Minecraft server

A Minecraft server is a player-owned or business-owned multiplayer game server for the 2011 Mojang Studios video game Minecraft. In this context, the term "server" often refers to a network of connected servers, rather than a single machine.{{Cite web |last=Collins-Laflamme |first=Simon |author-link=Hypixel |title=What are Hypixel Admins even working on? |url=https://hypixel.net/threads/what-are-hypixel-admins-even-working-on.1225215/post-10147114 |access-date=2020-10-29 |website=Hypixel Forums |date=July 11, 2017 |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117000537/https://hypixel.net/threads/what-are-hypixel-admins-even-working-on.1225215/page-3 |url-status=live }} Players can start their own server either by setting one up on a computer using software provided by Mojang, or by using a hosting provider so they can have their server run on dedicated machines with guaranteed uptime.{{Cite news |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/09/blocks-with-friends-how-to-run-your-own-minecraft-server/ |title=Blocks with friends: How to run your own Minecraft server |last=Hutchinson |first=Lee |date=September 10, 2012 |website=Ars Technica |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115100732/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2012/09/blocks-with-friends-how-to-run-your-own-minecraft-server/ |archive-date=15 November 2012 |access-date=19 August 2019}} The largest server is widely accepted to be the minigame server Hypixel.{{Cite news |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/hypixel-studios-reveals-hytale-1203089201/ |title=Creators of Popular 'Minecraft' Server Announce New Game 'Hytale' |last=Fogel |first=Stefanie |date=December 13, 2018 |work=Variety |access-date=December 15, 2018 |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215022409/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/hypixel-studios-reveals-hytale-1203089201/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/riot-games-leads-investment-hypixel-game-studio-1168889 |title=Riot Games Leads Investment in Hypixel Game Studio |last=Jarvey |first=Natalie |date=December 13, 2018 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=December 14, 2018 |archive-date=December 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221000646/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/riot-games-leads-investment-hypixel-game-studio-1168889 |url-status=live }}

Minecraft multiplayer servers are controlled by server operators, who have access to server commands such as setting the time of day, teleporting players and setting the world spawn. The server owner (or users that have access to the live server files) can also set up and install plugins to change the mechanics of the server, add commands among other features, and can also set up restrictions concerning which usernames or IP addresses are allowed or disallowed to enter the game server.

Multiplayer servers have a wide range of activities: with some servers having unique premises, rules, and customs. Player versus player (PvP) combat can be enabled to allow fighting between players. Custom mods and plugins (server side mods) can be used with modified servers to allow actions that are not normally possible in the vanilla form of the game.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-05 |title=How Plugins Work {{!}} PaperMC Docs |url=https://docs.papermc.io/paper/dev/how-do-plugins-work |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=docs.papermc.io |language=en}} There also exists a modification of the server software that can allow crossplay between the Java and Bedrock editions of the game.{{Cite web |title=Geyser {{!}} GeyserMC |url=https://geysermc.org/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=geysermc.org |language=en}}

History

Multiplayer was first added to Minecraft on May 31, 2009, during the Classic phase of the game.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W-FfCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA114|title=Guinness World Records 2016 Gamer's Edition|date=2015-09-01|publisher=Macmillan - Guinness World Records|isbn=978-1-910561-13-3|pages=114|access-date=August 6, 2021|archive-date=January 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117000550/https://books.google.com/books?id=W-FfCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA114|url-status=live}} The oldest server map is called "Freedonia", on the Minecraft server MinecraftOnline. The server and map were created on August 4, 2010, within the first hour of Minecraft multiplayer being released.{{Cite news |last=Avard |first=Alex |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/minecraft-oldest-server/ |title="Welcome to Freedonia": Minecraft's oldest server is still a mind-boggling menagerie of marvel and wonder |date=September 27, 2017 |work=GamesRadar+ |access-date=March 12, 2020 |archive-date=September 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928012634/https://www.gamesradar.com/minecraft-oldest-server/ |url-status=live }}

In 2013, Mojang announced Minecraft Realms, a server hosting service intended to enable players to run server multiplayer games easily and safely without having to set up their own.{{Cite news |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/18/4118526/minecraft-realms-hopes-to-make-an-increasingly-complex-game-more |title=Minecraft Realms hopes to make an increasingly complex game more family-friendly |last=Crecente |first=Brian |date=March 18, 2013 |work=Polygon |access-date=March 26, 2013 |archive-date=March 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130321113627/http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/18/4118526/minecraft-realms-hopes-to-make-an-increasingly-complex-game-more |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/minecraft-realms-subscription-service-families-will-bring-more-money-game-itself |title=Minecraft Realms is a subscription service for families that will "bring in more money than the game itself" |last=Peel |first=Jeremy |date=March 14, 2013 |work=PCGamesN |access-date=December 2, 2019 |archive-date=July 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719142423/http://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/minecraft-realms-subscription-service-families-will-bring-more-money-game-itself |url-status=live }} Unlike a standard server, only invited players can join Realms servers, and these servers do not use IP addresses. Since 2016, Realms have enabled Minecraft to support cross-platform play between Windows 10, iOS, and Android platforms.{{Cite news |url=http://www.polygon.com/e3/2016/6/13/11922908/minecraft-cross-platform-e3-2016 |title=Minecraft gets cross-platform play later this year |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=June 13, 2016 |work=Polygon |access-date=June 13, 2016 |archive-date=June 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616111115/http://www.polygon.com/e3/2016/6/13/11922908/minecraft-cross-platform-e3-2016 |url-status=live }} It is a subscription-based service,{{cite web |title=Minecraft Realms Servers Have Struggled With Being Down for Almost Week |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/minecraft-realms-servers-have-struggled-with-being-down-for-almost-week |website=IGN |access-date=12 April 2025 |date=August 19, 2024}} allowing for either three or eleven players in the realm at once depending on the subscription tier.{{cite web |last1=Cipriani |first1=Jason |title=6 things you should know about Minecraft Realms for iOS, Android |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/6-things-you-should-know-about-minecraft-realms-for-ios-android/ |website=CNET |access-date=12 April 2025 |date=June 21, 2016}} While Realms can also be purchased on the Java edition of the game, it does not enable cross platform play with Bedrock players.{{cite web |last1=James |first1=Sarah |title=How to set up a Minecraft Realms multiplayer server |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/minecraft-realms/ |website=Games Radar |access-date=12 April 2025 |date=October 31, 2024}}

In June 2014, Mojang began enforcing the EULA of Minecraft: Java Edition to prevent servers from selling pay-to-win items in microtransactions, which many players thought unfairly affected gameplay.{{Cite news |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/6/18/5819274/mojang-multiplayer-servers |title=Why some fans are battling with Notch over Minecraft changes |last=Campbell |first=Colin |date=June 18, 2014 |work=Polygon |access-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-date=September 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913050649/https://www.polygon.com/2014/6/18/5819274/mojang-multiplayer-servers |url-status=live }} After this change, servers were only allowed to sell cosmetic items.{{Cite news |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/why-minecrafts-new-eula-is-good-for-the-community/ |title=Why Minecraft's new EULA is good for the game |last=Savage |first=Phil |date=June 18, 2014 |work=PC Gamer |access-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126192826/https://www.pcgamer.com/why-minecrafts-new-eula-is-good-for-the-community/ |url-status=live }} Many servers closed shortly afterwards.{{Cite news |url=https://kotaku.com/the-uncertain-future-of-minecrafts-independent-servers-1790360981 |title=The Uncertain Future of Minecraft's Independent Servers |last=Guthrie |first=Robert |date=December 21, 2016 |work=Kotaku |access-date=December 7, 2019 |archive-date=December 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204151616/https://kotaku.com/the-uncertain-future-of-minecrafts-independent-servers-1790360981 |url-status=live }}

