How to Host a Mindustry Server (Dedicated Server Guide 2026)

To host a Mindustry server, download server-release.jar from the Mindustry GitHub releases (v160.5 is current), run java -jar server-release.jar on Java 17 or newer, and type host Fortress survival in its console. Open port 6567 for TCP and UDP. Then run config autosave true, because autosaves are off by default and host always starts a map from scratch. Make yourself admin with admin add <name> once you have joined.

Why host a dedicated Mindustry server?

A game hosted from the menu ends when that player leaves, and a phone makes a poor host for a big group. A dedicated server keeps the map running, holds far more players, and lets you run long survival games, attack maps, team PvP or a sandbox for testing designs. Nearly every public Mindustry server is this same jar with plugins on top. Desktop, Android and iOS players can all join one server, as long as everyone runs the same build.

What do you need to run a Mindustry server?

The server is a single Java file and it is light. The current builds are compiled for Java 17, so an older Java 8 or 11 install fails to start it.

Unit counts and huge factories cost more CPU than extra players do.

How do I start a Mindustry dedicated server?

1. Install Java 17 or newer (java -version should say 17 or higher).
2. Download server-release.jar from the releases page. As of October 2026 the latest release is v160.5, from 20 September 2026.
3. Put it in its own folder and run it:

java -jar server-release.jar

4. In the console, name the server and start a map:

config name Copper Crew
config desc Survival, be nice, no griefing
host Fortress survival

The server creates a config folder next to the jar with maps, saves and mods inside. The official server guide lists every command.

Which console commands matter most?

load and loadautosave refuse to run while a map is being hosted. Type stop first, then load.

Which config settings should I change?

Settings are changed with config <name> <value> and saved by the server. Type config alone to list them all.

How do I keep progress across restarts?

This is the part most new owners learn the hard way. host always begins a map fresh, and autosave is off by default, so a crash or restart throws away a long survival run unless you saved it.

1. Turn autosaves on once: config autosave true.
2. Before planned restarts, run save 1 (any slot number).
3. After the server starts again, run stop if it is hosting a new map, then loadautosave or load 1.

On your own machine you can make this automatic with config startCommands loadautosave, so the server picks up the newest autosave on start. If there is no autosave yet, it prints an error and waits for you to host a map.

What port does a Mindustry server use?

Forward 6567 for both protocols. Change it with config port <number> if you run more than one server. Our port forwarding guide covers the router side.

How do maps, plugins and mods work?

• Custom maps: put .msav files in config/maps, run reloadmaps, then host <mapname>.
• Server plugins: jar files in config/mods. They run only on the server (votes, admin tools, custom commands), so players install nothing.
• Content mods: mods that add blocks or units also go in config/mods, but every player must install the same mod, or they cannot join.

Restart the server after adding plugins, and check mods to see what loaded.

How do players join a Mindustry server?

1. Open Mindustry and select Play, then Join Game.
2. Click Add Server and enter the address, for example 203.0.113.10:6567.
3. Click the server in the list to connect.

Mobile store updates sometimes arrive later than Steam and itch.io builds. If phone players cannot join after a release, keep the server on the build they have until their update lands.

How do I make myself admin?

Join the server first, then type admin add YourName in the server console. Admins can kick and ban from inside the game. Use admins to check the list and admin remove to take rights away.

The easy option: host it with GamezServers

Our Mindustry server hosting runs the jar for you. The Settings page sets the server name, the starting map and the game Version (latest or a GitHub tag such as v146, so the server can match your players). Our servers run host with your starting map on every start, so turn on config autosave true and use stop then loadautosave in the live console after a restart. Maps and plugins go up through the file manager or SFTP into the config folder, and one click backups cover the whole folder.

New customers get 50% off the first month on monthly plans, and friends can split the bill. Not sure on size? See how much RAM a game server needs.

FAQ

What port does a Mindustry server use?

6567, for both TCP and UDP. Change it with config port.

Why did my Mindustry server lose our progress?

host starts a fresh map and autosaves are off by default. Run config autosave true, then stop and loadautosave after restarts.

Which Java version does the Mindustry server need?

Java 17 or newer for current builds. Older Java versions cannot start the jar.

Can mobile players join a PC Mindustry server?

Yes. Multiplayer is cross platform, as long as everyone runs the same build as the server.

Do players need the server's plugins?

No. Plugins in config/mods run on the server only. Content mods that add blocks or units must be installed by every player.