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This guide takes you from a new Minecraft server to playing on it with friends. You choose a server type, start the server, make a safety backup and join from Minecraft: Java Edition.

Difficulty

Beginner

Time

10 minutes

What you get

Your Minecraft server runs in the Game Panel at games.freakhosting.com. Besides the standard pages, such as Console, Files, Backups and Schedules, your server has its own Minecraft settings pages in the sidebar. They let you change settings, manage players and install plugins, mods, modpacks and worlds without editing files. New to the panel? Read how to sign in and find your way around first.

First setup checklist

1

Open your server

Sign in to the Game Panel and click Manage server on your Minecraft server’s card.
2

Choose your server type

Click Version Changer in the sidebar. Pick a server type (for most people, Paper), choose a Minecraft Version and click Change Version. Not sure which one? See which server type to choose.
Version Changer page with a banner asking you to select a Minecraft fork, and cards for Vanilla, Paper, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, Velocity, Purpur and other server types, each showing its number of versions and builds

Version Changer lists every server type you can install

3

Accept the Minecraft EULA

Minecraft servers only start once you accept the Minecraft EULA. You can do this yourself in one of two ways:
  • Switch on Accept EULA in the Version Changer (or Modpacks) dialog before you install.
  • Or open Files, edit eula.txt and change eula=false to eula=true.
Only accept the EULA if you have read it and agree to it. We can’t accept it for you.
4

Start the server

Click Start at the top of the page. Watch the Console: the server is ready when you see a line such as Done (5.2s)! For help, type "help". See how to use the console.
5

Make your first backup

Click Backups in the sidebar, then Create backup. A backup lets you undo a mistake later. You can also turn on automatic backups.
6

Make yourself an operator

Click Players in the sidebar. On the Opped tab, click the + tile, type your Minecraft username, click Look up player and then Add operator. Level 4 gives you every command. See players and operators.
The Overview page shows a Getting started checklist that tracks some of these steps for you.

Find your address and join

Your server address is on its card on the dashboard, in the Copy address box next to the console, and on the Overview page. It looks like 203.0.113.10:25565.
1

Copy the address

Click the copy icon next to the address.
2

Open Minecraft: Java Edition

Click Multiplayer, then Add Server.
3

Paste the address

Give the server any name, paste the address into Server Address (including the port after the colon) and click Done.
4

Join

Select your server in the list and click Join Server.
Your game version must match the server’s version. If it doesn’t, Minecraft shows Outdated client or Outdated server. See troubleshooting.

Java or Bedrock?

Your server runs Minecraft: Java Edition (PC, Mac and Linux). Players on Bedrock Edition (Windows “Minecraft”, phones, tablets and consoles) can’t join a Java server on their own. To let them in, add the free GeyserMC plugin. See crossplay with Bedrock.

What each Minecraft page does


Server configuration

Server Properties, versions and startup settings.

Plugins, mods and modpacks

Add content to your server.

Admin and commands

Operators, whitelist, bans and commands.

Minecraft FAQ

Quick answers to common questions.

Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: October 2026