CRAFT HOST / REFERENCE LIBRARY
The server handbook.
Start from zero, jump directly to a problem, or improve an existing server. Every chapter is public—no account or saved plan required.
45 of 45 chapters
Plan your server
Understand the parts and choose a sensible stack.
06 CHAPTERSWhat is self-hosting?
Meet every moving part and choose Windows, ZimaOS, or Ubuntu.
5 min · EasyStart HereCan my PC run it?
Decide whether the PC, storage and network are a sensible fit.
8 min · EasyStart HereWhat should I use?
Answer five simple questions and get a recommended hosting stack.
4 min · EasyServer SoftwareChoose server software
Compare Vanilla, Paper, Purpur, Fabric, NeoForge, Forge and Quilt.
16 min · EasyHosting OptionsChoose a server OS
Compare ZimaOS, Ubuntu, Debian, Windows, Unraid, TrueNAS and Proxmox.
18 min · OptionalHosting OptionsFree and paid hosting
Compare an old PC, free hosts, Oracle Cloud, shared hosting, VPS and dedicated servers.
18 min · OptionalBuild and connect
Install one route, test it at home, then invite friends.
19 CHAPTERSRun a server on Windows
Install Java, download Paper, create start.bat and test locally—no ZimaOS or Crafty required.
20 min · EasyUbuntu / Linux SetupRun a server on Ubuntu
Install Ubuntu Server, Java and Paper, then run it safely as a service.
30 min · CarefulZimaOS SetupBack up before ZimaOS
Save anything important before the ZimaOS installation erases a drive.
15 min · CarefulZimaOS SetupDownload ZimaOS
Get the current x86-64 installer from the official source.
5 min · EasyZimaOS SetupFlash the USB
Turn a normal USB stick into a bootable ZimaOS installer.
12 min · CarefulZimaOS SetupBoot from USB
Open the one-time boot menu and choose the UEFI USB entry.
10 min · CarefulZimaOS SetupInstall ZimaOS
Choose the correct drive, install, then complete the first boot.
15 min · CarefulZimaOS SetupOpen ZimaOS
Find the server on your network and create its first account.
8 min · EasyZimaOS SetupInstall Crafty on ZimaOS
Add the optional web panel to the ZimaOS path.
12 min · EasyZimaOS SetupMatch Java to Minecraft
Recognize the usual version errors without memorizing Java releases.
7 min · EasyZimaOS SetupCreate a server in Crafty
Complete the Paper or Fabric server inside the ZimaOS Crafty panel.
18 min · EasyShared SetupReserve the local IP
Keep the Windows, ZimaOS, or Linux server at the same home-network address.
8 min · EasyShared SetupTest on your LAN
Test Windows, ZimaOS, or Linux before adding public access.
6 min · EasyShared SetupLet friends join with Playit
Connect Windows, ZimaOS, or Linux without changing the router.
10 min · EasyShared SetupSecure the server
Whitelist players and protect the operating system and management tools.
8 min · EasyNetworkingNetworking without the jargon
Understand LAN, WAN, NAT, CGNAT, ports, tunnels, DNS and firewalls.
16 min · EasyNetworkingPublic access options
Compare Playit, port forwarding, Tailscale and ZeroTier.
20 min · OptionalNetworkingUse your own domain
Point play.example.com at the right address with A, AAAA, CNAME or SRV.
15 min · OptionalPanelsMinecraft server panels
Compare Crafty, Pterodactyl, Pelican, AMP, PufferPanel and LinuxGSM.
16 min · OptionalCustomize and improve
Add features only after the base server works.
12 CHAPTERSImprove an existing server
Choose plugins, mods, crossplay, domains, Discord or performance work.
5 min · EasyImprove Your ServerUseful server settings
Change the important server.properties options safely.
10 min · EasyPluginsPlugins and plugin library
Understand plugins, dependencies and a carefully sourced starter library.
18 min · EasyPluginsServer starter packs
Pick a small, coherent stack instead of installing random extras.
12 min · EasyModsFabric mods
Know which mods belong on the server, client or both.
15 min · EasyModsFabric API
Install the common library that many Fabric mods expect.
5 min · EasyModsDatapacks
Add world-level changes without confusing them with mods or plugins.
8 min · EasyModsHost a modpack
Use official server packs or build a legal, version-locked pack for friends.
20 min · CarefulCrossplayJava + Bedrock crossplay
Use Geyser and optionally Floodgate so Bedrock friends can join.
20 min · CarefulDiscordConnect Minecraft to Discord
Bridge chat and alerts without leaking a bot token.
18 min · CarefulPerformancePerformance and lag
Read TPS and MSPT, profile with spark, then fix the actual bottleneck.
18 min · EasyPerformancePregenerate the world
Create chunks ahead of time to make exploration smoother.
10 min · OptionalMaintain and fix
Back up, update, diagnose, and grow safely.
08 CHAPTERSBack up and test a restore
Protect a Windows folder, Linux directory, or ZimaOS Crafty server.
10 min · EasyKeep It RunningUpdate safely
Change Minecraft, Java, plugins and mods one layer at a time.
12 min · CarefulKeep It RunningServer management basics
Use Crafty’s controls, console, files, schedules, users and logs.
8 min · EasyAdvanced HostingMultiple servers and Velocity
Put a modern proxy in front of a lobby, survival and minigame network.
20 min · AdvancedAdvanced HostingGo further with a home server
Learn where Docker, VMs, Proxmox, NAS storage, UPS and monitoring fit.
20 min · AdvancedHelpSomething broke?
Work from the symptom to the likely cause and first useful check.
As needed · EasyHelpHow to ask for help
Collect the details that let another person diagnose the problem.
5 min · EasyHelpFrequently asked questions
Clear answers about cost, hardware, Bedrock, Wi-Fi and safety.
10 min · Easy