On September 20, 2017, the "Better Together Update" was released for Bedrock codebase-derived editions of the game, which added cross platform multiplayer support, along with four featured servers: Lifeboat, Mineplex, InPVP and CubeCraft.{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/11/minecraft-is-now-available-for-cross-play-on-any-device/ |title=Minecraft is now available for cross-play on any device |last=Shieber |first=Johnathan |date=June 11, 2017 |work=TechCrunch |access-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-date=January 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126192837/https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/11/minecraft-is-now-available-for-cross-play-on-any-device/ |url-status=live }}

On July 27, 2022, player chat reporting was added as a part of "The Wild Update", 1.19.1. This allowed players to report abusive chat messages sent by other players directly to Mojang, and players could be banned from playing on multiplayer servers, including realms, as a whole for violating Microsoft's community standards.{{Cite web |last=Hedberg |first=Mikael |date=2022-07-27 |title=Minecraft Java Edition 1.19.1 |url=https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/minecraft-java-edition-1-19-1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901221701/https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/minecraft-java-edition-1-19-1 |archive-date=1 September 2022 |work=Minecraft |publisher=Mojang Studios}}

On November 7, 2023, Mojang Studios, in collaboration with GamerSafer, opened the official server list of Minecraft.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-08 |title=The Official Minecraft Server List is Live {{!}} Minecraft |url=https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/the-official-minecraft-server-list-live |access-date=2024-03-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308191314/https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/the-official-minecraft-server-list-live |archive-date=March 8, 2024 }}

Management

Managing a Minecraft server can be a full-time job for many server owners.

Several large servers employ a staff of developers, managers, and artists. Running a large server can be expensive for its operators,{{Cite news |url=https://kotaku.com/why-people-are-mad-about-minecrafts-new-changes-1592190004 |title=Why People Are Mad About Minecraft's New Changes |last=Marinconz |first=Steve |date=June 17, 2014 |work=Kotaku |access-date=January 31, 2020 |archive-date=December 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228164929/https://kotaku.com/why-people-are-mad-about-minecrafts-new-changes-1592190004 |url-status=live }} particularly those that have more than a thousand players. Expenses may include salaries, hardware, bandwidth, and DDoS protection. Dunbar stated that MCGamer, which has had over 50,000 daily players, has expenses that can be "well into the five-figure marks" per month. As of 2015, expenses of Hypixel, the largest server, are nearly $100,000 per month. Many servers sell in-game ranks, cosmetics and passes to certain minigames or gamemodes to cover expenses.

= Technical aspects =

For the Java edition, Mojang release an official jar for server operators to run their servers. Third party server jars also exist; typically utilizing resources more efficiently than the official server software and allowing the use of plugins.{{Cite book |last=Sommer |first=Cody M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uiHlCwAAQBAJ&q=minecraft+plugins |title=Building Minecraft Server Modifications |date=2015-12-23 |publisher=Packt Publishing Ltd |isbn=978-1-78588-687-4 |language=en}} However, Minecraft servers have traditionally been restricted to running most operations on a single core (main thread) with a limited amount of other operations being able to be run asynchronously, making them inefficient for large player counts.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-03 |title=Minecraft Finally Gets Multi-Threaded Servers |url=https://hackaday.com/2023/04/03/minecraft-finally-gets-multi-threaded-servers/ |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=Hackaday |language=en-US}}

Notable servers

The most popular Java Edition server is Hypixel, which, released in April 2013, has had over 20 million unique players. In 2021, CubeCraft Games, released in December 2012 on Java Edition and in 2018 on Bedrock Edition,{{Cite tweet |user=CubeCraftGames |number=1473337471710556165 |title=ITS OUR 9TH BIRTHDAY! We would love to know some of your favourite memories playing on the server! Let us know by using #CubeCraft9! |date=December 21, 2021 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221170021/https://twitter.com/CubeCraftGames/status/1473337471710556165 |archive-date=December 21, 2021}} had over 30 million unique server connections, and a peak player count of more than 57,000 concurrent players.{{Cite web |last=Younisco |date=2022-02-02 |title=What's new in 2022? |url=https://www.cubecraft.net/threads/whats-new-in-2022-%F0%9F%A4%94.301024/ |website=www.cubecraft.net |access-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-date=May 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516150649/https://www.cubecraft.net/threads/whats-new-in-2022-%F0%9F%A4%94.301024/ |url-status=live }} Other popular servers include MCGamer, released in April 2012, which has over 3.5 million unique players;{{Cite news |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/09/15/minecraft-biggest-servers/ |title=The Future Of Minecraft's Biggest Servers |last=Wiltshire |first=Alex |date=September 15, 2015 |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |access-date=January 23, 2020 |archive-date=February 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212044219/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/09/15/minecraft-biggest-servers/ |url-status=live }}{{When|date=January 2025|reason=It seems that this server has now shut down}} Wynncraft, released in April 2013, which has over 1 million unique players;{{Cite web |url=https://www.techtimes.com/articles/207952/20170522/a-game-within-a-game-wynncraft-is-an-mmorpg-inside-minecraft.htm |title=A Game Within A Game: 'Wynncraft' Is An MMORPG Inside 'Minecraft' |last=Velasco |first=Carl |date=May 22, 2017 |website=Tech Times |access-date=January 23, 2020 |archive-date=May 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522155554/https://www.techtimes.com/articles/207952/20170522/a-game-within-a-game-wynncraft-is-an-mmorpg-inside-minecraft.htm |url-status=live }} and Emenbee, released in 2011, which also has over 1 million unique players.{{Cite news |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-03-23-in-game-tributes-to-minecraft-server-owner-who-died-of-cancer |title=Minecraft players write touching tributes on in-game signs for "amazing" server owner who died of cancer |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=March 23, 2019 |work=Eurogamer |access-date=September 28, 2019 |archive-date=April 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401040001/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-03-23-in-game-tributes-to-minecraft-server-owner-who-died-of-cancer |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Horti |first=Samuel |date=March 24, 2019 |title=Minecraft players build touching tribute to server owner who died of cancer |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/minecraft-players-build-touching-memorial-to-server-owner-who-died-of-cancer/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207080416/https://www.pcgamer.com/minecraft-players-build-touching-memorial-to-server-owner-who-died-of-cancer/ |archive-date=December 7, 2019}} As of 2014, servers such as Mineplex, Hypixel, Shotbow and The Hive receive "well over a million unique users every month", according to Polygon.

