How to Get a Free Minecraft Server (Java 26.3)
November 8, 2026 · 2 min read
You can run your own Minecraft Java server for free on mgame.gg. It takes about two minutes to set up, needs no credit card, and works with the current release, 26.3, as well as older versions back to 1.8.
What you get
| Free server | |
|---|---|
| Memory | 2 GB container, 1.5 GB for Minecraft itself |
| CPU | 2 cores |
| Disk | 3 GB for your world and files |
| Players | Up to 20 slots (you choose) |
| Server types | Vanilla, Paper (plugins), Fabric (mods) |
| Versions | 26.3, 26.2, 26.1.2, 1.21.11 down to 1.16.5; Vanilla and Paper also 1.12.2 and 1.8 |
| Address | play.mgame.gg plus your own port |
That is plenty for a group of friends on a vanilla world or a light set of mods. It is not meant for a public network with dozens of players.
Step by step
- Create a free account on mgame.gg, or log in.
- Open Free server hosting on minecraft.mgame.gg.
- Give your server a name, then pick the type and the version. If you're not sure, choose Paper and the version your Minecraft launcher plays (26.3 for most people).
- Accept the Minecraft EULA and press Create server.
- On your server dashboard, press Start. The very first start downloads the server software and takes a minute or two; later starts are faster.
- When the console shows a line starting with
Done (, copy the address shown under the server name, for exampleplay.mgame.gg:25600. - In Minecraft, open Multiplayer, then Add Server, paste the address and join.
How "free" works
Free slots are shared, so a few rules keep them available:
- One server per account.
- Servers stop themselves after 10 minutes with nobody online. Your world is saved; press Start again next time you want to play.
- 20 servers can run at the same time. If all slots are busy, the Start button tells you, and you can try again a few minutes later. The landing page shows how many are running.
- Servers unused for 30 days are deleted, world included, so the disk goes to people who play.
Make yourself admin
Once the server is running and you have joined once, type this into the console box on your dashboard (replace the name with your Minecraft name):
op YourName
Now you can use commands in the game chat. See console commands every admin needs for the useful ones.
