode
A first Minecraft server is three decisions: Java or Bedrock, how much RAM, and whether you open ports on a home PC or buy a plan. Everything else (MOTD, whitelist, a pretty icon) can wait. This page is the order we tell people to do it, with links to the tools that already exist.
Java or Bedrock
Java is mods, most plugins, and the PC launcher. Bedrock is phones, consoles, and the Windows Bedrock store. They are not the same process. Friends on mixed devices cannot share one world without extra glue you do not want on day one. Pick the edition the group already owns. We sell both on the Minecraft page.
How much RAM
Do not guess from a thumbnail. Use the RAM calculator, then pick the plan that matches. A few friends on vanilla can start small. A Fabric or Forge pack needs more, sometimes a lot more. You can move up later. Starting huge and never filling the RAM is just a larger invoice.
Home host vs a plan
A PC under a desk works until it sleeps, the ISP rotates the IP, or someone needs the machine for homework. Opening 25565 on a consumer router is the usual fight. A hosted plan is the process already running, with an address that does not change when you close the lid. That is the product. Prices stay on the Minecraft page.
If you want to install the jar yourself on a Linux box, that is a VPS. /vps/ on this site sends you to VGNCloud. It is the harder first server.
First hour after you pay
- Pick Paper or vanilla. If you might want plugins, pick Paper. See Paper vs vanilla.
- Set a password from the mail. Share the address, not the panel login.
- Check the address with the status checker.
- If you whitelist, convert names with the UUID converter and build the file with the whitelist creator.
- Optional: MOTD and icon from the tools index.
That is a first server. Discord for the group is a separate bot plan if you want it hosted too.