Tag:

servers

Minecraft Server Guide - Best Minecraft Servers, Hosting, And How To Create
Game Updates

Minecraft Server Guide – Best Minecraft Servers, Hosting, And How To Create

by admin



There are literally thousands of Minecraft servers to join right now. Whether you want a friendly community playing the vanilla Minecraft experience, a modded server with hundreds of new discoveries to be made, or even a themed server like Pixelmon, which has cute Pokémon additions, there’s something out there for everyone. It’s not always the most straightforward process to find the right server for you, though, so we’ve got you covered. Whether you play on Java or Bedrock, and no matter your platform of choice, our list of the best Minecraft servers will send you in the right direction.

If none of the below are your style, keep scrolling to discover how to make your own Minecraft server, as well as information on all of the best Minecraft hosting providers and a transparent view at each of their costs.

Best Minecraft servers in 2025

Complex Gaming server entrance

Complex Gaming

  • Java IP address: hub.mc-complex.com
  • Bedrock port: 19132

The Complex Gaming server is one of the most popular to join right now thanks to its vast array of modes including survival, PvP, skyblock, prison, and Pixelmon versions. Some of the modes rely on installing Minecraft mods, but these are helpfully bundled into Complex’s own modpack meaning they can be added in just a few clicks.

CraftersHQ entrance

CraftersHQ

  • Java IP address: craftershq.net
  • Bedrock port: 25565

Crafters features lifesteal and survival modes, and is best experienced by accepting the prompt to install the custom resource pack when you first join the game. PvP is enabled if your inventory is empty, meaning no one can come along and steal your hard-earned loot. Joining the server at first might seem overwhelming due to the number of options in front of you, but once you’ve selected a role and claimed your land using the golden shovel, the community is very welcoming and happy to help.

OPLegends’ mining areas

OPLegends

  • Java IP address: play.oplegends.com

OPLegends is one of the few crossplay Minecraft servers out there, meaning you can link up with friends on different platforms for a custom experience. It also works across both Java and Bedrock editions as an added bonus. The server highlight is easily its prison mode, with new maps added often, themed events and activities, and even a prison in space.

Ranch n’ Craft’s main hub

Ranch n’ Craft

  • Java IP address: mc.ranchncraft.com

This equestrian-themed survival server focuses on, well, horses. Unlike in the vanilla game, horses in Ranch n’ Craft have skills that can be leveled up. You’ll also become accustomed with horses’ traits and personalities, breeding, foals, rescuing, competing in shows and events, and even visiting the vet. You’ll need to install the custom plugin to access all of the new horse abilities, but the satisfaction of training and selling a prize equine is worth the extra step.

Hypixel

Hypixel

  • Java IP address: mc.hypixel.net

The Hypixel server is easily the biggest and most famous Minecraft server out there. It’s even been awarded Guinness World Records for being the most popular Minecraft server as well as hosting the most games. Hypixel contains a vast array of modes, minigames, and receives regular updates and content drops. If you’re looking for one Minecraft server that can do it all, Hypixel is your best option.

DonutSMP

Donut SMP

  • Java IP address: donutsmp.net
  • Bedrock port: 19132

On the Donut SMP server, the focus is on becoming the player with the most money, but that’s about the only rule in existence. You can kill, grief, and steal from other players–in fact, it’s almost necessary. If you fall victim to another player or die to any of the world’s mobs, there’s a countdown timer before you can rejoin. The few rules in existence are there to ensure it remains a fair experience for everyone involved–no hacking, basically. It’s more aligned to the vanilla Minecraft experience, with emphasis on survival mechanics especially against other players. Watch your back.

Entering the Mystic server

Mystic

  • Java IP address: join.mysticmc.co
  • Bedrock port: 19132

Mystic is a semi-vanilla Minecraft server with three realms to choose from–Arcane, Cosmic, and Elysium. You’ll start your adventure equipped with starter armor and tools, food, and a claim stick and shovel. Here, you can find a suitable place for your new home and claim the land, meaning other players won’t be able to harvest anything or take things from your chests. The server primarily focuses on economy, and you can earn money, claim blocks, and more from just playing the game as normal. The best part of all? You won’t lose your inventory on death.