=List=

{{legend2|#e6ffe6|Bedrock edition Mojang-featured server|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

class="wikitable sortable"
Name ! Inception date ! Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" \|{{Reference heading}}
2b2t \| {{dts\|2010\|12}} \| Famously known as the oldest anarchy server in Minecraft; there is no officially set list of rules, allowing the use of cheats and obscene language in-game. Its map is one of the longest-running server maps in the game. It has since updated to Minecraft version 1.20 after previously running on Minecraft version 1.12 for many years. \| {{Cite news \|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/there-s-alternative-minecraft-server-without-any-rules-gaming-tech-a7323201.html \|title=There's an alternative Minecraft server without any rules \|last=Kiberd \|first=Roisin \|date=September 23, 2016 \|work=The Independent \|access-date=September 20, 2019 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014042318/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/there-s-alternative-minecraft-server-without-any-rules-gaming-tech-a7323201.html \|archive-date=October 14, 2019}}{{Cite news \|url=https://www.newsweek.com/2016/09/23/minecraft-anarchy-server-2b2t-will-kill-you-498946.html \|title=The Minecraft Server That Will Kill You 1,000 Times \|last=Kiberd \|first=Roisin \|date=September 15, 2016 \|work=Newsweek \|access-date=September 9, 2019 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014024243/https://www.newsweek.com/2016/09/23/minecraft-anarchy-server-2b2t-will-kill-you-498946.html \|archive-date=October 14, 2019}}{{Cite news \|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-worst-place-in-minecraft/ \|title=The Worst Place in Minecraft \|last=Paul \|first=Andrew \|date=October 5, 2015 \|work=Vice \|access-date=September 9, 2019 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014214406/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/xywekq/the-worst-place-in-minecraft \|archive-date=October 14, 2019}}
Autcraft \| {{dts\|2013}} \| Dedicated to be a safe haven for children with autism. \| {{Cite news\|last=Winkie\|first=Luke\|date=2020-03-26\|title=Meet the dad who quit his job to run a Minecraft server for autistic kids\|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/meet-the-dad-who-quit-his-job-to-run-a-minecraft-server-for-autistic-kids/\|access-date=2020-09-03\|work=PC Gamer\|archive-date=2020-09-07\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907015749/https://www.pcgamer.com/meet-the-dad-who-quit-his-job-to-run-a-minecraft-server-for-autistic-kids/\|url-status=live}}
Build the Earth \| {{dts\|2020\|03\|21}} \| Dedicated to recreate the planet Earth in 1:1 scale, including man-made structures. \| {{Cite news\|last=Prescott\|first=Shaun\|date=30 March 2020\|title=A 1:1 scale model of Earth is possible in Minecraft, with mods and your help\|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/a-11-scale-model-of-earth-is-possible-in-minecraft-with-mods-and-your-help/\|access-date=11 September 2020\|website=PC Gamer\|archive-date=March 31, 2020\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331173245/https://www.pcgamer.com/a-11-scale-model-of-earth-is-possible-in-minecraft-with-mods-and-your-help/\|url-status=live}}{{Cite news\|last=Clayton\|first=Natalie\|date=28 March 2020\|title=Minecraft mod recreates the Earth to scale – and now it wants players to fill in the gaps\|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2020/03/28/minecraft-mod-recreates-the-earth-to-scale-and-now-it-wants-players-to-fill-in-the-gaps/\|access-date=11 September 2020\|work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun\|archive-date=March 28, 2020\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328195114/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2020/03/28/minecraft-mod-recreates-the-earth-to-scale-and-now-it-wants-players-to-fill-in-the-gaps/\|url-status=live}}{{Cite news \|last=Gault \|first=Matthew \|date=April 2, 2020 \|title=Thousands of People Are Building a 1:1 Recreation of Earth in 'Minecraft' \|work=Vice \|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/thousands-of-people-are-building-a-11-recreation-of-earth-in-minecraft/ \|access-date=September 11, 2020 \|archive-date=November 18, 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118203316/https://www.vice.com/en/article/n7jykw/thousands-of-people-are-building-a-11-recreation-of-earth-in-minecraft \|url-status=live }}
style="background:#e6ffe6" \|CubeCraft Games \| {{dts\|2012\|12\|21}} \|Started in 2012 in Java Edition, hosting a handful of minigames such as EggWars (MoneyWars), SkyWars and Lucky Islands. CubeCraft opened on Minecraft Bedrock Edition in 2018 as a Mojang-featured Minecraft server. \|{{Cite web \|date=2013-10-20 \|title=CubeCraft Forums \|url=https://www.cubecraft.net/ \|access-date=2012-10-20 \|website=cubecraft.net \|archive-date=November 29, 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129121447/https://www.cubecraft.net/ \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|date=2022-07-07 \|title=Best Minecraft servers 1.19: Survival, Skyblock, Bedwars, Factions, and more \|work=Rock Paper Shotgun \|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-minecraft-servers-survival-skyblock-factions-bedwars#cubecraft \|access-date=2022-10-17 \|archive-date=September 29, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929162530/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-minecraft-servers-survival-skyblock-factions-bedwars#cubecraft \|url-status=live }}{{Cite web \|date=2018-04-25 \|title=CubeCraft Server! \|url=https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/cubecraft-server \|access-date=2022-10-17 \|website=minecraft.net \|archive-date=October 17, 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017151926/https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/cubecraft-server \|url-status=live }}{{Cite web \|date=2022-10-17 \|title=CubeCraft Games {{!}} Marketplace \|url=https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/marketplace/creator?name=cubecraft%20games \|access-date=2022-10-17 \|website=minecraft.net \|archive-date=October 17, 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017151924/https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/marketplace/creator?name=cubecraft%20games \|url-status=live }}
Digital Jesuit \| {{dts\|2019\|11}} \| Created by Catholic priest Robert Ballecer as an organized secular Minecraft server for a less toxic gaming experience. \|{{Cite tweet\|number=1167941336219045888\|user=padresj\|title=Ok... I want to spin up a few servers in the Vatican for gamers who want a little less "toxic" and a bit more community. What should be my first server?\|author=Robert Ballecer\|authorlink=Robert Ballecer\|date=Aug 31, 2019\|access-date=2020-10-05}}{{Cite news \|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/minecraft-server-for-vatican-hit-possible-ddos-attack-priest-says-2019-12 \|title=The Vatican started a 'Minecraft' server and it was immediately attacked, according to the priest that set it up \|last=Meisenzahl \|first=Mary \|date=December 5, 2019 \|work=Business Insider \|access-date=December 14, 2019 \|archive-date=July 13, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713151550/https://www.businessinsider.com/minecraft-server-for-vatican-hit-possible-ddos-attack-priest-says-2019-12 \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-vatican-has-its-own-minecraft-server/ \|title=The Vatican's Minecraft server is overwhelmed by demand and DDoS attacks \|last=Macgregor \|first=Jody \|date=December 3, 2019 \|work=PC Gamer \|access-date=December 14, 2019 \|archive-date=July 11, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711110657/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-vatican-has-its-own-minecraft-server/ \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/12/04/minecraft-trolls-target-vatican-server-ddos-attacks-11267238/ \|title=Minecraft trolls target Vatican server with DDoS attacks \|date=December 4, 2019 \|work=Metro \|access-date=December 14, 2019 \|archive-date=July 11, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711082809/https://metro.co.uk/2019/12/04/minecraft-trolls-target-vatican-server-ddos-attacks-11267238/ \|url-status=live }}
