To host a Minecraft server on a VPS, install the Java runtime required by your chosen release, download the official Java Edition server JAR, accept its EULA if you agree, then allow the server’s TCP port through both the VPS firewall and any provider firewall. These steps are for Minecraft Java Edition on Linux; Bedrock Edition uses separate server software.
What you need before you start
- A Linux VPS with a public IP address and a sudo-capable account you can use over SSH.
- The official Minecraft Java Edition server JAR for the release you intend to host.
- A Java runtime compatible with that release. Minecraft’s download page says, “For Java Edition, you need a compatible version of Java installed.” Minecraft’s official server download page links the Java server software and explains the Java requirement.
- Access to the VPS provider’s network or cloud firewall settings, if the provider offers or enables them.
This guide does not apply to Bedrock players: download and follow the separate Bedrock Dedicated Server instructions from Minecraft’s server download page. Do not assume Java and Bedrock clients can join the same server.
Choose Java for the Minecraft version you will run
Do not install Java based on an old tutorial’s blanket recommendation. Check the official release notes for your chosen Minecraft version and install the matching runtime for your VPS operating system. For example, the Minecraft Java Edition 26.1 release notes state that the game requires Java 25; that requirement is specific to 26.1, not a promise about every release. The notes also link the official server JAR. Read the 26.1 release notes, then use the current notes for any other version.
Prepare the VPS and download the server
- Connect and update the VPS. Use SSH to log in with your sudo-capable account, record the public IP address, and apply the operating system and provider’s initial security updates before opening the game port. Exact update commands depend on the Linux distribution. Provider setup guidance can be specific to its own service; for example, LochStudios’ Linux guide describes its own KVM workflow, not a universal procedure for every VPS.
- Install the compatible Java runtime. Follow the package instructions for your Linux distribution and the Java version required by your selected Minecraft release. Confirm Java is available in your shell before continuing.
- Create a dedicated directory. Make a directory for this server and enter it. Keeping the JAR, world, and generated configuration together makes it easier to manage and back up the instance.
- Download the official server JAR. Get the file from Minecraft’s official Java Edition server download page or the selected release’s official linked artifact, and place it in the server directory. If the downloaded filename is not
server.jar, use its actual filename in the commands below.
Start the server and accept the EULA
- Run the JAR once from its directory. A typical command is
java -Xms1G -Xmx2G -jar server.jar nogui. Replace the filename and memory values for your setup; the values shown are examples, not a server-sizing recommendation. Minecraft’s download page says you can omitnoguito use the graphical interface. - Review the EULA if the server stops at first launch. The first run may generate files and stop while awaiting acceptance. Read the current Minecraft EULA. Only if you agree, change the acceptance value in the generated
eula.txtfile as directed by that file, then save it. - Configure and run it again. Edit
server.propertiesfor the intended server behavior, then launch the JAR again. Keep the server in a persistent terminal session or configure a service manager appropriate to your Linux distribution so closing SSH does not terminate the process. Service-manager commands and configuration vary, so use instructions for your distribution and process manager rather than assuming one set of commands fits every VPS.
Open the Java server port
Minecraft’s official server page uses port 25565 as its Java example. The default Java server port is TCP 25565; if you change server-port in server.properties, use that same port in every firewall rule and when players connect.
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- Allow the configured TCP port in the Linux firewall, if one is enabled.
- Allow the same port in the VPS provider’s cloud firewall or security rules, if those controls are enabled.
- Do not open Bedrock’s UDP port for this Java-only setup.
A server can be running correctly and still be unreachable if either firewall blocks incoming traffic. See Minecraft’s network and firewall guidance and your provider’s own firewall documentation for the relevant controls.
Connect to the server and keep it maintained
Test a player connection
In Minecraft Java Edition, open Multiplayer and choose Direct Connection or Add Server. Enter the VPS public IP address or a DNS name that points to it. If the server uses a non-default port, include that port in the address. Minecraft’s multiplayer help explains these connection options and notes that a server address can be an IP address or URL.
Back up before changes
Keep scheduled copies of the world and configuration somewhere off the VPS, and make a deliberate backup before upgrading Minecraft or changing plugins or mods. This is an operational safeguard, not a guarantee that a hosting plan includes backups; check the plan terms and verify that you can restore your own copy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose VPS resources for your workload
There is no supported one-size-fits-all CPU or memory recommendation established here for a dedicated Minecraft server. A meaningful capacity choice depends on intended player count, vanilla versus modded software, view distance, world size, and expected uptime. The numbers on Minecraft’s system requirements page are for playing Java Edition on a client PC, not for sizing a server VPS: Mojang’s July 21, 2026 requirements list 8 GB RAM with a discrete GPU or 12 GB with integrated graphics for the minimum client target, and 16 GB for the recommended client target. They do not establish VPS server requirements. See Minecraft’s client system requirements.
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