How to Create a Minecraft Server for Friends

If you want to know how to create a Minecraft server for friends, you have four real options: open your world to LAN, rent a Minecraft Realm, run the free official server software on your own PC, or use a hosting company. For most groups of 2 to 10 people, Realms is the easiest and a self-hosted server is the cheapest. This guide walks you through each one, step by step.