How to Set Up a PaperMC Server for Minecraft

If you want to host your own Minecraft world, setting up a PaperMC server is a good way to go. PaperMC is a version of Minecraft server software. It’s based on something called Spigot, but it runs faster and uses fewer resources. That’s just a fancy way of saying it’s smoother and lighter for your computer or VPS (Virtual Private Server). I’ve used it myself for a few builds with friends, and it holds up really well.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to install and set up a PaperMC server. Whether you’re running it on your own computer or a rented VPS, the steps are mostly the same. I’ll also share some tips to keep things running safely and efficiently.

Let’s get crafting. (Yes, I went there.)

What is PaperMC?

PaperMC is like the upgraded version of the regular Minecraft server from Mojang. It can run plugins and supports more players with less lag. If Mojang’s server is a bike, PaperMC is an e-bike. It still gets you there, but with extra features.

Here’s what makes PaperMC special:

• It supports Bukkit and Spigot plugins, so you can add cool stuff like teleport commands, world protection, and economy systems.
• It’s optimized to use less memory and CPU.
• It fixes some bugs in the regular Minecraft server.

So, if you want a smooth multiplayer experience without needing a beast of a machine, PaperMC is worth checking out.

What You Need Before Starting

Make sure you have these ready before setting up the server:

• Java installed on your computer or server
• A computer or VPS with at least 2 GB RAM
• A copy of the latest PaperMC .jar file

If you’re hosting at home, you’ll also need to forward ports on your router, which we’ll cover later. If you’re on a VPS, you’re already good.

To check if you have Java, open your terminal or command prompt and type:

java -version

If you see a version number, you’re all set. If not, install Java 17. PaperMC works best with Java 17 or newer.

Step 1: Download the Latest PaperMC File

Go to the official PaperMC site:
https://papermc.io/downloads

Choose the latest version of Minecraft, then download the .jar file.

Save it in a folder called something like papermc-server so you can keep everything in one place. That’s just to stay organized—no magic involved.

Step 2: Create a Start Script

Now we’ll make a script to run your server easily.

If you’re on Windows:

1. Open Notepad.
2. Paste this line:

java -Xms1G -Xmx2G -jar paper-xxx.jar nogui

Replace paper-xxx.jar with the actual filename of the Paper file you downloaded.

3. Save the file as start.bat (make sure it’s not start.bat.txt).

If you’re on Linux or Mac:

1. Open your terminal.
2. Run:

nano start.sh

3. Paste this in:

#!/bin/bash
java -Xms1G -Xmx2G -jar paper-xxx.jar nogui

4. Make it executable:

chmod +x start.sh

This script tells your system to use 1 GB minimum and 2 GB maximum memory. You can adjust it based on your RAM. Don’t set it to “infinity”—your computer will not thank you.

Step 3: Accept the EULA

When you run the script for the first time, the server won’t start. Instead, it creates some files and a message that says you need to accept the EULA.

EULA stands for End User License Agreement. It’s basically a rulebook from Mojang that says, “Don’t be a jerk with our game.”

To accept it:

1. Open the eula.txt file.
2. Change this line:

eula=false

to:

eula=true

3. Save and close the file.

Now run your script again. Your server should start spinning up.

Step 4: Configure Your Server Settings

Once your server runs, it creates more files like server.properties, ops.json, and whitelist.json.

You can edit server.properties to change the game settings. Here are some useful ones:

• motd= – the message shown under the server name
• max-players= – how many players can join
• pvp= – turn player vs. player combat on or off
• difficulty= – peaceful, easy, normal, or hard

Use a plain text editor, and don’t forget to stop the server before making changes.

To stop the server, type:

stop

in the console and hit Enter.

Don’t just close the window—that’s like yanking the plug from the wall.

Step 5: Let Others Join (Port Forwarding or Firewall Setup)

If you’re running the server on your own PC, you’ll need to forward port 25565 in your router settings. This lets friends connect from the internet.

Here’s what to do:

• Log into your router (usually at 192.168.1.1 or similar)
• Find “Port Forwarding” in the menu
• Forward TCP port 25565 to your computer’s local IP address

If you’re using a VPS or cloud server, just make sure port 25565 is open in the firewall. For example, on Ubuntu:

sudo ufw allow 25565/tcp

Want proof this works? After forwarding the port, ask a friend to join using your public IP address. You can find it by typing:

curl ifconfig.me

Give them your IP and the port, like this:

123.45.67.89:25565

And bam—multiplayer Minecraft.

Step 6: Add Yourself as Operator (Admin)

To give yourself server powers (like using commands), add yourself as an op.

Just type this in the console:

op yourMinecraftUsername

Now you can use commands like /gamemode, /tp, or /kick if someone’s being a griefer.

It’s good to have power—but don’t go full dictator. That never ends well.

Step 7: Install Plugins

Plugins are small files that add features. Want a spawn point? Use the Essentials plugin. Want anti-grief tools? Try WorldGuard.

To install:

1. Go to a plugin site like https://www.spigotmc.org/resources/
2. Download the plugin .jar file.
3. Place it in the plugins/ folder inside your server directory.
4. Restart your server.

Here are three must-have plugins to start with:

• EssentialsX – Adds basic commands like /home and /spawn
• LuckPerms – Handles player permissions and ranks
• GriefPrevention – Stops players from destroying others’ builds

They’re like power-ups for your server.

Helpful Tips for a Smoother Server

Here’s what I’ve learned from running Minecraft servers with friends:

• Back up your world often. Just copy the world/ folder.
• Use /save-all before stopping the server to make sure all progress is saved.
• Limit the number of plugins you use—too many can cause lag or crashes.

And don’t forget:

• If something breaks, check the logs in the logs/ folder. It usually tells you what went wrong.
• Keep your server updated. New versions often fix bugs and improve speed.

Three Handy Checklists

Before Launching:

• ☑ Java installed
• ☑ PaperMC .jar downloaded
• ☑ Script created and ready

For Security:

• ☑ EULA accepted
• ☑ Port 25565 forwarded or firewall open
• ☑ Only trusted people have OP access

Maintenance Tips:

• ☑ Backups scheduled
• ☑ Keep plugin list tidy
• ☑ Read logs if something seems odd

Final Thoughts

Running a PaperMC server gives you full control over your Minecraft world. It’s like being the mayor of your own blocky town. You decide who joins, what plugins are allowed, and how the game plays out.

Compared to vanilla Minecraft servers, PaperMC feels faster and more flexible. I’ve used it for survival worlds, creative builds, and even mini-games with friends. It just works.

If you ever wanted to host your own Minecraft community—even just for a few buddies—this is a great place to start.