The blossom trees and water wheel of Blossomcraft

Blossomcraft

  • Java IP address: play.BlossomCraft.org
  • Bedrock port: 19132

If you prefer your Minecraft chilled, pretty, and focused on economy, try Blossomcraft. This cute server has four worlds you can join–Cherry, Spirit, Lotus, and Tulip. Each one has its own map, and you can claim an area of the map for your own build as soon as you join. There are new, extremely difficult dungeons being added to the game, which grant high rewards but come at a huge risk if you like a challenge.

The Mineville server entry area

Mineville

Mineville is one of the rare servers on our list that isn’t available in Java Edition. Instead, it’s one of the five featured servers on Bedrock, and you can access it directly through the in-game menu. It features a regularly rotated selection of game modes, including dungeons, cities, prisons, and even high school settings. It follows an RPG-like storyline with quests and ample opportunities for socializing. If you’re not into the RPG elements, you can still use their other modes like Skyblock, which drops you on a small island in the sky with limited resources, where you’ll have to figure out how to expand and thrive.

Sandlot server hub area

The Sandlot

  • Java IP: server.sandlotminecraft.com
  • Bedrock port: 19132

This Minecraft server was set up by a parent and former teacher way back in 2011 to create a safe space for children to play Minecraft. The rules reflect this, strictly forbidding the sharing of personal information including your real name, school, address, telephone number, and more. It warns against the potential dangers of Minecraft Realms and parents’ inability to ensure these are safe spaces for children. No other servers can be mentioned, nor can usernames, gamertags, or any outside information at all. The strict chat filter ensures no accidental profanities can slip through, too. Outside of the safety features, the game modes include survival, a modified “easy” survival mode with jobs and shopping, creative, PvP, and loads of minigames.

Badwolf server entry

Badwolf MC

  • Java IP: play.badwolfmc.com
  • Bedrock port: 19132

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Badwolf MC is only permitted for over 18s. The usual server rules apply, and there’s certainly not any form of adult content despite the 18-plus rule. It’s just a server for adults to play and form connections without children around. Badwolf aims to be a “laid back and drama-free place to unwind” and from our time in the server, it certainly achieves that. Head here if you want a no frills, fun experience.

The Advancius server logo

Advancius Network

  • Java IP: mc.advancius.net
  • Bedrock port: 19132

The Advancius Network is one of the rarer servers in that it is absolutely free to play, without purchasable ranks, items, chest keys, or other content. The only way to rank up and earn rewards is by playing the game, earning XP, and doing it well. Advancius is a larger server, holding up to 400 players, but it holds regular events to welcome new players which are well worth joining in on.

How to host a Minecraft server

Hosting a Minecraft server requires altering the configuration of your home network. We’d recommend that you’re very comfortable with this before proceeding. If you want to host a smaller server for friends only, we’d recommend the Minecraft Realms feature, which comes at a small monthly cost.

To host your own Minecraft server:

  • Download the Java server from the official Minecraft website
  • Make a folder on your desktop to keep server files in
  • Copy and paste the “minecraft_server.1.XX.X.jar” file into the folder (The Xs will refer to the current game version number)
  • With the file browser open, open command prompt via the Start menu
  • Type “java -version” and execute the command to check if Java is installed there properly
  • Change the directory to the location of your server folder and the .jar file
  • You can find this by clicking the browser directory in the file browser
  • Copy that to your clipboard and type “cd” then a space and then paste the address of the folder location
  • Type “Java -jar “name of your jar”.jar” and execute the command
  • You should notice a failed to load properties and failed to load eula error
  • In the server folder, open the “eula.txt” file that has been created
  • Set eula=false to eula=true and save it
  • Open the “server.properties” file in your text editor software
  • Note the “query.port” setting
  • Set the “gamemode” setting to the Minecraft game mode you want for the server
  • Set your preferences for “allow-nether,” “difficulty,” “pvp,” “max-players,” and “level seed”
  • “Motd” sets the message in the Minecraft server browser that other players see when adding it to their server lists
  • Rerun the launch command in the command prompt and the server will be live

You will also need to forward the port you noted down earlier. By default, it is 25565, so you will need to enter your router settings to specify that port to forward. This will differ depending on the router you use, and if further help is needed you will need to consult your router manufacturer’s help site or manual.

