How to Find Minecraft Servers

Start with your Minecraft edition

In the server directory, choose Java, Bedrock or Crossplay to narrow the results. Choose All editions to remove that filter.

Search for a name, address or playstyle

The search box matches text in a listing's name, connection addresses, description and game modes. It is useful when a friend gave you an IP or when you want a community with a specific playstyle. It does not search your Minecraft account or discover private servers.

1. Enter a name, IP or a word from the playstyle you want, then use Search. You can also clear the search box to return to the broader list.
2. Choose an edition and open the Playstyle control for game modes such as Survival, SMP, Skyblock or PvP.
3. Choose one playstyle, or All servers to remove that filter. Edition, playstyle and your search text are applied together.
4. Open a matching profile for its full description and connection details. If nothing matches, remove a filter or try a shorter search phrase.

Game modes come from the server listing. A label such as SMP or Survival describes how the owner presents the community; read the description to understand its actual rules and features. When enough distinct communities are available, the directory also links to dedicated edition and game-mode pages.

Use the Survival list to compare building and exploration communities. For more specific choices, the SMP guide covers shared-world rules, the Lifesteal guide explains what to check about combat and hearts, and the Skyblock guide covers island progression alongside current matching listings.

If you are unsure which filters to choose, try CraftyCompass for a shortlist based on your edition and playstyle. You can also compare the current Minecraft server list and open any profile to check its connection details.

Compare activity, versions and community rules

• Current status: an online response means the Minecraft endpoint answered a recent check. It is not a guarantee that every player can connect or that the community is right for you.
• Players: the reported player count is a snapshot. A small community may be a better fit than a crowded network, and counts can change between checking and joining.
• Version: read the version reported on the profile and the owner's supported-version instructions. There is no version filter in the directory; compare versions on individual profiles.
• Description and rules: look for the playstyle, language, moderation expectations and any whitelist, age or modpack requirement. Only follow resource-pack or mod links you trust.
• Address and port: use the connection entry for your edition. A Crossplay profile can provide separate Java and Bedrock endpoints.

If the latest result is unavailable or looks old, try the Java and Bedrock status checker. An error can also reflect a timeout or a network restriction; it does not prove a server is permanently closed.

Understand votes and ranked recommendations

The main directory is ordered by votes, with newer listings first when votes are equal. Votes represent player support, not star reviews or a safety endorsement. They should be one signal among the information you compare.

The ranked server page explains its separate methodology and the public signals used to order recommendations. No single ranking identifies the best community for every player. Pages with too few useful listings remain available to browse but are not submitted for search indexing.

Try the server that fits you

Once you have a shortlist, copy a server's address and connect from Minecraft. Java and Bedrock use different menus, and consoles do not generally provide a field for arbitrary server addresses.

Follow the Minecraft server joining guide for Java, Bedrock, Android, iPhone and supported console options. Read the community's rules before sharing personal details or buying anything. Never give a server your Microsoft password or account verification code.