How to make a Minecraft SMP server for you and your friends

To make a Minecraft SMP, run a survival server, whitelist your group and add a few plugins for protection, permissions and homes. Keep it small and well-run to keep players interested.

Steps

1. Choose Paper for plugin support and good performance.
2. Set the basics in server.properties: gamemode=survival, difficulty, white-list=true, and a sensible max-players.
3. Whitelist everyone with whitelist add name in the Console.
4. Install plugins you need, for example EssentialsX for homes and spawn, LuckPerms for ranks, and CoreProtect for rollback.
5. Set the world border so travel stays manageable.
6. Write rules and post them where players join.

Make it last

• Use a Discord server for announcements and applications.
• Plan seasons: reset the world after a few months for a fresh start.
• Add a few events, such as build contests.

Decide on claims

Claims plugins let players protect builds. Some SMPs prefer none and rely on trust.

Backups

Schedule backups and test restoring one. Tabi Cloud includes automatic backups, but keep your own copy before big changes.

Common mistakes

• Too many plugins at launch.
• No rules about griefing or stealing.
• Letting an inactive player count hold open the server for months.
• No plan for a world reset.