1. Sign in with Discord

Use the Create Server button on the website to sign in securely with Discord. You can also join the ChunkArc community and start through the bot. Both paths use the same panel account and Free Beta rules.

2. Open Create Server

On the panel, choose Create Server in the ChunkArc section. If you started in Discord, use the Create Free Server button in Start Here. Both forms offer the supported software and Minecraft versions.

3. Choose the right software

  • Paper: the safest default for most small plugin servers.
  • Purpur: Paper-compatible with more gameplay configuration.
  • Fabric: for Fabric mods and lightweight modded setups.
  • Folia: for software specifically compatible with region-based multithreading.

For most first-time users, Paper is the recommended choice. Read the software comparison or the focused Paper vs Purpur guide before choosing.

4. Enter your server details

The website uses the verified identity returned by Discord, so you only enter your Minecraft username and server choices. In the Discord bot flow, enter an email address you control. ChunkArc links the panel account to your Discord ID, so the email does not need to match the email stored on Discord.

5. Pick your custom address

Choose only the first part of your address. For example, entering myworld creates myworld.chunkarc.net. Use letters, numbers and hyphens, and avoid names that impersonate ChunkArc, staff or other brands.

Your first address is selected during creation. Later changes require Arc Credits or a paid change when payments become available.

6. Open the panel and start the server

After provisioning finishes, open the Pelican panel. Use the Console page to start the server and watch its startup logs. The first boot can take longer while the software downloads files and generates a world.

7. Join from Minecraft Java Edition

Open Multiplayer, choose Add Server and enter your custom name.chunkarc.net address. If the server is sleeping, a real join attempt starts it and may briefly place you on the ChunkArc waiting screen until the backend is ready.

Minecraft server-list pings do not wake sleeping servers. This prevents scanners and bots from consuming free capacity; a real player join is required.

If something does not work

Check the public status section first. For account, startup or connection problems, open a Discord support ticket and include your server address plus the relevant console error. Never post your password, API keys or recovery codes.

Before adding a large plugin or mod collection, use the Minecraft server RAM guide. To make a permanent-death world, follow the Hardcore mode guide instead of changing unrelated startup settings.

Create your first world

The Free Beta includes 1.5 GB RAM, 5 GB disk and a custom address, with no credit card required.

Create a free server