Minecraft: How to Set Up a Server

Nov 14, 2025 · 6 min read · Minecraft
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Minecraft server hosting on HardGaming starts at $4 a month for a Java Edition server, and setup happens entirely from your browser. This guide covers choosing a plan, naming your server, setting the jar file and version, paying, and confirming the server came online.

Before You Start

  • A HardGaming account. Create one at hardgaming.tech first. You need one before you can set up a server.
  • A payment method. Your card is entered at the last step and saved for the monthly subscription.
  • This guide sets up a Java Edition server. HardGaming lists Minecraft as Java and Bedrock, but this configuration screen, with its server jar file and version picker, provisions Java Edition. Java Edition runs on Windows, Mac and Linux. Bedrock Edition uses different server software and a different client, and the two do not connect to each other without extra software.
  • Nothing to install. Every step happens in your browser. The server files are downloaded and unpacked for you.
  • 4GB minimum. HardGaming requires at least 4GB of memory for a Minecraft server, included in the cheapest plan.

Step 1: Open the HardGaming Website

Go to hardgaming.tech and sign in. If you would rather skip the browsing, go straight to Minecraft server hosting and continue from Step 4.

The HardGaming home page showing the Minecraft banner with hardgaming.tech highlighted in the address bar

Step 2: Select Game Hosting

In the sidebar on the left, click Game Hosting.

The left sidebar with Game Hosting highlighted in red, below Home

Step 3: Select the Minecraft Tile

The grid lists every game HardGaming hosts. Click the Minecraft tile.

The game grid with the Minecraft tile outlined in red

Step 4: Choose a Plan

Three presets are offered, and Premium is selected for you. Click the one you want.

  • Starter, $4 a month, the 4GB minimum HardGaming allows for Minecraft. Suits solo play.
  • Premium, $8 a month, more memory for playing with a team.
  • Custom lets you pick your own memory and storage.

Step 5: Name Your Server

Type a name into Server Name. This is the name you will see in your dashboard, and it is the only field marked required on this page.

The Server Name field filled in with an example name, EndermansEmbrace

Step 6: Set Your Configuration Settings

The Configuration Settings panel holds two fields specific to Minecraft. Server Jar File names the jarfile that runs the server, and defaults to server.jar. Server Version picks which build of Minecraft Vanilla installs, and defaults to latest. Choose snapshot instead to pull the newest snapshot build. Both fields work as they are, so you can leave them and click Next.

Note: To change Server Version after the server exists, go to Settings and reinstall it. Editing the field alone does not apply a new version.

The Configuration Settings panel showing Server Jar File set to server.jar and Server Version set to latest

Step 7: Enter Your Payment Details

Leave Select Your Card on Enter a new card, or pick a card you have used before. Fill in Card Number, Expiry Date, Security Code, Country and Zip code, then click Submit Secure Payment.

Warning: Your card is saved and charged every month until you cancel the server from your Billing page.

The payment form with Card Number, Expiry Date, Security Code, Country and Zip code fields above the highlighted Submit Secure Payment button

Step 8: Confirm Your Server Is Running

Payment takes you straight to your new server. The Console tab streams the install while Minecraft downloads and unpacks, and the other tabs unlock as it finishes.

Watch STATUS on the right. It reads offline while the install runs, then running once the server is up, and the console prints Server started. CONNECT ADDRESS holds the FQDN and IP your friends need.

How Much RAM Does a Minecraft Server Need?

4GB is the minimum HardGaming allows for Minecraft, and that is exactly what Starter includes. Premium adds more memory for a busier server with more players online.

Resource upgrades are available later from your Billing page.

Applying a Coupon Code

If you have a coupon, apply it before you pay. On the payment page, click Apply coupon code, type your code, and click Apply.

The Apply Coupon dialog with a coupon code entered and the Apply button ready to click

Troubleshooting

Next won't let you continue?

  • Server Name is empty. It is marked required, and the wizard will not continue without it.
  • Scroll back to the top of the Configuration step to find it.

Server still shows offline after paying?

  • It is still installing. The Console tab shows the download and unpack running line by line.
  • Wait for the console to print Server started. STATUS changes to running at the same time.

Friends cannot join?

  • Check STATUS reads running. A server that is offline or installing refuses connections.
  • Give them the address from CONNECT ADDRESS, including the port.
  • Confirm they are on Java Edition. This server does not accept Bedrock Edition players, and the two editions do not connect without extra software.

Best Practices

  • Protect your world with your included DeepSave slot before changing Server Version or trying a new jar file.
  • Confirm friends are on Java Edition before sharing your CONNECT ADDRESS. Bedrock players cannot join a Java server directly.

Next Steps

Your server now appears under My Servers on your dashboard, and it stays there between sessions. Open it any time to restart it, edit settings, or pull a backup.

Need Help?

If you run into any issues, the HardGaming support team is here for you:

Happy gaming! 🎮

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