Dream SMP \| {{dts\|2020\|04\|24}}; Ceased operations on {{End date\|2023\|4\|9}}. \| A private survival multiplayer server owned by the YouTuber Dream and played on by many prominent Minecraft content creators. It was divided into factions and included heavy roleplay, streamed live on YouTube and Twitch. \|{{Cite news \|last=Arsach \|first=Steven \|date=2021-01-25 \|title=Minecraft's top streamers are taking over the internet with their exclusive roleplaying server called Dream SMP \|website=Insider \|access-date=2021-01-30 \|url=https://www.insider.com/dream-smp-members-minecraft-server-dsmp-wiki-which-what-video-2021-1 \|archive-date=March 18, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318065336/https://www.insider.com/dream-smp-members-minecraft-server-dsmp-wiki-which-what-video-2021-1 \|url-status=live }}{{cite magazine \|last=D'Anastasio \|first=Cecilia \|author-link=Cecilia D'Anastasio \|url=https://www.wired.com/story/minecraft-dream-smp-political-drama/ \|title=In Minecraft's Dream SMP, All the Server's a Stage \|magazine=Wired \|publisher=Condé Nast \|date=January 12, 2021 \|access-date=January 13, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113020412/https://www.wired.com/story/minecraft-dream-smp-political-drama/ \|archive-date=January 13, 2021 \|url-status=live}}
HermitCraft \| {{dts\|2012\|04}} \| HermitCraft (also capitalized as Hermitcraft) is a private, invite-only server and is one of the most well-known. Members are called "hermits" and make content on various platforms, mainly YouTube and Twitch. HermitCraft has been featured by Mojang during various events in the past. The server is also known for working with various charities such as SOS Africa, the Gamers Outreach Foundation, and the Make a Wish Foundation. \|{{Cite news \|last=Rothery \|first=Jen \|date=January 8, 2021 \|title=The best Minecraft YouTubers \|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/youtubers-best \|access-date=March 19, 2022 \|work=PCGamesN \|archive-date=April 15, 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415105935/https://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/youtubers-best \|url-status=live }}{{Cite book \|last1=Hjorth \|first1=Larissa \|title=Exploring Minecraft \|last2=Richardson \|first2=Ingrid \|last3=Davies \|first3=Hugh \|last4=Balmford \|first4=William \|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan \|year=2020 \|isbn=978-3-030-59908-9 \|chapter=Metagaming and Paratextual Play \|doi=10.1007/978-3-030-59908-9_5}}{{cite news \|last1=Ashcroft \|first1=Helen \|title=Vintage Beef Talks Building A Fully Playable TCG In Minecraft \|url=https://www.thegamer.com/vintage-beef-interview-fully-playable-tcg-minecraft/ \|access-date=23 November 2023 \|work=TheGamer \|date=28 April 2023 \|language=en}}{{cite news \|last1=Key \|first1=Brandon \|title=Minecraft Charity Stream Hits $25,000 Funding Goal Before It Even Starts \|url=https://gamerant.com/minecraft-charity-stream-reaches-goal-before-start/ \|access-date=23 November 2023 \|work=Game Rant \|date=25 October 2022 \|language=en}}{{cite news \|last1=Rose \|first1=Danielle \|title=The best Minecraft YouTubers \|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/youtubers-best \|access-date=22 February 2024 \|work=PCGamesN \|date=12 February 2024}}
style="background:#e6ffe6" \|The Hive \| {{dts\|2013\|02\|24}} \| A minigame server created in 2012. Originally a Java server, it opened to Bedrock Edition in 2018 and has since become exclusive to Bedrock after closing its doors to Java players in April 2021 due to declining player-base interest. \|{{Cite news\|date=2021-03-22\|title=Best Minecraft servers 1.16.5 - Survival, Skyblock, Bedwars, Factions, and more\|work=Rock Paper Shotgun\|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-minecraft-servers-survival-skyblock-factions-bedwars#hivemc\|access-date=2021-05-04\|archive-date=September 29, 2021\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929162530/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-minecraft-servers-survival-skyblock-factions-bedwars#hivemc\|url-status=live}}{{Cite web\|date=2018-10-16\|title=Enter The Hive\|url=https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/enter-hive\|access-date=2021-05-04\|website=Minecraft.net\|archive-date=February 11, 2019\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211064522/https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/enter-hive\|url-status=live}}
Hypixel \| {{dts\|2013\|04\|13}} \|Minecraft{{'s}} most popular server, founded by Simon Collins-Laflamme and Philippe Touchette, and contains a prominent number of game modes and minigames, many of which are centered around player-versus-player combat. \|{{Cite news \|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/12/20/hytale-is-a-minecraft-follow-up-that-remembers-the-minigames/ \|title=Hytale is a Minecraft follow-up that remembers the minigames \|last=Macgregor \|first=Jodie \|date=December 20, 2018 \|work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun \|access-date=December 21, 2018 \|archive-date=March 8, 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308062153/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/12/20/hytale-is-a-minecraft-follow-up-that-remembers-the-minigames/ \|url-status=live }}
MCParks \|{{dts\|2013\|04}} \|1:1 scale replicas of major theme parks, including Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. \|{{Cite web\|title=Most real-world theme parks recreated in a videogame \|work=Guinness World Records \|date=July 1, 2016 \|language=en-US \|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/434257-most-real-world-theme-parks-recreated-in-a-videogame \|access-date=April 1, 2025}}{{Cite web\|last=Frost \|first=John \|title=Magic Kingdom Minecraft Walk-Through \|work=The Disney Blog \|date=November 3, 2014 \|url=https://thedisneyblog.com/2014/11/03/magic-kingdom-minecraft-walk-through/ \|access-date=April 1, 2025}}{{Cite web\|last=Chapman \|first=Tom \|title=Don’t get too hyped for Universal Studios’ Minecraft expansion \|work=GGRecon \|date=February 13, 2024 \|url=https://www.ggrecon.com/articles/dont-get-too-hyped-for-universal-studios-minecraft-expansion/ \|access-date=April 1, 2025}}{{Cite web\|last=Mancosky \|first=Doug \|title=Visit Busch Gardens in Minecraft with MCParks! \|date=September 15, 2024 \|work=BGT Safari \|url=https://bgtsafari.com/2024/09/15/visit-busch-gardens-in-minecraft-with-mcparks/ \|access-date=April 1, 2025}}{{Cite web\|title=MCParks \|work=Minecraft Servers \|url=https://servers-minecraft.net/server-mcparks.1501 \|access-date=September 12, 2023}}
MinecraftOnline \| {{dts\|2010\|08\|04}} \|Created in August 2010 and opened to the public after two days of testing, MinecraftOnline is the oldest survival server, containing the oldest running server map that has never been reset. Sources conflict on whether MinecraftOnline, Novylen, or nerd.nu should be deemed the oldest Minecraft server. \|{{Cite news\|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/minecraft-oldest-server/\|title="Welcome to Freedonia": Minecraft's oldest server is still a mind-boggling menagerie of marvel and wonder\|first=Alex\|last=Avard\|date=September 27, 2017\|access-date=April 17, 2020\|work=GamesRadar+\|archive-date=September 28, 2017\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928012634/https://www.gamesradar.com/minecraft-oldest-server/\|url-status=live}}
style="background:#e6ffe6" \|Mineplex \| {{dts\|2013\|01\|24}}; Suspended operations on {{End date\|2023\|5\|16}}. \|Formerly the largest Minecraft server, having a variety of minigames for players to experience. In 2015, it held a Guinness World Record for the most popular Minecraft server at the time. It was eventually overtaken as the most popular server by rival Minigame server Hypixel, leading to its eventual closure. There are currently plans to re-release Mineplex in the near future. \|{{Cite news \|url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/11/15771190/minecraft-servers-cross-platform-e3-2017 \|title=Minecraft is going totally cross-platform \|last=Campbell \|first=Colin \|date=June 11, 2017 \|work=Polygon \|access-date=December 1, 2019 \|archive-date=December 12, 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212091556/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/11/15771190/minecraft-servers-cross-platform-e3-2017 \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/news/542833/Mojang+to+partner+up+with+popular+Minecraft+servers/ \|title=Mojang to partner up with popular Minecraft servers \|last=James \|first=Ford \|date=June 11, 2017 \|work=Gamereactor \|department=News \|access-date=January 23, 2020 \|archive-date=March 22, 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322214033/https://www.gamereactor.eu/news/542833/Mojang+to+partner+up+with+popular+Minecraft+servers/ \|url-status=live }}{{Cite book\|title=Guinness World Records 2016: Gamer's Edition\|publisher=Macmillan\|page=115}}{{Cite news \|url=https://www.geekwire.com/2016/mark-cuban-minecraft/ \|title=Mark Cuban calls Minecraft 'intellectually engaging' as his NBA team creates new game with Mineplex \|last=Schlosser \|first=Kurt \|date=May 24, 2016 \|work=GeekWire \|access-date=January 23, 2020 \|archive-date=May 25, 2016 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525155335/https://www.geekwire.com/2016/mark-cuban-minecraft/ \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|url=https://www.alistdaily.com/digital/mark-cuban-explains-mavericks-mashing-minecraft/ \|title=Mark Cuban Explains Why The Mavericks Are Mashing Up With 'Minecraft' \|last=Akopyan \|first=Manouk \|date=May 1, 2016 \|work=AListDaily \|access-date=September 22, 2019 \|archive-date=March 22, 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322214028/https://www.alistdaily.com/digital/mark-cuban-explains-mavericks-mashing-minecraft/ \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article78613322.html \|title=Dallas Mavericks joining computer games world in Minecraft \|last=Humphrey \|first=David \|date=May 19, 2016 \|work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram \|access-date=January 23, 2020 \|archive-date=March 23, 2019 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323045119/https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article78613322.html \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|url=https://www.mavs.com/dallas-mavs-partner-minecraft-server-engage-new-generation-basketball-fans/ \|title=Dallas Mavs Partner With Minecraft Server to Engage a new Generation of Basketball Fans \|last=Wermuth \|first=Adam \|date=May 18, 2016 \|work=Dallas Mavericks \|access-date=January 12, 2020 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206022939/https://www.mavs.com/dallas-mavs-partner-minecraft-server-engage-new-generation-basketball-fans/ \|archive-date=December 6, 2017}}
Minehut \| {{dts\|2014\|11\|28}} \|A Minecraft server network that allows players to make their own servers and advertise it to thousands of daily players. It is owned by GamerSafer, who also created the Official Minecraft Server List.	{{Cite news \|date=February 28, 2024 \|title=GamerSafer acquires Minecraft-focused Minehut server community \|url=https://venturebeat.com/games/gamersafer-acquires-minecraft-focused-minehut-server-community/ \|access-date=August 3, 2024 \|work=VentureBeat}}
nerd.nu \| {{dts\|2009\|06}} \|One of the two oldest Minecraft servers. The map has been revised at least 26 times, and sources conflict on whether nerd.nu or MinecraftOnline is an older server, creating a major dispute within the community. \|
The Uncensored Library \| {{dts\|2020\|03\|12}} \|A server and map released by Reporters Without Borders in an attempt to circumvent censorship in countries lacking freedom of the press. It has received significant press coverage. \|{{Cite news \|last=Gerken \|first=Tom \|date=March 13, 2020 \|title=Minecraft 'loophole' library of banned journalism \|work=BBC \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-51883247 \|access-date=May 8, 2020 \|archive-date=August 14, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814173639/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-51883247 \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|last=von Hein \|first=Matthias \|date=March 12, 2020 \|title=Reporter Without Borders builds uncensored Minecraft library \|work=DW News \|url=https://www.dw.com/en/reporter-without-borders-builds-uncensored-minecraft-library/a-52745435 \|access-date=May 8, 2020 \|archive-date=March 8, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308052208/https://www.dw.com/en/reporter-without-borders-builds-uncensored-minecraft-library/a-52745435 \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|last=Huddleston Jr. \|first=Tom \|date=March 15, 2020 \|title=Reporters Without Borders is using Minecraft to sneak censored news to readers in restrictive countries \|publisher=CNBC \|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/13/reporters-without-borders-uses-minecraft-to-sneak-banned-news-into-restrictive-countries.html \|access-date=May 8, 2020 \|archive-date=August 14, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814173638/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/13/reporters-without-borders-uses-minecraft-to-sneak-banned-news-into-restrictive-countries.html \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|last=Woodyatt \|first=Amy \|date=March 13, 2020 \|title=Minecraft hosts uncensored library full of banned journalism \|work=CNN \|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/13/tech/minecraft-uncensored-library-scli-intl/index.html= \|access-date=May 8, 2020 \|archive-date=March 8, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308105050/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/13/tech/minecraft-uncensored-library-scli-intl/index.html= \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|last=Coldewey \|first=Devin \|date=March 12, 2020 \|title=Reporters Without Borders uses Minecraft to sneak censored works across borders \|work=Tech Crunch \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/12/reporters-without-borders-uses-minecraft-to-sneak-censored-works-across-borders/ \|access-date=May 8, 2020 \|archive-date=August 2, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802142533/https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/12/reporters-without-borders-uses-minecraft-to-sneak-censored-works-across-borders/ \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|last=Maher \|first=Cian \|date=March 18, 2020 \|title=This Minecraft library is making censored journalism accessible all over the world \|work=The Verge \|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/18/21184041/minecraft-library-censored-journalism-reporters-without-borders \|access-date=May 20, 2020 \|archive-date=March 19, 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319160018/https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/18/21184041/minecraft-library-censored-journalism-reporters-without-borders \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|last=Nelius \|first=Joanna \|date=March 12, 2020 \|title=This Minecraft Library Provides a Platform for Censored Journalists \|work=Gizmodo \|url=https://gizmodo.com/this-minecraft-library-provides-a-platform-for-censored-1842298748 \|access-date=May 8, 2020 \|archive-date=March 14, 2020 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314190710/https://gizmodo.com/this-minecraft-library-provides-a-platform-for-censored-1842298748 \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|last=Fingas \|first=Jon \|date=March 15, 2020 \|title='Minecraft' library helps you dodge news media censorship \|work=Engadget \|url=https://www.engadget.com/2020-03-15-minecraft-uncensored-library.html?guccounter=1 \|access-date=May 8, 2020 \|archive-date=March 8, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308145602/https://www.engadget.com/2020-03-15-minecraft-uncensored-library.html?guccounter=1 \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|last=Gill \|first=Tarvin \|date=March 18, 2020 \|title=This 'Minecraft' library safeguards all censored news of the world \|work=Mashable \|url=https://sea.mashable.com/tech/9633/this-minecraft-library-safeguards-all-censored-news-of-the-world \|access-date=May 8, 2020 \|archive-date=August 14, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814173638/https://sea.mashable.com/tech/9633/this-minecraft-library-safeguards-all-censored-news-of-the-world \|url-status=live }}{{Cite news \|last=Davenport \|first=James \|date=March 13, 2020 \|title=New Minecraft library is clever loophole and safe haven for censored journalism \|work=PC Gamer \|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/new-minecraft-library-is-clever-loophole-and-safe-haven-for-censored-journalism/ \|access-date=May 8, 2020 \|archive-date=August 14, 2021 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814173637/https://www.pcgamer.com/new-minecraft-library-is-clever-loophole-and-safe-haven-for-censored-journalism/ \|url-status=live }}
Wynncraft \| {{dts\|2013\|04}} \|Server that functions as a massively multiplayer online role-playing game. \|{{Cite news\|last=Velasco\|first=Carl\|date=2017-05-22\|title=A Game Within A Game: 'Wynncraft' Is An MMORPG Inside 'Minecraft'\|url=https://www.techtimes.com/articles/207952/20170522/a-game-within-a-game-wynncraft-is-an-mmorpg-inside-minecraft.htm\|access-date=2021-06-24\|work=Tech Times\|archive-date=May 22, 2017\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522155554/https://www.techtimes.com/articles/207952/20170522/a-game-within-a-game-wynncraft-is-an-mmorpg-inside-minecraft.htm\|url-status=live}}

