Playing Minecraft by yourself is great… until it isn’t. You chop down your trees, build your base, defeat the dragon, and then just kind of… stare at your screen. What do you do now? Well, Minecraft has a cure for that existential panic. Multiplayer servers. There are thousands of them out there and every single one is different. And each of them offers unique experiences that can play like an altogether different game.
Here in this guide we will cover everything you need to know.
Start With a Gamemode
Trying to choose a server before deciding on a gamemode is not the right step. Sure, you’ll probably find something nice. But it’ll likely be nothing you would’ve intentionally chosen. So before doing anything else, you will need to decide how you’d like to play.
Here are the most popular game modes to browse:
- Survival and SMP: Just survival, with other players. Peaceful, friendly and ideal for builders.
- Skyblock: You start on a tiny floating island and grow it into something huge.
- Bedwars: Protect your bed while you destroy everyone else’s. Chaos, but there is lots of fun in it too.
- Prison: Work your way up ranks by mining and get your ultimate freedom.
- Cobblemon: Pokemon… but in minecraft. Go catch them with your friends.
- Minigames: When you just want to play some quick parkour, PvP, or party games.
Players who like to relax tend to enjoy SMP servers. Competitive players will most likely reside on Bedwars and PvP servers. There is no wrong answer.
Servers Worth Checking Out
Before choosing one, it helps to compare the best Minecraft servers by gamemode, version, votes, and players online. A few names show up near the top again and again:
- Sunrealms at best.sunrealms.net for Skyblock, Parkour, and Survival
- MysticMC at best.mysticmc.co for a huge mix of gamemodes
- Blossomcraft at best.blossomcraft.org for polished survival SMP
- Complex Gaming at bmc.mc-complex.com for modded fun with massive crowds
- McHub at best.mchub.com for colorful Prison and Skyblock
- EnchantedMC at best.enchantedmc.net for that custom prison experience
Large servers are bustling with activity 24/7. Small servers have more of a close-knit community vibe. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. And so you will need to try out a few servers and find your favorites!
How to Join a Server
Joining a server takes about a minute. Here is the whole process
- Copy the server IP from the list
- Open Minecraft and click Multiplayer
- Click Add Server
- Name it anything you want
- Paste the IP into the Server Address field
- Click Done, then join
And that’s literally it. You are now standing in spawn with a hundred other random people. The process looks almost identical on Bedrock. Make sure to copy the Bedrock address and port if it has one provided. Bedrock and Java are completely different editions of Minecraft. You typically cannot join servers with them both unless they have crossplay.
Check Before You Join
Do a little research. It can prevent many problems later on. Check what version the server is using. Then read through their rules on their website or Discord. Some servers allow griefing and swearing. Some boot you quicker than you can say “Oops!”. Try to learn the server’s atmosphere before joining.
Why Can’t I Connect?
Sooner or later a server will refuse you at the door. Do not panic. Run through this checklist:
- Wrong version: Servers often support multiple versions. Double check that yours is one of them in the listings.
- Wrong edition: Java players can’t join Bedrock servers without crossplay.
- Typo in the IP: Nothing makes it not work like a typo in the address. Always copy and paste the IP.
- Server is full or offline: Some servers reach their player limit. Some servers restart. Give it some time and try again.
- Whitelist or modpack needed: Some servers ask you to apply before they let you in. Some need you to install additional files.
And if after all that it is not working for you, then you simply need to move on to the next server on the list. There are thousands to choose from.
Time to Play
Find a server that fits how you want to play. Copy the server IP and paste it into your Minecraft. You’re one paste away from your next favorite server. And if by any chance you don’t like the first server you try, that’s ok. Moving to a new server costs you 30 seconds.