> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://august-2.gitbook.io/fire-hosting/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://august-2.gitbook.io/fire-hosting/minecraft/how-to-start-a-minecraft-server.md).

# How to Start a Minecraft Server

## Accessing the Panel

Once logged into the Fire Hosting panel, you will see a list of your servers.

* Click on **your Minecraft server** to view more information
* You will be redirected to the server management page

<figure><img src="https://380088421-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FdNtzPOLfo0O4YNisJ3Bm%2Fuploads%2FFx0XyPLOfKnvNLGsB20h%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=3e20ccac-8067-4f70-ae70-149e3d1cd872" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Understanding the Console

On the server page, you will see a **large black block in the center of the screen**. This is the **server console**.

If you see the message:

`Server marked as offline...`

This means that your server is currently **stopped**.

<figure><img src="https://380088421-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FdNtzPOLfo0O4YNisJ3Bm%2Fuploads%2FxvYqHmzQBsyJEa7OiI35%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=7a135c6c-1bad-4ee2-8c0a-6b002813235f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Starting the Server

1. To start the server, click the **"Start"** button located at the **top right** of the panel
2. After a few seconds, a message will appear asking you to **accept the Minecraft EULA**
3. You **must accept the EULA**, otherwise the server will not start

After accepting the EULA, the server will continue starting.

<figure><img src="https://380088421-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FdNtzPOLfo0O4YNisJ3Bm%2Fuploads%2FzDAJOH85asuupVVhWXuE%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=c8febbf7-79e2-447f-86dd-770d91db34a3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Server Startup Behavior

* The startup process usually takes **1 to 2 minutes**
* During startup, you may notice **high CPU usage**
  * This is **normal** and only happens during initialization
  * CPU usage will decrease once the server is fully started

## Default Server Configuration

By default:

* The server is running **Vanilla Minecraft**
* No mods or plugins are installed
* The server is set to the **latest Minecraft version**

<figure><img src="https://380088421-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FdNtzPOLfo0O4YNisJ3Bm%2Fuploads%2FHFQfLeJgJEKMAuFCEc17%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=3206cdd9-9fed-4dca-9c71-283ed0923f4c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Joining Your Minecraft Server

1. Launch **Minecraft Launcher** (official launcher or any compatible launcher)
2. Start Minecraft
3. From the main menu, select **Multiplayer**
4. Click on **Add Server**

Fill in the fields:

* **Server Name**: Any name you want (this is only for your personal list)
* **Server Address**: Enter the **IP address shown in the control panel**
  * You can find it at the **top right**, just below the **Start** button

5. Click **Done**

<figure><img src="https://380088421-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FdNtzPOLfo0O4YNisJ3Bm%2Fuploads%2F3ngeupjqKbbfs0NG438o%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=a42a0088-a400-4a03-a4db-10a81cf1f7fa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://380088421-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FdNtzPOLfo0O4YNisJ3Bm%2Fuploads%2FwebpOkOylZ4rQdqdUG4b%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=19276f2f-c34d-4ec1-a637-9c2cb06d3524" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://380088421-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FdNtzPOLfo0O4YNisJ3Bm%2Fuploads%2FRfTmEec4bDkY3hFaGVgb%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=9e0b5205-b8c8-4647-b68f-042496ea867d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Connecting to the Server

* Your server will now appear in the server list
* Select your server
* Click **Join Server**

🎮 You are now connected to your Minecraft server. Enjoy your game on **Fire Hosting**!