A free Minecraft server, or just your own world?
Many people look for a free server when all they want is to play in one world with friends. That works without a server. Here is when that is enough and when it isn't.
If you always play together, you don't need a server: the host puts their singleplayer world online with CraftProxy and friends join with an address. Keep in mind that the world is then only online while the host plays. If it should be reachable around the clock, you need a server that runs all the time.
CraftProxy is not a 24/7 server
To save you time: CraftProxy makes your singleplayer world reachable for friends. It runs on your PC. When you close Minecraft, the world goes offline and your friends are disconnected. If your friends should be able to play while you are away, a server is the right choice.
Do you need a server?
| Situation | What fits |
|---|---|
| You always play together, one of you is nearly always on | Host your own world, no server needed |
| You play a modpack together on weekends | Host your own world, no server needed |
| Friends should keep building without you | A server that runs all the time |
| A public server for players you don't know | A server that runs all the time |
Free without a server: put your world online
The host's PC does the job a server would do. You use your normal singleplayer world with everything you have already built, and you don't upload or move anything. CraftProxy is currently free to download and host.
How to host with CraftProxy
-
1
Install the mod
Put CraftProxy in your
modsfolder (Fabric). Only you, the host, need it. -
2
Type /host in your world
Open a singleplayer world and type
/hostin chat. CraftProxy opens a tunnel to our relay. -
3
Send the address
Your friends add the address as a server in the multiplayer menu and join.
Your friends only need Minecraft Java Edition on the same version as you, plus the same mods if you play a modpack.
Playing together often? If your friends install CraftProxy too, add each other in the Social menu (key I). You see who is online, chat with them and invite them with one click instead of sending an address every time.
Free server plans: what to check
Some hosts offer free plans. They are usually paid for by ads or upgrades, so they come with limits. Before you sign up, check:
- Does it really run 24/7? Many free servers go to sleep when nobody is online and have to be started first, sometimes with a queue.
- How much memory do you get? Vanilla needs little, bigger modpacks need a lot more.
- What happens to inactive worlds? Read whether servers get deleted after a while without use, and keep your own backups.
- Can you take your world with you? Make sure you can download the world folder.
Your own server at home
You can run Mojang's official server software on a machine of your own. The software is free, but the machine has to stay on, which costs electricity. For friends to join from outside, you need port forwarding and your own public IPv4 address. How that works and what happens behind CGNAT is in Minecraft LAN over the internet.
Questions
Can you play Minecraft Java with friends for free?
Yes. You need Minecraft Java itself, of course, but playing together doesn't have to cost anything: on the same Wi-Fi with "Open to LAN", over the internet for example with CraftProxy. CraftProxy is currently free to download and host.
Is my world online 24/7 with CraftProxy?
No. The world runs on the host's PC and can only be reached while they are in the world. For a world that is always online you need a server that runs all the time.
Can someone else host when I don't have time?
Yes. Copy your world folder from the saves folder and pass it on. The new host opens the world with the same Minecraft version and mods, installs CraftProxy and types /host.
How much does a Minecraft server cost?
Free plans exist with limits. Paid servers cost a monthly amount depending on memory and provider. If you only ever play together, you can skip that and host your own world.