Choosing a Minecraft server

There are thousands of Minecraft servers, and two listings that look alike can offer very different experiences. To sort them quickly, look first at what can block you (edition, version), then at what makes you stay (mode, community, rules), and finally at what protects your account.

Java or Bedrock? Start with your edition

Minecraft comes in two editions that don't connect to each other natively.

• Java Edition runs on computers (Windows, macOS, Linux). It's the edition of plugins and mods, and the one most community servers run.
• Bedrock Edition runs on consoles, on mobile and as the Microsoft Store version for Windows.

Some Java servers also accept Bedrock players through a bridge (often Geyser). If you play on console or mobile, check that the listing says so clearly.

On consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch), adding an external server isn't officially supported. Only the partner servers in the "Servers" tab can be joined directly. Be wary of tutorials asking you to change your console's network settings without explaining what they do.

By default, a Java server listens on port 25565 and a Bedrock server on port 19132. If the address shown has no port, it's usually that one.

Check the version

A Java server runs a specific game version. Your launcher must use the same one, unless the server accepts several versions (which is common thanks to compatibility plugins). If in doubt, the listing shows the accepted versions. On Rankserveurs, the ranking's "Versions" filter lets you show only compatible servers.

Modded servers are stricter. You need exactly the same modpack, in the same version. The server then tells you which pack to install and with which launcher.

Pick your game mode

Here are the main families to help you find your way around.

• Survival is the base game experience, sometimes extended (economy, jobs, land claims). "Semi-RP" means survival with some role-play.
• Creative means building without resource limits, often on assigned plots.
• In Skyblock, you start on a small floating island and have to produce everything from almost nothing.
• In Factions, teams build, ally and raid each other. Precise rules frame attacks.
• Minigames are short matches (PvP, parkour, team games) without long-term progression.
• Role-play servers revolve around towns, jobs and characters, often with an application and detailed rules.
• Anarchy servers have no rules, or very few. Avoid them if you're looking for a moderated atmosphere.

Features (mode, PvP, whitelist…) are shown the same way on every listing. Use the comparison to put up to four servers side by side.

Look at the community and the rules

A good server shows less in its banner than in how it's run.

• The language of the community (French-speaking, English-speaking or mixed) changes a lot day to day.
• The rules should be readable, precise about sanctions and available before you join.
• For moderation, look for a team that's present, reachable (often on Discord) and explains its decisions.
• On servers with a whitelist, you apply before playing. It's slower, but often a sign of a more stable community.
• A new server can be very active… or close quickly. Check how long it has been listed and whether it posts news.

Understand the shop before you get attached

Many servers fund themselves through a shop. The usage guidelines published by Mojang frame what a server may sell, and selling gameplay advantages is restricted there. Before investing time, look at what's sold. Cosmetic items don't affect game balance the way items or ranks that give an advantage do.

On Rankserveurs, the monetization shown is declared by the owner (no shop, cosmetics only, convenience, paid advantages). It's an indication, to compare with the shop itself.

Read the listing's numbers

Every number on a Rankserveurs listing states its source.

• The number of players online is measured by Rankserveurs, with the time of measurement. A failed measurement doesn't mean the server is closed.
• The declared population is a figure given by the owner and is never used in the ranking.
• Votes from the last 30 days and reviews reflect community activity. The rating accounts for the number of reviews, so a single review weighs little.
• A "Sponsored" card is an ad. It has no rank and says nothing about the server's quality.

Protect your account

• Never give out your Microsoft password, to staff or on a third-party site. A server never needs it.
• Some servers run in offline mode. They don't check your account with Microsoft, so anyone can take your username. They then ask for an in-game password (login command). Choose one you use nowhere else.
• Download mods and launchers from recognised platforms (such as Modrinth or CurseForge) or from the server's official link. Never use an executable file received by private message.
• Be careful with your personal information, both on the server and on its Discord.

In short

1. Edition and version compatible with your game.
2. A game mode you enjoy.
3. Clear rules and reachable moderation.
4. A shop you understand.
5. Numbers whose source you know.
6. An account you share with no one.