Getting started with Minecraft Crossplay

This guide helps you set up your Minecraft Crossplay server, allowing both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition players to connect to the same world. You will learn how to order your server, configure it, and get your friends playing.

Before you start

To host a Minecraft Crossplay server, you need a ServerPrism server already ordered. This guide assumes you have selected the Paper + Geyser (vanilla) runtime during setup, as this is the simplest way to enable crossplay out of the box.

Ordering on ServerPrism

1. Choose a plan: Select a plan that meets your needs. For a basic Crossplay server, we recommend at least 2 GB of RAM. For more players or mods, you may need up to 32 GB. You can upgrade your plan at any time from your ServerPrism customer dashboard.
2. Select a region: Choose the server location closest to you and your players for the best performance.
3. Select the runtime: On the server creation page, select Paper + Geyser (vanilla) from the available Minecraft runtimes. This option pre-installs the necessary components for crossplay.
4. Deploy: Complete your order, and your server will begin deploying.

First boot

After deployment, your server will start automatically. The first boot typically takes a few minutes as the server software downloads and generates the world. You can monitor the progress in the web console within your ServerPrism panel (https://serverprism.com/dashboard).

Your server is ready when you see a message similar to [Server thread/INFO]: Done (...)! For help, type "help" in the console.

Connecting / inviting players

Players connect to your server using its IP address and port. The default port for Minecraft is 25565.

• Java Edition players: Open Minecraft Java Edition, click Multiplayer, then Add Server or Direct Connect. Enter your server's IP address followed by the port (e.g., your_server_ip:25565).
• Bedrock Edition players: Open Minecraft Bedrock Edition, go to Play, then Servers, and click Add Server. Enter a server name, your server's IP address, and the port (default 19132 for Bedrock, which Geyser handles automatically). Bedrock players do not need to specify the Java port.

For easier access, you can attach a free subdomain to your server from your ServerPrism customer dashboard.

Configuration basics

Most server settings are configured in the server.properties file, located in the root directory of your server. You can edit this file using the File Manager in your ServerPrism panel.

Key settings to consider:

• motd: The "Message of the Day" displayed in the server list. Change this to your server's name.
  • Example: motd=Welcome to My Awesome Crossplay Server!
• max-players: The maximum number of players allowed on your server.
• difficulty: Sets the game difficulty (0=peaceful, 1=easy, 2=normal, 3=hard).
• gamemode: Sets the default gamemode for new players (survival, creative, adventure, spectator).
• white-list: Set to true to enable a whitelist, restricting access to approved players only. You will need to add players to the whitelist using console commands.

Many other settings, such as the server name, are available as Startup Variables under the "Startup" tab in your ServerPrism panel. These variables override values in server.properties and are often easier to manage.

Common issues

• Players cannot connect:
  • Ensure your server is running by checking the console in the ServerPrism panel.
  • Double-check the IP address and port players are using.
  • If you enabled a whitelist, ensure players are added. Use the command whitelist add <playername> in the console.
• Bedrock players see a different port: GeyserMC typically bridges Bedrock connections on the default Bedrock port (19132) to the Java server. Bedrock players should use the IP and 19132 (or the default shown in their client) to connect. Java players still use 25565.
• Server performance issues:
  • If you experience lag, consider upgrading your server plan for more RAM and CPU resources from your ServerPrism customer dashboard.
  • Check the console for error messages or warnings that might indicate a problem.
• Geyser/Floodgate not working: If you selected the Paper + Geyser (vanilla) runtime, these plugins are pre-installed. If you switched runtimes or installed them manually, ensure they are in the plugins folder and the server restarted.

If you encounter persistent issues, you can open a support ticket at https://serverprism.com/tickets. Include your server ID and relevant log snippets.

Next steps

Now that your server is running, you can explore further customization:

• Plugins: Enhance your server with plugins. Search for Paper/Spigot plugins online and upload them to your server's plugins folder using the File Manager or SFTP.
• Runtime Switching: If you decide to explore other server types (e.g., Forge for complex mods, Bungeecord for a network of servers), you can switch your server's runtime from the "Startup" tab in your ServerPrism panel without reordering your server.
• World Management: Learn how to reset your world or upload a custom world to your server.