class="wikitable sortable"

Name

! Inception date

! Notes

! scope="col" class="unsortable" |{{Reference heading}}

2b2t

| {{dts|2010|12}}

| Famously known as the oldest anarchy server in Minecraft; there is no officially set list of rules, allowing the use of cheats and obscene language in-game. Its map is one of the longest-running server maps in the game. It has since updated to Minecraft version 1.20 after previously running on Minecraft version 1.12 for many years.

| {{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/there-s-alternative-minecraft-server-without-any-rules-gaming-tech-a7323201.html |title=There's an alternative Minecraft server without any rules |last=Kiberd |first=Roisin |date=September 23, 2016 |work=The Independent |access-date=September 20, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014042318/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/there-s-alternative-minecraft-server-without-any-rules-gaming-tech-a7323201.html |archive-date=October 14, 2019}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.newsweek.com/2016/09/23/minecraft-anarchy-server-2b2t-will-kill-you-498946.html |title=The Minecraft Server That Will Kill You 1,000 Times |last=Kiberd |first=Roisin |date=September 15, 2016 |work=Newsweek |access-date=September 9, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014024243/https://www.newsweek.com/2016/09/23/minecraft-anarchy-server-2b2t-will-kill-you-498946.html |archive-date=October 14, 2019}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-worst-place-in-minecraft/ |title=The Worst Place in Minecraft |last=Paul |first=Andrew |date=October 5, 2015 |work=Vice |access-date=September 9, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014214406/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/xywekq/the-worst-place-in-minecraft |archive-date=October 14, 2019}}

Autcraft

| {{dts|2013}}

| Dedicated to be a safe haven for children with autism.

| {{Cite news|last=Winkie|first=Luke|date=2020-03-26|title=Meet the dad who quit his job to run a Minecraft server for autistic kids|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/meet-the-dad-who-quit-his-job-to-run-a-minecraft-server-for-autistic-kids/|access-date=2020-09-03|work=PC Gamer|archive-date=2020-09-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907015749/https://www.pcgamer.com/meet-the-dad-who-quit-his-job-to-run-a-minecraft-server-for-autistic-kids/|url-status=live}}

Build the Earth

| {{dts|2020|03|21}}

| Dedicated to recreate the planet Earth in 1:1 scale, including man-made structures.

| {{Cite news|last=Prescott|first=Shaun|date=30 March 2020|title=A 1:1 scale model of Earth is possible in Minecraft, with mods and your help|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/a-11-scale-model-of-earth-is-possible-in-minecraft-with-mods-and-your-help/|access-date=11 September 2020|website=PC Gamer|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331173245/https://www.pcgamer.com/a-11-scale-model-of-earth-is-possible-in-minecraft-with-mods-and-your-help/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Clayton|first=Natalie|date=28 March 2020|title=Minecraft mod recreates the Earth to scale – and now it wants players to fill in the gaps|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2020/03/28/minecraft-mod-recreates-the-earth-to-scale-and-now-it-wants-players-to-fill-in-the-gaps/|access-date=11 September 2020|work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|archive-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328195114/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2020/03/28/minecraft-mod-recreates-the-earth-to-scale-and-now-it-wants-players-to-fill-in-the-gaps/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Gault |first=Matthew |date=April 2, 2020 |title=Thousands of People Are Building a 1:1 Recreation of Earth in 'Minecraft' |work=Vice |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/thousands-of-people-are-building-a-11-recreation-of-earth-in-minecraft/ |access-date=September 11, 2020 |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118203316/https://www.vice.com/en/article/n7jykw/thousands-of-people-are-building-a-11-recreation-of-earth-in-minecraft |url-status=live }}

style="background:#e6ffe6"

|CubeCraft Games

| {{dts|2012|12|21}}

|Started in 2012 in Java Edition, hosting a handful of minigames such as EggWars (MoneyWars), SkyWars and Lucky Islands. CubeCraft opened on Minecraft Bedrock Edition in 2018 as a Mojang-featured Minecraft server.

|{{Cite web |date=2013-10-20 |title=CubeCraft Forums |url=https://www.cubecraft.net/ |access-date=2012-10-20 |website=cubecraft.net |archive-date=November 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129121447/https://www.cubecraft.net/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2022-07-07 |title=Best Minecraft servers 1.19: Survival, Skyblock, Bedwars, Factions, and more |work=Rock Paper Shotgun |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-minecraft-servers-survival-skyblock-factions-bedwars#cubecraft |access-date=2022-10-17 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929162530/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-minecraft-servers-survival-skyblock-factions-bedwars#cubecraft |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2018-04-25 |title=CubeCraft Server! |url=https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/cubecraft-server |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=minecraft.net |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017151926/https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/cubecraft-server |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-10-17 |title=CubeCraft Games {{!}} Marketplace |url=https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/marketplace/creator?name=cubecraft%20games |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=minecraft.net |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017151924/https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/marketplace/creator?name=cubecraft%20games |url-status=live }}

Digital Jesuit

| {{dts|2019|11}}

| Created by Catholic priest Robert Ballecer as an organized secular Minecraft server for a less toxic gaming experience.

|{{Cite tweet|number=1167941336219045888|user=padresj|title=Ok... I want to spin up a few servers in the Vatican for gamers who want a little less "toxic" and a bit more community. What should be my first server?|author=Robert Ballecer|authorlink=Robert Ballecer|date=Aug 31, 2019|access-date=2020-10-05}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/minecraft-server-for-vatican-hit-possible-ddos-attack-priest-says-2019-12 |title=The Vatican started a 'Minecraft' server and it was immediately attacked, according to the priest that set it up |last=Meisenzahl |first=Mary |date=December 5, 2019 |work=Business Insider |access-date=December 14, 2019 |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713151550/https://www.businessinsider.com/minecraft-server-for-vatican-hit-possible-ddos-attack-priest-says-2019-12 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-vatican-has-its-own-minecraft-server/ |title=The Vatican's Minecraft server is overwhelmed by demand and DDoS attacks |last=Macgregor |first=Jody |date=December 3, 2019 |work=PC Gamer |access-date=December 14, 2019 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711110657/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-vatican-has-its-own-minecraft-server/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/12/04/minecraft-trolls-target-vatican-server-ddos-attacks-11267238/ |title=Minecraft trolls target Vatican server with DDoS attacks |date=December 4, 2019 |work=Metro |access-date=December 14, 2019 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711082809/https://metro.co.uk/2019/12/04/minecraft-trolls-target-vatican-server-ddos-attacks-11267238/ |url-status=live }}

