Have you ever wanted to create your own Minecraft 1.21.5 server for free and play with your friends? Well, you’re in the right place! In this tutorial, I’ll show you the fastest and easiest way to set up your own private Minecraft server using official Minecraft server files. This will allow you to host your world, invite friends, and play together without paying for a hosting service! Let’s get into this article about How To Make A Minecraft 1.21.5 Server For Free.
- What you’ll need:
- A PC or laptop (Windows, Mac, or Linux)
- A stable internet connection
- The Minecraft Server Jar file (download below)
- A little bit of patience
Why Create Your Own Minecraft Server?
- Play with friends anytime! – You don’t have to rely on paid servers.
- Full control! – Add mods, plugins, and customize gameplay.
- No limitations! – Unlike Aternos, your server won’t shut down when inactive.
- Completely free! – You don’t need to buy any hosting services.
Sounds good? Let’s get started!
How To Download Minecraft Server 1.21.5
Before setting up the server, we need the official Minecraft server file from Mojang.
- Scroll down to the Downloads section below.
- Click on the link, which will take you to my redirection website (don’t worry, it’s safe).
- Once there, click “Download Minecraft Server” and wait for the file to finish downloading.
- Drag & drop the file to your desktop (for easy access).
- Downloads link is at the bottom of the article.
Set Up Your Minecraft Server
Now that we have the server file, let’s create the server.
Create a Server Folder
- Right-click on your desktop, select New > Folder
- Name it Minecraft 1.21.5 Server
- Move the server file into this folder
Run the Server File
- Double-click the
.jarfile - The server will start generating files but will stop because you need to accept the EULA (End User License Agreement)
Accept the EULA
- Open the “eula.txt” file that was created
- Find the line:iniCopyEdit
eula=false - Change it to:iniCopyEdit
eula=true - Save & close the file
Configure Server Settings
Now, let’s customize your server so you can play with friends.
Open server.properties (use Notepad)
Change settings as needed:
- server-port=25565 (default)
- gamemode=survival (or creative/adventure)
- difficulty=normal (change to easy/hard if needed)
- allow-flight=true (if you want to fly)
- max-players=10 (set max players)
Save & close the file
Find Your IP Address
Your friends need your IP address to join. Here’s how to find it:
Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux)
Type:
ipconfig
Look for IPv4 Address (it should look like 192.168.x.xxx)
Copy & save this IP
NOTE: This is your local IP. To play online, you must port forward (see Step 5).
Port Forwarding (For Online Play)
Important: This step is only needed if you want to host the server online (not just for LAN).
How to Port Forward Minecraft Server:
Log into your router settings
- Open a browser and enter
192.168.1.1(or similar) - Log in (check the router’s manual for username & password)
Find “Port Forwarding” settings
- Usually under Advanced Settings > NAT > Port Forwarding
Add a new rule:
- Service Name: Minecraft
- Protocol: TCP/UDP
- External Port:
25565 - Internal Port:
25565 - Local IP: Your IPv4 Address (from Step 4)
Save & Apply
Start & Join Your Server
Now it’s time to start the server and play!
To Start the Server:
- Double-click the
.jarfile again - The server console will open
- Once it says “Done!”, the server is running!
To Join Your Server:
- Open Minecraft 1.21.5
- Click Multiplayer > Add Server
- Server Name: Anything you like
- Server Address:
- For LAN: Use your IPv4 Address
- For Online: Use your Public IP
Click Join Server
FAQ:
- Q: Can I run a Minecraft Server for Free?
- Yes! Using this method, you don’t have to pay for hosting.
- Q: Can I install Mods on my server?
- Yes, but you need Forge or Fabric instead of Vanilla Server.
- Q: My friends can’t join, what should I do?
- Make sure port forwarding is enabled
- Check if your firewall allows Java
- Double-check the IP Address
Conclusion
That’s it! You now have your own free Minecraft 1.21.5 server to play with friends. If you followed all steps, you should have no issues setting it up.
Need more tutorials? Check out my website & YouTube channel!
What’s next?
- Install Mods & Plugins for more fun
- Add a Texture Pack to enhance the look
- Try Minecraft Realms for an official experience
- Minecraft 1.21.5 Server: Click here