Getting started with Minecraft

This guide covers Java servers (Paper, Vanilla, Forge and Fabric). Bedrock has its own section at the end.

Connect#

Open your server and copy the address from the Connect card on the Overview page. In Minecraft, go to Multiplayer > Add Server and paste the whole address, including the :port part.

On a computer, Paper and Vanilla servers also get a green Join button, which opens AtomicLauncher. On a modded server every player needs the same loader, Minecraft version and mods. AtomicLauncher can set that up for them.

Upload a world#

1. Stop the server on the Console page and take a backup on the Backups page if your plan includes backups.
2. On your computer, zip the world folder. The folder must have level.dat directly inside it.
3. On the Files page, rename or delete the old world folder, then drag your zip in.
4. Open the zip's menu and choose Unarchive.
5. Make sure the folder name matches level-name in Settings > Server Properties, then start the server.

Plugins, mods and modpacks#

• Paper: use the Plugins page to install from Spigot or Modrinth.
• Forge and Fabric: use the Mods page to install mods and modpacks from CurseForge or Modrinth.

Restart afterwards. Plugins and mods are not interchangeable: a Paper server cannot load a Forge mod.

Make yourself an operator#

Use the Operators tab on the Players page, or type op YourName in the Console. The server must be running.

Where the settings are#

• Settings > Server Properties: difficulty, game mode, player limit and so on.
• Settings > Startup: Minecraft version and server software.
• Settings > Domains: a free subdomain, so players can join without typing a port.

Bedrock#

In Minecraft, open Play > Servers > Add Server. Put the part of the address before the colon in the server box and the number after it in the port box. Add-ons go on the Add-ons page, and operators and the allowlist are on the Players page.