Servers · 12 min
Start a basic Paper server
Create a Paper server folder, accept the EULA, configure basics, and join locally.
What you will accomplish
Create a Paper server folder, accept the EULA, configure basics, and join locally. The goal is a repeatable result you can verify, not a pile of unexplained files.
- You know your Minecraft version
- You are using the correct loader or platform
- Important worlds are backed up
- The file came from an official project page
Protect the live server before changing it
Create a Paper server folder, accept the EULA, configure basics, and join locally. Server work affects other players, world data, permissions, and uptime. Use backups, maintenance windows, staging tests, and console logs before treating a change as finished.
Use this guide when the goal is start a basic paper server. Work from a copy or clean instance when the task can affect saves, configs, servers, or account settings.
What to verify first
Before starting, write down the target Minecraft version, loader or platform, and the folder or account area this task changes. That small note makes rollback and support requests much easier.
After restart, join the server, test the affected feature, and read logs for warnings that were not visible in-game.
How to know you are finished
For start a basic paper server, the work is not finished when a file is merely downloaded. Treat it as finished when you can point to the setup you changed, explain why it matches the intended Minecraft version or platform, and repeat the result in a clean test or copied world.
Use the checklist as the exit test: you know your minecraft version, you are using the correct loader or platform, important worlds are backed up. If one of those checks is still uncertain, stop and verify that detail before moving to a main world, public server, or shared pack.
If the first failure you hit is "Minecraft crashes after the change", start with this fix: Remove the last file you added, relaunch once, then check the latest.log or crash report for the missing dependency or wrong loader. This keeps recovery tied to the guide instead of turning into unrelated guesswork.
Step-by-step process
Create a dedicated folder for the server
Create a dedicated folder for the server.
Download Paper from the official PaperMC site for your Minecr...
Download Paper from the official PaperMC site for your Minecraft version.
Place the server jar inside the folder and create a start script
Place the server jar inside the folder and create a start script.
Run the server once so it generates files
Run the server once so it generates files.
Read eula.txt and set eula=true only if you agree to the Mine...
Read eula.txt and set eula=true only if you agree to the Minecraft EULA.
Open server.properties and set the server name, difficulty, o...
Open server.properties and set the server name, difficulty, online-mode, view distance, and max players.
Start the server and watch the console for errors
Start the server and watch the console for errors.
Join using localhost if the server is on your own computer
Join using localhost if the server is on your own computer.
Add plugins one at a time and restart after each group
Add plugins one at a time and restart after each group.
Back up the world folder before installing major plugins or d...
Back up the world folder before installing major plugins or datapacks.
If hosting publicly, use proper networking/security practices...
If hosting publicly, use proper networking/security practices and only share the address with people you trust.
Keep the server jar and plugins updated intentionally, not ra...
Keep the server jar and plugins updated intentionally, not randomly.
Verification checklist
You know your Minecraft version
You are using the correct loader or platform
Important worlds are backed up
The file came from an official project page
eula.txt was handled correctly
server.properties was reviewed
Troubleshooting
Remove the last file you added, relaunch once, then check the latest.log or crash report for the missing dependency or wrong loader.
Confirm the file is in the correct folder and is not trapped inside an extra zip/folder layer.
Test in a clean instance and add one file at a time until the issue returns.
Practical notes
- If the server closes instantly, read the console or latest.log.
- If you cannot join locally, check the port and Minecraft version.
- If a plugin fails, confirm it supports your server version.
Official-source standard
FreeMinecraftMods does not mirror project files. When this guide involves a download, verify the creator, version, loader, file availability, license, and final official source before installing anything.
Read how project listings are reviewed or report a correction.