How to set up a Minecraft SMP for your friends
An SMP (survival multiplayer) is a world a group of friends or a community plays in for months. What keeps it going is a few boring things done early: protection, backups and clear rules.
1. Pick the software and version
Paper is the best default: fast, runs plugins, and keeps Java players on the vanilla game. See Paper, Vanilla, Purpur and Fabric compared. Choose a recent version unless your friends need an older one.
2. Size it for the group
For a handful of friends, 2 to 3 GB is plenty. For 10 to 20 players with several plugins plan 4 GB. The RAM calculator turns the numbers into an answer.
3. Make it private
Turn the whitelist on from the start, and add each friend. See whitelist and protect your server. Open it later when you want new members, ideally with an application form.
4. Protect builds
- GriefPrevention lets players claim land with a golden shovel.
- CoreProtect logs every block change so a grief can be rolled back.
- WorldGuard protects the spawn and shared areas.
All three are one click on the create page, and the Friends survival template installs them.
5. Make the basics easy
EssentialsX gives /home, /sethome, /tpa and /warp, so nobody needs a cheat to get back to base. LuckPerms handles ranks when you have helpers (setup).
6. Pre-generate the map
Exploring generates chunks, which is the main source of lag in a new world. Pre-generate with Chunky around spawn before you invite everyone.
7. Back up, and keep it fair
Take a backup before big events and updates (backups). Write down 5 short rules and put them where players join; a template is here.
8. Give it a face
A 3D map and a community page make the world feel like a place people live in.
Start from the friends template and you have all of the above in one click.