Before you start
This guide starts with vanilla Java Edition. Bedrock Edition is not included. Modded server packs are a separate setup and compatibility decision.
Everyone needs Minecraft Java Edition and the same game version as the server. Read and accept Minecraft's EULA during setup. Tavern checks the Java requirement for the selected server version; leave enough memory for Windows and your game client as well as the server.
Use a Windows 10 or 11 x64 PC. Keep it on, awake, and connected while friends play, with enough memory left for Windows and your own game.
New to Tavern? Apply for the alpha. If you already have a server, keep a separate backup before linking or importing it.
Set up with Tavern
Choose a vanilla world
Choose Minecraft in Tavern and Install a new server. Start with vanilla for this guide. Set a world folder name, an optional seed, game mode, difficulty, and player limit. A seed chooses a new world's generation; changing it does not rebuild an existing world.
Give Java some room
Review the server memory allocation and let Tavern check the required Java runtime. The setup default is 4 GB for the server, not a recommendation for the PC's total memory. Leave headroom if you also play on the host.
Let your party in
Keep player account verification enabled. With the allowlist enabled, add your own Java player name and your friends' names before creating the server. Friends join with their own Minecraft accounts; there is no shared server password in this setup.
Finish the review and choose Create server. When setup is complete, start it and follow any instructions Tavern shows. Join yourself, then ask a friend to try the connection your group will use.
Bring your friends
Local or direct address
In Java Edition, open Multiplayer and add the server address shown by Tavern. Use the local address at home and the public address for friends elsewhere. Direct internet access requires the assigned TCP game port to be reachable; the usual Java default is 25565.
Optional Playit
Complete Tavern's Playit account and agent steps, then add its join address in Multiplayer. Keep the agent running while friends play. A working tunnel does not replace the allowlist or player authentication.
Changing local ports
For custom ports, stop the selected server and open Networking > Ports. Edit its local ports, save, update any router or tunnel mappings, then start the server and use the updated address. Tavern keeps game-required adjacent ports together and checks for conflicts. These controls require a Tavern build with the Ports section.
Share the connection details from the right server in Tavern. For friends outside your home, test with someone on another network; joining from the host PC alone is not enough.
Make it your world
World rules and player access
Use Settings > Game Config for game mode, difficulty, player limit, and access controls. Review changes to account verification and the allowlist carefully; they affect who can enter. Follow Tavern's restart guidance.
Adding mods later
For modded play, Tavern offers Fabric setup and checks existing dedicated-server packs. A player profile is not a dedicated server pack. Match the loader, game version, and required client mods before inviting friends, and keep a backup before changing the pack.
Protect your progress
Back up the selected server's complete data, not just one region file. The world, dimensions, player data, and configuration belong together. Use Tavern's import review for an existing world or server pack and retain the original; a newer game version can change a save in ways an older version cannot read.
In Backups, choose Create backup for this server. Wait for Activity to report completion and check that the backup appears in the list. Do this before updates, imports, or major changes.
Restoring replaces the current world data, so keep a copy of your latest progress first. Use Tavern's stop control and wait for shutdown before turning the PC off.
If something gets stuck
My friend is refused entry
Check the client version, their exact Java player name, and the allowlist. Keep account verification enabled rather than turning it off to work around a join problem. For modded servers, also check loader and mod compatibility.
The server runs out of memory
Review the Java allocation and the PC's available memory. Raising the server allocation beyond what the PC can spare can make things worse. Start with a smaller player group and ordinary world settings while testing.
Do I need to leave my game open?
The dedicated server runs separately from your game client. The host PC, server, and selected connection route need to remain available while friends play.
Sources & testing status
Checked against Tavern's app source and the publisher resources below. Game support is in beta; your installed alpha may differ. This review did not include a new gameplay, restore, or outside-network join test.
The game's documentation may include features Tavern does not yet offer. Use the options available in your version of the app.