Host a Minecraft server on your PC. Your friends just join.
Free, with no card and no time limit. Java, Bedrock or both in one world, any Modrinth modpack in one click, and an address that stays the same every time you start.
Open the Homerun Desktop installer from your downloads.
If Windows says "Windows protected your PC", check the publisher is Ethereal Network Sciences PBC, then choose More info and Run anyway.
Pick Minecraft, press Start, and send your friends the address.
Who can join: Java players on PC, and Bedrock players on phones, tablets and Windows when crossplay is on. Xbox, PlayStation and Switch can't type in a server address, so console players need a workaround like BedrockConnect.
ONLINE
PlayStop
Homerun EmpireFabric 1.21.1, Better MC modpack · on This device
2:05:134 of 8 playing
homerun-empire.gethomerun.appShare invite
MEMORY5.2 of 8 GB
CPU27% of this PC
GATEWAY PING24 ms · us-east
Your friends paste one line
Java friends open Multiplayer, choose Add Server and paste the address. It stays the same every time you start the server, so they only add it once.
What you send
homerun-empire.gethomerun.app
No port, no IP. On a modpack server, Play in their invite installs the same modpack and starts Minecraft for them.
What they see in Minecraft
Your server shows up with its message and who's on.
Ways to host Minecraft with friends
Each of these is a fine choice for someone. Here's where they differ.
Swipe to see the rest
Feature
On your PC
AternosFree host
Minecraft RealmsRun by Mojang
Paid host4 GB plan
Cost
Free
Free, with ads
$3.99 to $7.99 a month
$14.99 a month
Wait to start
No queue
Often a queue
None
None
Memory
Your PC's spare memory
Not published
Not published
4 GB
Mods on Java
Modpacks in one click
Yes
No
Yes
When you're offline
An admin co-host can start it on their PC
Anyone with access can start it
Always on
Always on
Prices checked October 14, 2026.
Hosting Minecraft is free, with no card and no time limit.Palworld, Terraria, Valheim and Hytale are $1.99 a month each, or all of them with Premium for $7.99 a month.
Usually the address or the version. They need the exact address from your server card and the same Minecraft version as the server. On a modded server they need the same mods, which Play in their invite installs for them. There's nothing to forward on your router: the address works even behind CGNAT.
Do my friends need Homerun Desktop?
No. They need their own copy of Minecraft and the address you send them. On a modpack server, Homerun Desktop is the easy way for them to get the same mods, but it's not required.
Can Bedrock and Java players play together?
Yes. Turn on crossplay and Bedrock players on phones, tablets and Windows join your Java world with the same address and the port on your server card.
Can Xbox, PlayStation or Switch players join?
Consoles can't type in a server address, so they can't add your server directly. Console players use a workaround like BedrockConnect, which changes the console's DNS, or play on a phone, tablet or PC instead.
How do modpacks work?
Search Modrinth inside Homerun Desktop and add a whole modpack to your server in one click. Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, Quilt and Paper plugins all work. Friends press Play in their invite and get the same modpack installed.
Can I use CurseForge modpacks?
Not yet. Homerun Desktop installs modpacks from Modrinth, which carries most popular packs.
How much RAM does a modded server need?
A Minecraft server gets a quarter of your memory by default, and a slider changes that. Big modpacks want 6 to 8 GB, so give them more on a PC that has it.
What happens to the world when my PC is off?
The server runs on your PC, so it's offline while your PC is. An admin co-host can start the world on their own PC from your latest backup, at the same address.
Is it really free?
Yes. Hosting Minecraft is free, with no card and no time limit. Other games are $1.99 a month, like Palworld and Valheim.
Which versions and loaders work?
Java releases with vanilla, Paper, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge or Quilt, and Bedrock through crossplay. You pick the version when you create the server.
