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Welcome to Docker Minecraft Server

This Docker image provides a Minecraft Server that will automatically download the latest stable version at startup. You can also run or upgrade to any specific version or the latest snapshot. The image supports all major Minecraft server types including Vanilla, Paper, Spigot, Forge, Fabric, NeoForge, and many more. It includes automated mod and plugin management, backup solutions, and extensive configuration options.

Get started in minutes

Run a basic Minecraft server with a single command:
docker run -d -it -p 25565:25565 -e EULA=TRUE itzg/minecraft-server

Quick start

Get a server running in under 5 minutes with Docker run commands

Docker Compose setup

Use Docker Compose for easier management and configuration

Key features

Automatic updates

Automatically download and update to the latest Minecraft version on container restart

Multiple server types

Support for Vanilla, Paper, Spigot, Forge, Fabric, NeoForge, and 15+ other server types

Mod and plugin management

Automated downloading and cleanup of mods and plugins from CurseForge, Modrinth, and more

Environment-based configuration

Configure all server.properties settings via environment variables

Modpack support

Direct support for CurseForge, Modrinth, FTB, and custom modpacks

Auto-pause and auto-stop

Automatically pause or stop the server when no players are connected

Supported server types

The image supports the following server types, configurable via the TYPE environment variable:
  • VANILLA - Official Mojang server (default)
  • PAPER - High-performance fork with plugin support
  • SPIGOT - Popular plugin-based server
  • FORGE - Mod loader for extensive modding
  • FABRIC - Lightweight mod loader
  • NEOFORGE - Modern Forge fork
  • PURPUR - Paper fork with extra features
  • PUFFERFISH - Performance-focused Paper fork
  • FOLIA - Multithreaded Paper fork
  • QUILT - Modern Fabric alternative
  • And many more…

Why Docker for Minecraft?

Isolated environment

Run multiple servers on the same host without conflicts

Easy deployment

Deploy to any platform that supports Docker

Version control

Manage server configurations with Git and Docker Compose

Resource management

Control memory and CPU usage per container

What you’ll need

1

Docker installed

Install Docker Desktop or Docker Engine on your system
2

Accept the EULA

You must accept the Minecraft EULA by setting EULA=TRUE in your configuration
3

Open port 25565

Ensure port 25565 is accessible if you want players to connect from outside your network
For production deployments, it’s highly recommended to use a management layer such as Docker Compose or Kubernetes to allow for incremental reconfiguration and image upgrades.

Community and support

GitHub Repository

View source code, report issues, and contribute

Discord Community

Join our Discord server for help and discussion

Docker Hub

View available tags and download statistics

Examples

Browse 40+ example configurations

Next steps

Quick start guide

Run your first server in minutes

Docker Compose setup

Set up a production-ready server

Build docs developers (and LLMs) love