Create your first Minecraft server

From signup to playing with friends in about five minutes - versions, RAM, your own address, and how wake-on-join works.

By Levi Wanner · Updated 25 June 2026 · 5 min read

Levyathan gives you a real Minecraft server with its own address, a live console, a file manager and backups - free while we are in beta. This guide takes you from a fresh account to playing with friends.

1. Create and verify your account

  1. 1Register with your email and a password (at least 8 characters).
  2. 2Open the verification link we email you - you cannot create servers until your address is confirmed.
  3. 3No email after a minute? Check spam, or use the "Resend email" button on your dashboard.

2. Create the server

  1. 1On your dashboard, click "Create server".
  2. 2Pick a name (for you) and a subdomain (for your friends) - the subdomain becomes your server address, e.g. dragons.levyathan.ch.
  3. 3Choose a type: Paper if you ever want plugins (recommended), Vanilla for the pure unmodified game.
  4. 4Choose the Minecraft version your friends play on.
  5. 5Pick memory: 1-2 GB is plenty for a few friends; your account can use up to 4 GB across all servers.
  6. 6Accept the Minecraft EULA and create - installation downloads the server software and takes under a minute.

3. Start it and join

  1. 1Press Start. The status badge walks through Starting → Online (usually 15-45 seconds; the very first start is the slowest because the world is generated).
  2. 2In Minecraft, choose Multiplayer → Add Server and enter your address, e.g. dragons.levyathan.ch - no port needed.
  3. 3Join. If the server is still booting you may be asked once to rejoin in a few seconds - that is normal.

How sleep & wake-on-join works

To keep hosting free, idle servers hibernate after a few minutes with nobody online. You never need to visit the dashboard to bring one back: the moment a player tries to join, the server wakes automatically. The first join attempt may show "Server is starting - rejoin shortly"; joining again a few seconds later drops you straight in. Your world is always saved before sleeping.