If you didn’t specify anything in the “server-ip” setting, the IP will be your own public IP. Other players will need this to connect to the server. You can find this by searching “What is my public IP?” on any search engine, and noting down the IP address that is IPv4. It will have three decimal points and only contain numbers.

We’d recommend not sharing this with the public, and only giving it to people you trust. Giving out your public IP can pose a security risk to your home network.

There are other, easier ways to host Minecraft servers using providers such as Shockbyte, ScalaCube, Minefort, and more. It’s personal preference which of these you use, and they have varying pricing models.

Now that you know which are the best Minecraft servers to join, and how to host your own server, check out our Minecraft guides hub for more helpful tips.



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Expired Discord link
Gaming Gear

Malicious Discord invites are targeting gamers with fake servers, stolen wallets, and malware disguised as game hacks

by admin



  • Cybercriminals are recycling expired Discord links to launch silent, devastating multi-stage malware attacks
  • A fake Discord bot tricks users into running PowerShell commands disguised as CAPTCHA fixes
  • Old community invite links now lead to malware servers stealing your data and digital assets

Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting a lesser-known flaw in Discord’s invitation system to target unsuspecting users, particularly gamers, new research has claimed.

A report from researchers from Check Point found attackers manage to register previously valid invite links with custom vanity URLs.

The tactic involves hijacking once legitimate and trusted expired or deleted Discord invite links and redirecting them to malicious servers hosting multi-stage malware campaigns.


You may like

These hijacked links, often embedded in old forum posts, community pages, or social media, are being used to silently funnel users to Discord servers operated by threat actors.

Once on these fake servers, users are greeted with what appears to be a standard verification process.

A bot named “Safeguard” prompts visitors to click a “Verify” button, which initiates an OAuth2 process and redirects them to a phishing site.

The site employs a social engineering method called “ClickFix,” where users are tricked into copying and running a PowerShell command under the guise of fixing a broken CAPTCHA.

This action silently launches the malware installation chain, with the attackers using cloud services such as Pastebin, GitHub, and Bitbucket to deliver the payloads in multiple stages, allowing them to blend into normal network traffic.

Initial scripts download executables that retrieve further encrypted payloads, which include AsyncRAT, a tool that gives attackers remote control over infected systems, and a tailored variant of the Skuld Stealer designed to extract credentials and cryptocurrency wallet data.

Gamers have become a prime target, with campaigns even disguising malware as tools like The Sims 4 DLC unlockers – one archive named Sims4-Unlocker.zip was downloaded over 350 times, highlighting the campaign’s reach.

Through clever evasion techniques such as delayed execution and command-line argument checks, the malware often bypasses detection from even the best antivirus software.

The threats extend beyond typical malware infections. The Skuld Stealer used in these attacks can extract crypto wallet seed phrases and passwords, effectively granting full control over victims’ digital assets.

Considering the focus on cryptocurrency theft and credential harvesting, individuals should reinforce their defenses with robust identity theft protection services.

These tools can monitor for unauthorized use of personal information, alert users to breaches, and assist in recovering compromised digital identities.

While some might assume that endpoint protection tools would shield them from these tactics, the multi-layered, modular structure of the attack often flies under the radar.

To stay safe, users must be wary of Discord invite links, especially those embedded in old content. Also, avoid running unexpected scripts or following suspicious verification steps.

You might also like



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Spaceship crashing on Arrakis while players drive toward it
Product Reviews

Dune: Awakening will have private servers at launch where players can disable taxes and enable ‘free for all’ PvP

by admin



Dune: Awakening is out in three days (for deluxe and ultimate edition pre-purchasers) but here’s a last minute surprise: the survival MMO will support private servers. Funcom announced today that for Dune: Awakening “rentable private servers will be available from head start launch on June 5th!”

It’s worth noting you won’t be able to go hog wild with your private server settings as you might in a survival game like Ark, where you can change things like XP multipliers or item durability—though one feature, according to Funcom, will allow private servers to enable “free-for-all PvP.” More on that below.

In Dune: Awakening, each server is part of a “world” that contains other servers and shares common areas like trading posts, settlements, and the endgame “deep desert” zone. “This allows us to retain a neighborhood-like feel to the Hagga Basin and provide persistent, freeform building, and other server-demanding mechanics you typically see in survival games,” says Funcom.


You may like

“We combine this with the large-scale multiplayer mechanics you would expect to find in MMOs where hundreds of players meet each other in social hubs and the Deep Desert to engage in social activities, trade, conflict, and more.”