Dream SMP

| {{dts|2020|04|24}}; Ceased operations on {{End date|2023|4|9}}.

| A private survival multiplayer server owned by the YouTuber Dream and played on by many prominent Minecraft content creators. It was divided into factions and included heavy roleplay, streamed live on YouTube and Twitch.

|{{Cite news |last=Arsach |first=Steven |date=2021-01-25 |title=Minecraft's top streamers are taking over the internet with their exclusive roleplaying server called Dream SMP |website=Insider |access-date=2021-01-30 |url=https://www.insider.com/dream-smp-members-minecraft-server-dsmp-wiki-which-what-video-2021-1 |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318065336/https://www.insider.com/dream-smp-members-minecraft-server-dsmp-wiki-which-what-video-2021-1 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last=D'Anastasio |first=Cecilia |author-link=Cecilia D'Anastasio |url=https://www.wired.com/story/minecraft-dream-smp-political-drama/ |title=In Minecraft's Dream SMP, All the Server's a Stage |magazine=Wired |publisher=Condé Nast |date=January 12, 2021 |access-date=January 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113020412/https://www.wired.com/story/minecraft-dream-smp-political-drama/ |archive-date=January 13, 2021 |url-status=live}}

HermitCraft

| {{dts|2012|04}}

| HermitCraft (also capitalized as Hermitcraft) is a private, invite-only server and is one of the most well-known. Members are called "hermits" and make content on various platforms, mainly YouTube and Twitch. HermitCraft has been featured by Mojang during various events in the past. The server is also known for working with various charities such as SOS Africa, the Gamers Outreach Foundation, and the Make a Wish Foundation.

|{{Cite news |last=Rothery |first=Jen |date=January 8, 2021 |title=The best Minecraft YouTubers |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/youtubers-best |access-date=March 19, 2022 |work=PCGamesN |archive-date=April 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415105935/https://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/youtubers-best |url-status=live }}{{Cite book |last1=Hjorth |first1=Larissa |title=Exploring Minecraft |last2=Richardson |first2=Ingrid |last3=Davies |first3=Hugh |last4=Balmford |first4=William |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=2020 |isbn=978-3-030-59908-9 |chapter=Metagaming and Paratextual Play |doi=10.1007/978-3-030-59908-9_5}}{{cite news |last1=Ashcroft |first1=Helen |title=Vintage Beef Talks Building A Fully Playable TCG In Minecraft |url=https://www.thegamer.com/vintage-beef-interview-fully-playable-tcg-minecraft/ |access-date=23 November 2023 |work=TheGamer |date=28 April 2023 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Key |first1=Brandon |title=Minecraft Charity Stream Hits $25,000 Funding Goal Before It Even Starts |url=https://gamerant.com/minecraft-charity-stream-reaches-goal-before-start/ |access-date=23 November 2023 |work=Game Rant |date=25 October 2022 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Rose |first1=Danielle |title=The best Minecraft YouTubers |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/minecraft/youtubers-best |access-date=22 February 2024 |work=PCGamesN |date=12 February 2024}}

style="background:#e6ffe6"

|The Hive

| {{dts|2013|02|24}}

| A minigame server created in 2012. Originally a Java server, it opened to Bedrock Edition in 2018 and has since become exclusive to Bedrock after closing its doors to Java players in April 2021 due to declining player-base interest.

|{{Cite news|date=2021-03-22|title=Best Minecraft servers 1.16.5 - Survival, Skyblock, Bedwars, Factions, and more|work=Rock Paper Shotgun|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-minecraft-servers-survival-skyblock-factions-bedwars#hivemc|access-date=2021-05-04|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929162530/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-minecraft-servers-survival-skyblock-factions-bedwars#hivemc|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2018-10-16|title=Enter The Hive|url=https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/enter-hive|access-date=2021-05-04|website=Minecraft.net|archive-date=February 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211064522/https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/enter-hive|url-status=live}}

Hypixel

| {{dts|2013|04|13}}

|Minecraft{{'s}} most popular server, founded by Simon Collins-Laflamme and Philippe Touchette, and contains a prominent number of game modes and minigames, many of which are centered around player-versus-player combat.

|{{Cite news |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/12/20/hytale-is-a-minecraft-follow-up-that-remembers-the-minigames/ |title=Hytale is a Minecraft follow-up that remembers the minigames |last=Macgregor |first=Jodie |date=December 20, 2018 |work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |access-date=December 21, 2018 |archive-date=March 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308062153/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/12/20/hytale-is-a-minecraft-follow-up-that-remembers-the-minigames/ |url-status=live }}

MCParks

|{{dts|2013|04}}

|1:1 scale replicas of major theme parks, including Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

|{{Cite web|title=Most real-world theme parks recreated in a videogame |work=Guinness World Records |date=July 1, 2016 |language=en-US |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/434257-most-real-world-theme-parks-recreated-in-a-videogame |access-date=April 1, 2025}}{{Cite web|last=Frost |first=John |title=Magic Kingdom Minecraft Walk-Through |work=The Disney Blog |date=November 3, 2014 |url=https://thedisneyblog.com/2014/11/03/magic-kingdom-minecraft-walk-through/ |access-date=April 1, 2025}}{{Cite web|last=Chapman |first=Tom |title=Don’t get too hyped for Universal Studios’ Minecraft expansion |work=GGRecon |date=February 13, 2024 |url=https://www.ggrecon.com/articles/dont-get-too-hyped-for-universal-studios-minecraft-expansion/ |access-date=April 1, 2025}}{{Cite web|last=Mancosky |first=Doug |title=Visit Busch Gardens in Minecraft with MCParks! |date=September 15, 2024 |work=BGT Safari |url=https://bgtsafari.com/2024/09/15/visit-busch-gardens-in-minecraft-with-mcparks/ |access-date=April 1, 2025}}{{Cite web|title=MCParks |work=Minecraft Servers |url=https://servers-minecraft.net/server-mcparks.1501 |access-date=September 12, 2023}}

MinecraftOnline

| {{dts|2010|08|04}}

|Created in August 2010 and opened to the public after two days of testing, MinecraftOnline is the oldest survival server, containing the oldest running server map that has never been reset. Sources conflict on whether MinecraftOnline, Novylen, or nerd.nu should be deemed the oldest Minecraft server.

|{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/minecraft-oldest-server/|title="Welcome to Freedonia": Minecraft's oldest server is still a mind-boggling menagerie of marvel and wonder|first=Alex|last=Avard|date=September 27, 2017|access-date=April 17, 2020|work=GamesRadar+|archive-date=September 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928012634/https://www.gamesradar.com/minecraft-oldest-server/|url-status=live}}

style="background:#e6ffe6"

|Mineplex

| {{dts|2013|01|24}}; Suspended operations on {{End date|2023|5|16}}.

|Formerly the largest Minecraft server, having a variety of minigames for players to experience. In 2015, it held a Guinness World Record for the most popular Minecraft server at the time. It was eventually overtaken as the most popular server by rival Minigame server Hypixel, leading to its eventual closure. There are currently plans to re-release Mineplex in the near future.

