Guide
Your Minecraft server: what you should know
Why your own Minecraft server?
Your own server pays off as soon as you play together regularly: the world keeps running no matter who is online. You choose the version, rules and mods, and the whitelist and permissions decide who gets to join.
Java or Bedrock?
- Java Edition is played on PC (Windows, macOS, Linux). It has by far the largest selection of mods and plugins.
- Bedrock Edition runs on consoles, phones and tablets, and in the Windows version from the Microsoft Store. Bedrock players can't join a Java server directly. For that you need a separate Bedrock server or a bridge plugin such as Geyser.
If everyone plays on PC, go with Java. If someone joins from a console or phone, plan for Bedrock.
Paper, Forge or Vanilla?
- Vanilla is Mojang's official server, without extensions.
- Paper is a performance-optimised server that runs Bukkit and Spigot plugins such as LuckPerms, EssentialsX or WorldEdit. Plugins change rules and commands; your players don't need a modified client.
- Forge loads mods that extend the game itself: new blocks, dimensions or whole modpacks. Every player then needs the same mods in the same version.
In the panel you switch between Paper, Forge and Vanilla and install mods from Modrinth and CurseForge. You also accept the Minecraft EULA there on first start.
How much RAM does a Minecraft server need?
Rough guidance, not a guarantee. View distance, the number of plugins or mods and how much players explore make the difference:
- Vanilla or Paper for up to 5 players: 2–4 GB
- Paper with a few plugins for 10–20 players: 4–6 GB
- Forge with a small modpack: 6–8 GB
- Large modpacks with more than 100 mods: 8–12 GB or more
Start a little smaller. You can add RAM at any time without setting the server up again.
How it works at Prepaid-Host
You book cloud RAM for a fixed term and pay up front, with no subscription trap. From that RAM you create one or more servers, such as a survival world plus a test server for new plugins. If you want to play something else later, you switch games at no extra cost. The servers are located in Frankfurt am Main and protected against DDoS attacks.