Rather than wall off private servers completely from the rest of the community, “each private server in Dune: Awakening also belongs to a World consisting of several other private servers rented by other players,” Funcom says.

Each private server can support “40+ players” and a single world can contain “several hundred concurrent players, all who “share the same social hubs and a massive, constantly changing Deep Desert where players will meet to both explore and engage in conflict over spice.”

So, to be clear, private server players won’t mix with official server players at all, only players on other private servers.

Still, to prevent players on a private server from having a massive advantage when mingling and fighting with other private server players in the same world, that limits the customization options to a few features like PvP, taxes, and sandstorms.

Here are the features Funcom says private servers will be able to adjust.

  • Security Zones: you can disable security zones entirely, making all parts of Hagga Basin PvP enabled, or you can choose to have pockets of PvP like on official servers
  • Taxation: you can disable taxation on your server
  • Sandstorms: you can disable sandstorms, making them not appear on your server.

That’s not a whole lot to get excited about, but it’s good news for people who want to be able to fight other players right from the get-go in Hagga Basin, and the idea of not paying your Dune taxes to the Emperor is a nice one. Sandstorms, at least in the early game, aren’t that big of a deal: you just have to take cover for about 30 seconds as they pass through the server.

There won’t be an admin control panel or the ability to transfer characters between servers, though Funcom says it “will evaluate this functionality post-launch.” However, you can visit other private servers and even claim land on them (if you have the server password), something you can’t do while visiting official servers.

If you’re interested in renting a Dune: Awakening private server, Funcom says they’re available through Gportal, Nitrado, and xRealm. Pricing and amount of player slots varies pretty widely between all three services.



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Space Station 13 screenshot
Product Reviews

Byond game engine suffers a weeks-long DDoS attack, apparently because a wanna-be Bond villain is trying to force it to go open source: ‘Attacks on Byond servers are a symptom of your obstinance’

by admin



Byond is an old, free game engine that’s been around since at least the early 2000s in games like Space Station 13, to cite one we’ve talked about recently. It’s also been the subject of a sustained DDoS attack, according to a MassivelyOP report, that’s now into at least it’s third week.

And why, exactly, would someone launch a DDoS attack against an obscure game engine, and keep it up for this long? According to a now-deleted Reddit post, available via the Wayback Machine, a group calling itself “the international free and open-source software community” is doing it to pressure Byond creator LummoxJR into making the software open source.

“Attacks on Byond servers are a symptom of your obstinance,” the extremely talking-like-Sephiroth message states. “They will persist as long as you ignore the voices of those who keep your platform afloat. We demand you voluntarily side with progress.


You may like

“Choose: Let Byond die as a proprietary relic, or let it rise as a free project. Time is running out.”

Whether or not that’s a legitimate claim, I cannot say. It certainly doesn’t sound like a good reason to throw up a sustained DDoS attack, but I’ve been on the internet long enough to know that ‘this sounds too stupid to be true’ is at best 50/50 when it comes to predicting whether something actually is true.

In a Reddit thread that went up not long after the attack began, appropriately entitled “What kind of maniac DDoSes Byond?” users suggested other possible rationales for the attack, most of them variants on “some guy got mad on the internet.” LummoxJr implied in the thread that they’re not sure about the real reason for the DDoS, but wrote that they’d “heard a rumor as to how this started, and it doesn’t really involve Byond; it was just a grudge between someone and a server that escalated.”

Whatever initially touched it out, the fires are still burning: The Byond website remains inaccessible, and as of the latest update to the DDoS Downtime Megathread, mitigation efforts are ongoing but there’s no ETA for a full restoration. In a separate thread posted May 23, LummoxJR said they’re “still dealing with the thing,” but also took a kind of bright-side view of the ongoing mess.

“I know the current situation has pushed a lot of us into closer contact than normal, and in many ways that’s a good thing,” they wrote. “But there have been some folks coming into new spaces hot, especially thinking they have a new idea that actually isn’t new. I know it comes from a good place. Let’s just all remember to show each other a little extra leeway and respect.”

And in good news for people who actually use Byond, it’s not out of reach: The website is down but some parts of it, including bug reports and downloads, are now being hosted on Discord.



Source link

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Close