|{{Cite news |url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/11/15771190/minecraft-servers-cross-platform-e3-2017 |title=Minecraft is going totally cross-platform |last=Campbell |first=Colin |date=June 11, 2017 |work=Polygon |access-date=December 1, 2019 |archive-date=December 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212091556/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/11/15771190/minecraft-servers-cross-platform-e3-2017 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/news/542833/Mojang+to+partner+up+with+popular+Minecraft+servers/ |title=Mojang to partner up with popular Minecraft servers |last=James |first=Ford |date=June 11, 2017 |work=Gamereactor |department=News |access-date=January 23, 2020 |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322214033/https://www.gamereactor.eu/news/542833/Mojang+to+partner+up+with+popular+Minecraft+servers/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite book|title=Guinness World Records 2016: Gamer's Edition|publisher=Macmillan|page=115}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2016/mark-cuban-minecraft/ |title=Mark Cuban calls Minecraft 'intellectually engaging' as his NBA team creates new game with Mineplex |last=Schlosser |first=Kurt |date=May 24, 2016 |work=GeekWire |access-date=January 23, 2020 |archive-date=May 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525155335/https://www.geekwire.com/2016/mark-cuban-minecraft/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.alistdaily.com/digital/mark-cuban-explains-mavericks-mashing-minecraft/ |title=Mark Cuban Explains Why The Mavericks Are Mashing Up With 'Minecraft' |last=Akopyan |first=Manouk |date=May 1, 2016 |work=AListDaily |access-date=September 22, 2019 |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322214028/https://www.alistdaily.com/digital/mark-cuban-explains-mavericks-mashing-minecraft/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article78613322.html |title=Dallas Mavericks joining computer games world in Minecraft |last=Humphrey |first=David |date=May 19, 2016 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |access-date=January 23, 2020 |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323045119/https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article78613322.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.mavs.com/dallas-mavs-partner-minecraft-server-engage-new-generation-basketball-fans/ |title=Dallas Mavs Partner With Minecraft Server to Engage a new Generation of Basketball Fans |last=Wermuth |first=Adam |date=May 18, 2016 |work=Dallas Mavericks |access-date=January 12, 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206022939/https://www.mavs.com/dallas-mavs-partner-minecraft-server-engage-new-generation-basketball-fans/ |archive-date=December 6, 2017}}

Minehut

| {{dts|2014|11|28}}

|A Minecraft server network that allows players to make their own servers and advertise it to thousands of daily players. It is owned by GamerSafer, who also created the Official Minecraft Server List.

{{Cite news |date=February 28, 2024 |title=GamerSafer acquires Minecraft-focused Minehut server community |url=https://venturebeat.com/games/gamersafer-acquires-minecraft-focused-minehut-server-community/ |access-date=August 3, 2024 |work=VentureBeat}}

nerd.nu

| {{dts|2009|06}}

|One of the two oldest Minecraft servers. The map has been revised at least 26 times, and sources conflict on whether nerd.nu or MinecraftOnline is an older server, creating a major dispute within the community.

The Uncensored Library

| {{dts|2020|03|12}}

|A server and map released by Reporters Without Borders in an attempt to circumvent censorship in countries lacking freedom of the press. It has received significant press coverage.

|{{Cite news |last=Gerken |first=Tom |date=March 13, 2020 |title=Minecraft 'loophole' library of banned journalism |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-51883247 |access-date=May 8, 2020 |archive-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814173639/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-51883247 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=von Hein |first=Matthias |date=March 12, 2020 |title=Reporter Without Borders builds uncensored Minecraft library |work=DW News |url=https://www.dw.com/en/reporter-without-borders-builds-uncensored-minecraft-library/a-52745435 |access-date=May 8, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308052208/https://www.dw.com/en/reporter-without-borders-builds-uncensored-minecraft-library/a-52745435 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Huddleston Jr. |first=Tom |date=March 15, 2020 |title=Reporters Without Borders is using Minecraft to sneak censored news to readers in restrictive countries |publisher=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/13/reporters-without-borders-uses-minecraft-to-sneak-banned-news-into-restrictive-countries.html |access-date=May 8, 2020 |archive-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814173638/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/13/reporters-without-borders-uses-minecraft-to-sneak-banned-news-into-restrictive-countries.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Woodyatt |first=Amy |date=March 13, 2020 |title=Minecraft hosts uncensored library full of banned journalism |work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/13/tech/minecraft-uncensored-library-scli-intl/index.html= |access-date=May 8, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308105050/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/13/tech/minecraft-uncensored-library-scli-intl/index.html= |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Coldewey |first=Devin |date=March 12, 2020 |title=Reporters Without Borders uses Minecraft to sneak censored works across borders |work=Tech Crunch |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/12/reporters-without-borders-uses-minecraft-to-sneak-censored-works-across-borders/ |access-date=May 8, 2020 |archive-date=August 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802142533/https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/12/reporters-without-borders-uses-minecraft-to-sneak-censored-works-across-borders/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Maher |first=Cian |date=March 18, 2020 |title=This Minecraft library is making censored journalism accessible all over the world |work=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/18/21184041/minecraft-library-censored-journalism-reporters-without-borders |access-date=May 20, 2020 |archive-date=March 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319160018/https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/18/21184041/minecraft-library-censored-journalism-reporters-without-borders |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Nelius |first=Joanna |date=March 12, 2020 |title=This Minecraft Library Provides a Platform for Censored Journalists |work=Gizmodo |url=https://gizmodo.com/this-minecraft-library-provides-a-platform-for-censored-1842298748 |access-date=May 8, 2020 |archive-date=March 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314190710/https://gizmodo.com/this-minecraft-library-provides-a-platform-for-censored-1842298748 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Fingas |first=Jon |date=March 15, 2020 |title='Minecraft' library helps you dodge news media censorship |work=Engadget |url=https://www.engadget.com/2020-03-15-minecraft-uncensored-library.html?guccounter=1 |access-date=May 8, 2020 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308145602/https://www.engadget.com/2020-03-15-minecraft-uncensored-library.html?guccounter=1 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Gill |first=Tarvin |date=March 18, 2020 |title=This 'Minecraft' library safeguards all censored news of the world |work=Mashable |url=https://sea.mashable.com/tech/9633/this-minecraft-library-safeguards-all-censored-news-of-the-world |access-date=May 8, 2020 |archive-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814173638/https://sea.mashable.com/tech/9633/this-minecraft-library-safeguards-all-censored-news-of-the-world |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Davenport |first=James |date=March 13, 2020 |title=New Minecraft library is clever loophole and safe haven for censored journalism |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/new-minecraft-library-is-clever-loophole-and-safe-haven-for-censored-journalism/ |access-date=May 8, 2020 |archive-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814173637/https://www.pcgamer.com/new-minecraft-library-is-clever-loophole-and-safe-haven-for-censored-journalism/ |url-status=live }}

Wynncraft

| {{dts|2013|04}}

|Server that functions as a massively multiplayer online role-playing game.

|{{Cite news|last=Velasco|first=Carl|date=2017-05-22|title=A Game Within A Game: 'Wynncraft' Is An MMORPG Inside 'Minecraft'|url=https://www.techtimes.com/articles/207952/20170522/a-game-within-a-game-wynncraft-is-an-mmorpg-inside-minecraft.htm|access-date=2021-06-24|work=Tech Times|archive-date=May 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522155554/https://www.techtimes.com/articles/207952/20170522/a-game-within-a-game-wynncraft-is-an-mmorpg-inside-minecraft.htm|url-status=live}}

References

External links

[https://findmcserver.com/ Find MC Server] — the official server list of Minecraft
[https://data.minetrack.me/ Minetrack data] — historical dataset of popular Minecraft servers

Minecraft server

History

Management

= Technical aspects =

Notable servers

=List=

References

Further reading

External links