Then run the jar file once. If you have Java 21 installed, a few items should populate the server's folder. Some Minecraft mods have custom jar files, so keep an eye out for that if using a modpack.

Here are a few ways you can create your own private Minecraft multiplayer oasis. And if you don’t already have the game, here’s how to get Minecraft for free.

Once you've gotten Minecraft Java and the latest version of Java, you can get started on that server. For simplicity’s sake, you should create a folder for all your files.

For those using Minecraft’s Java Edition, you’ll need to purchase a Realm from the Minecraft website. Keep in mind that Bedrock Edition players cannot play on the same servers as Java players.

We'll cover the prerequisites for joining friends in Minecraft, no matter which version you're playing, as well as troubleshoot some common issues found when trying to play Minecraft multiplayer.