A Minecraft server for friends is a private world your group can join at any time, without the host staying online. For 2-10 friends, pick a whitelisted Java or Bedrock server, choose a template, and install a few plugins. AtrbCode plans start at $0.69 per month for Bedrock and $0.90 per month for Java, with unlimited player slots.
Minecraft server for friends: how much RAM do you need for 2-10 players?
RAM is not a per-player limit. All Minecraft plans have unlimited player slots; the plan's RAM is the practical limit for the world size, plugins and mods you load. A small private group will usually pick a plan based on what the server runs, not on how many people are whitelisted.
Here are the entry plans most small groups start with:
| Plan | RAM | Storage | Java | Bedrock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ur | 512 MB | 5 GB SSD | Not offered | $0.69/month |
| Uru | 750 MB | 7 GB SSD | Not offered | $0.99/month |
| Uruk | 1024 MB | 10 GB SSD | $0.90/month | $2.99/month |
| Akkad | 2048 MB | 15 GB SSD | $5.99/month | $5.49/month |
| Babylon | 3072 MB | 20 GB SSD | $8.99/month | $7.99/month |
Add a $1.00 service fee to each payment. The first Minecraft plan on an account adds a one-time $2.00 account fee.
For a light vanilla server or a small plugin set, Uruk (1024 MB) is the entry Java plan. If you plan to add a modpack or many plugins, choose Akkad or higher. If you are unsure, use the Minecraft plan finder.
Java or Bedrock: which one do your friends play?
The most important choice is which edition your friends already own. Java Edition runs on PC and Mac. Bedrock Edition runs on phones, Windows, and consoles. If everyone is on Bedrock, use a Bedrock plan. Ur and Uru are Bedrock-only; Uruk and above offer both.
If your group is mixed, a Java server with crossplay lets Bedrock players join the same world. Our crossplay guide explains how one click installs Geyser and Floodgate and opens a Bedrock port. The process keeps the Java server and adds Bedrock connections.
Whitelist and server address: keep your server private
A private friends server should not be open to the public. Use the whitelist built into the panel.
Step 1: Choose a plan and template
Pick a plan from the table above and select a template when you buy the server. For a relaxed group, the Survival SMP template is a good default.
Step 2: Add your friends to the whitelist
Open the Players card in your panel. The players guide shows how to manage players without typing commands. Add each friend's exact Minecraft username.
Step 3: Share the address and connect
Give your friends the server address and the edition-specific instructions from the join guides: Java or Bedrock. They will join privately because only whitelisted names are allowed.
Step 4: Set a spawn point and basic rules
Use the Worlds and Config assistant in the panel if needed. Agree on a few ground rules with your group, and decide who can use operator commands.
Essential plugins for a friends SMP
Plugins are optional, but a few small ones make a private server easier to live with. Look for:
- A land-claim or protection plugin so builds are not griefed.
- A homes and teleport plugin so friends can return to their base.
- A chat formatting plugin to keep chat readable.
- A backup plugin or use the panel's Backups card to protect your world.
Our plugin guide shows how to search thousands of free plugins and install them in one click. Start with one or two plugins; every plugin uses a little RAM and can cause lag.
One-click templates for friends: Survival SMP, Crossplay SMP
Templates are pre-configured server setups that save you from installing basics by hand. For a friends server, two templates stand out:
- Survival SMP: a standard survival world with the usual expectations.
- Crossplay SMP (available in the template list): the same survival style but with Bedrock connections ready.
When you buy a server, you choose a template; the panel loads the gameplay settings for you. You can still change versions, plugins and worlds afterwards.
Common mistakes when hosting for friends
- Not enabling the whitelist: an open server attracts strangers and griefers.
- Picking the wrong edition: Java friends cannot join a Bedrock-only server and vice versa. Use crossplay if mixed.
- Adding too many plugins at once: start small and test performance.
- Skipping backups: if a build is lost or a plugin corrupts the world, a backup is the quick fix. The Backups card handles this.
- One person holding all the control: share responsibility or agree on who manages the server.
FAQ
Do I need 1 GB of RAM for 2 players?
RAM depends on server features, not player count. The Uruk plan gives 1024 MB, which is a common starting point for light setups; a heavy modpack will need more.
Can Bedrock and Java friends play together?
Yes. A Java server with crossplay installed lets Bedrock players join the same world. See the crossplay guide.
How do I keep strangers out of my friends server?
Turn on the whitelist and add only your friends' usernames. The players guide covers this in the panel without commands.
Is hosting a Minecraft server for friends free?
No. AtrbCode plans start at $0.69 per month for Bedrock and $0.90 per month for Java, plus a $1.00 service fee with each payment and a one-time $2.00 account fee on the first plan.
How many friends can join?
Unlimited player slots on all Minecraft plans. The practical limit is the plan's RAM: how much world and plugin activity the server can handle before it slows down.
Ready to start? Browse the Minecraft hosting plans or use the plan finder linked above to match your setup. Choose a template, whitelist your friends, and you will be playing together.
