Frequently asked questions
Quick answers - for the longer how-tos, see the guides.
Is Levyathan really free?
Yes. While we are in beta every account gets up to 2 servers and 4 GB of RAM, free, no credit card. The free tier is financed by advertising; a premium tier (always-on servers, more RAM) is planned but optional.
How does wake-on-join work?
Idle servers hibernate after a few minutes with nobody online. When a player tries to join, the server wakes automatically - the first attempt may ask you to rejoin in a few seconds while it boots, then you are in. Your world is always saved before sleeping.
Why was I disconnected the first time I joined?
Your server was asleep or still starting. Minecraft logins cannot wait forever, so we show "rejoin shortly" while the server boots (usually 15-45 seconds). If the server is nearly ready we hold your connection and let you straight in.
Which server types and versions are supported?
Paper (recommended - supports plugins), Vanilla, and modded via Fabric, NeoForge and Forge - on current Minecraft versions you pick at creation. You can change the version later in the server settings. Bedrock crossplay (Geyser) is on the roadmap.
Can I run mods and modpacks?
Yes. Create a Fabric, NeoForge or Forge server and add mods one at a time from the Mods tab (powered by Modrinth), or click "Install a modpack" on your dashboard to install a whole Modrinth pack or upload a .mrpack - we detect the loader and version for you. Every player needs the same loader, mods and versions installed locally (the Modrinth App or Prism Launcher make that one click). See the modded guide for details.
Why won’t a big modpack fit, and why is the first start so slow?
Modded is heavy on memory. Lightweight and optimised packs run fine in the free tier’s 4 GB, but large 200+ mod packs want 6-8 GB or more and will lag or fail to start - pick a pack that advertises itself as lite. The first modded start also runs the mod installer and generates a modded world, which takes one to a few minutes; the dashboard shows "Building your modpack…" while it works. Later starts are much faster.
Can friends on phones or consoles join?
Not yet - servers currently speak Java Edition. Bedrock crossplay via Geyser is planned, which would let phone, console and PC players share one server.
How do I use plugins?
Create a Paper server, open its Plugins tab, search the Modrinth catalog and click Install - we pick the newest release compatible with your exact version. Restart the server and the plugin is live. See the plugins guide for details.
How do I keep strangers out of my server?
Turn on the whitelist in the Players tab and add your friends’ usernames - only listed players can join. You can also kick, ban and pardon players from the same tab.
Where is my data stored?
Everything - worlds, files, backups, account data - is hosted on our own hardware in Switzerland. You can export all your data or permanently delete your account, self-service, from your account page at any time.
Are there backups?
Yes - one-click snapshots of the whole server, optional automatic schedules (6-hourly to weekly) with retention, downloads as .tar.gz, and safe one-click restore while the server is stopped.
What are the limits of the free tier?
Up to 2 servers and 4 GB of RAM in total per account, with fair-use disk space. Servers hibernate when idle and wake on join. Premium (always-on, more RAM) is planned.
How do I delete my account?
Account page → danger zone. Deletion is immediate and complete: all servers, worlds, files, backups and your account data are permanently removed.
Question not answered?
Email support@levyathan.ch - or just create a server and see for yourself.