What is self-hosting?

What self-hosting means#

Self-hosting means the Minecraft world runs on a computer you control instead of a company’s computer. Your old PC becomes the server: it keeps the world, runs the game rules and answers players. Each player’s gaming PC is a client.

This guide has three beginner paths. Windows uses normal desktop folders. ZimaOS gives a dedicated spare PC a browser dashboard. Ubuntu Server is the standard Linux terminal path. All three can run Paper or Fabric, use Playit, enable a whitelist and make backups.

What you need#

• A compatible 64-bit x86 PC, preferably with an SSD and Ethernet.
• For the ZimaOS path only: an 8 GB or larger USB stick that can be erased, plus a monitor and keyboard for installation.
• Another phone or computer on the same home network.
• A legitimate Minecraft Java account for each player.
• Time for occasional updates, backups and troubleshooting.

Self-hosting is flexible, not magic. A slow CPU can limit players. Power use may make very old hardware expensive to run. A home internet or power outage takes the server offline. Mods can conflict, and updates can break compatibility. That is why this handbook tests one layer at a time and backs up before changes.

Plain-language glossary#

Operating system — the main software that starts the PC and runs everything else. Windows, ZimaOS and Ubuntu Server are operating systems.

Server / client — the server owns the shared world; a client joins and displays it. LAN is your local home network. An IP address is a device’s network address, such as 192.168.1.50.

Port — a numbered doorway used by one service. Minecraft Java normally uses 25565. A router joins your home network to the internet. Port forwarding tells it to send one public doorway to one local device.

Container — an isolated package that runs an app with its needed files. ZimaOS commonly runs apps like Crafty in containers.

Java — the runtime Minecraft Java Edition uses. Fabric is a mod loader. A mod changes game code; a datapack changes supported game data inside a world.

Whitelist — the approved-player list. Backup — a separate restorable copy. BIOS/UEFI — the PC’s firmware setup before an operating system starts. CGNAT — an ISP arrangement where customers share a public address; it often prevents normal port forwarding.

The safe order#

1. 1
   Check the PC and copy off anything important.
2. 2
   Choose Windows, ZimaOS, or Ubuntu. Use one path.
3. 3
   Install Java and Paper/Fabric using that path's setup page.
4. 4
   Follow the Shared Setup tabs to test locally.
5. 5
   Add a whitelist and backups, then let friends join.