How to Host a Minecraft Server for Free 2025

Imagine playing Minecraft with your friends on your own private server, where you control everything-from game rules to custom mods. The best part? You don’t have to spend a single penny

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to host a Minecraft server for free, this guide will provide a step-by-step walkthrough covering multiple methods, from self-hosting to free cloud VPS solutions.

Table Of Contents

Why Host a Minecraft Server for Free?
- Hosting a Minecraft Server on Your Own PC (Free & Unlimited Players)
- Using Free Minecraft Server Hosting Services
FAQs
Conclusion

Why Host a Minecraft Server for Free?

Hosting your own Minecraft server offers several benefits:

Play with friends privately – No griefers or hackers ruining your world.
Customize the gameplay – Install mods, plugins, and custom rules.
Learn technical skills – Server management teaches networking, coding, and system administration.
Save money – No need to buy expensive Minecraft realms or hosting plans.
Grow a community – Start a Minecraft SMP (Survival Multiplayer) server and invite players worldwide.

Now, let’s look at the different methods to host a Minecraft server for free.

Hosting a Minecraft Server on Your Own PC (Free & Unlimited Players)

If you have a decent computer and a stable internet connection, you can host a Minecraft server directly on your PC for free.

System Requirements for Self-Hosting

RAM: Minimum 4GB (8GB+ recommended for better performance)
CPU: Intel i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5+
Internet Speed: At least 5 Mbps upload speed
Operating System: Windows, macOS, or Linux

Step 1: Download the Minecraft Server File

For Minecraft Java Edition:

Go to the official Minecraft website and download the latest server.jar file.

Step 2: Create a Server Folder

Make a new folder on your desktop (e.g., “Minecraft Server”) and place the server.jar file inside it.

Step 3: Run the Server for the First Time

Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) and navigate to your server folder.
Run the following command:

java -Xmx4G -Xms4G -jar server.jar nogui

This starts the server with 4GB RAM. Allocate more if your system allows.

Step 4: Accept the EULA Agreement

Open the eula.txt file that appears in the folder.
Change eula=false to eula=true to accept Minecraft’s End User License Agreement (EULA).

Step 5: Configure Your Server Settings

Open the server.properties file in Notepad to customize:
Game mode: Survival, Creative, Adventure
Difficulty level: Peaceful, Easy, Normal, Hard
Player slots: Set max players allowed
Enable whitelist & OP permissions

Step 6: Enable Port Forwarding (For External Players)

Log in to your router settings and forward port 25565 to your local IP address.
This allows players outside your home network to join your server.

Step 7: Share Your Server IP Address

Search “What’s my IP” on Google to find your public IP address.
Share this with friends so they can join your Minecraft server.

Pros and Cons of Hosting on Your PC

Full control over the server and settings
Unlimited mods, plugins, and customizations
No restrictions on player slots
Your PC must stay ON 24/7 for the server to be available
Consumes high bandwidth & system resources
Security risks (DDoS attacks, IP exposure)

Using Free Minecraft Server Hosting Services

If you don’t want to keep your PC running all the time, free Minecraft hosting services are a great alternative.

Best Free Minecraft Hosting Services

1. Aternos (Best for Beginners)

Aternos - Free Minecraft Hosting — Aternos – Free Minecraft Hosting

Completely free & easy to set up
Supports Java & Bedrock Edition
Automatic backups & mod support
Limitations: Server shuts down after inactivity

2. Minehut (Best for Small Servers)

Minehut - Free Minecraft Hosting (Best for Small Servers) — Minehut – Free Minecraft Hosting (Best for Small Servers)

Allows up to 10 free players
Custom plugins and mod support
Limitations: Free servers have ads and auto-shutdown after inactivity

3. Server.pro (Best for Modded Servers)

Server.pro- Free Minecraft Hosting Server Provider (Best for Modded Servers) — Server.pro

Supports modpacks like Forge & Bukkit
Free plan offers 1GB RAM
Limitations: No 24/7 uptime unless upgraded

Using a Free Cloud VPS for 24/7 Hosting

For permanent, 24/7 Minecraft server hosting, using a free VPS (Virtual Private Server) is the best solution.

Best Free VPS Providers for Minecraft Servers

Oracle Cloud Free Tier – Provides a forever free VPS with 1GB RAM.
Google Cloud Free Tier – Offers $300 free credits for 12 months.
Amazon AWS Free Tier – Includes 750 free hours per month.

Pros and Cons of Free Cloud VPS

24/7 uptime
No auto-shutdowns or ads
More powerful than free hosting services
Requires basic knowledge of Linux commands
Limited free resources

FAQs

1. Can I host a Minecraft server for free permanently?

Yes! Aternos, Minehut, and free VPS providers allow you to host servers for free.

2. How many players can join a free Minecraft server?

Aternos: Up to 10 players
Minehut: Up to 10 players
Self-Hosted Server: Unlimited (based on PC specs)

3. Can I install mods and plugins on a free server?

Yes! Aternos, Minehut, and VPS-hosted servers support mods and plugins.

4. Is it safe to host a Minecraft server at home?

Yes, but use a firewall, enable security settings, and don’t share your IP publicly.

5. Can I make money from a free Minecraft server?

Yes! Accept donations, offer memberships, or sell custom items to players.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to host a Minecraft server for free, it’s time to put your knowledge into action! Whether you choose to self-host on your PC, use free hosting platforms like Aternos or Minehut, or set up a 24/7 server on a free VPS, each method has its own advantages and limitations.

If a free Minecraft server isn’t enough, upgrade to a fast, secure, and lag-free hosting provider with full mod support at a budget-friendly price. Check out the best Minecraft hosting options and level up your gameplay today.

If you want full control and unlimited customization, self-hosting on your own PC is a great option as long as you have a stable internet connection and a powerful computer. On the other hand, if you prefer a hassle-free solution that doesn’t require your PC to stay online all the time, Aternos and Minehut provide an easy-to-use, completely free hosting service.

And for those who want a dedicated 24/7 server, using a free VPS from Oracle, AWS, or Google Cloud is the best way to go.

By hosting your own Minecraft server, you get to enjoy a private gaming experience with friends, install mods and plugins of your choice, and even grow a community all without spending any money. Plus, managing a Minecraft server can also teach you valuable technical skills, including networking, server administration, and cybersecurity.

So, what are you waiting for? Set up your free Minecraft server today, invite your friends, and start crafting your dream world! Whether you’re building an SMP, a creative world, or a custom modded adventure, the possibilities are endless.

How to Host a Minecraft Server for Free In 2025 – Ultimate Guide

Why Host a Minecraft Server for Free?