What is SquidServers?
SquidServers is a free desktop application that helps you create and run a Minecraft server on your own computer.
It is not a hosting company. It does not rent you a machine in a data center. It does not keep your world online after you close the app or shut down your PC.
What SquidServers is
Section titled “What SquidServers is”- A local app you download and install (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- A launcher and manager for a Minecraft server process that runs on your hardware.
- A way to make that local server reachable by friends without port forwarding, using tunneling from playit.gg.
- Free to use. There is no SquidServers subscription required to host.
- Closed source. SquidServers is not open-source software and is not planned to be.
Download: squidservers.com/download
What SquidServers is not
Section titled “What SquidServers is not”| SquidServers is not | Why |
|---|---|
| Managed Minecraft hosting | You are the host. The world files and Java process live on your PC. |
| A 24/7 hosting service | The server is only online while your PC is on, online, and the app is running. |
| Aternos, Minehut, Apex, or similar | Those products run the server on their computers. SquidServers runs it on yours. |
| A Minecraft client or launcher for players | Only the person hosting installs the app. Friends join with the server address. |
| Playit.gg | Playit is a third-party tunnel used to publish your local server. SquidServers is not affiliated with Playit. |
If a user wants a server that stays online while their computer is off, SquidServers (the desktop app) cannot do that. They would need a separate managed host. See Can I run my server while my PC is off? and Is SquidServers a 24/7 hosting service?.
Who installs what
Section titled “Who installs what”- Host: installs SquidServers, creates the server, keeps the app running.
- Players: do not install SquidServers. They join with the address shown in the app (usually a
tun.ply.gghostname).
See Do my friends need to install SquidServers to join?.
Supported server software
Section titled “Supported server software”SquidServers officially supports the following:
- Vanilla: Official Minecraft Java server.
- BDS: Official Bedrock Dedicated Server.
- Paper: PaperMC for plugin servers.
- Mods: Forge, NeoForge, Fabric, and Quilt.
Not supported:
- Proxy software (BungeeCord, Velocity).
- Hybrid software that combines plugins and mods (Mohist, Arclight, etc.).
What it can run
Section titled “What it can run”- Vanilla and modded Minecraft servers on your machine.
- Modpacks from Modrinth, and CurseForge server packs (not the client modpack zip).
- Bedrock Dedicated Server, and Java/Bedrock crossplay via GeyserMC.
Your CPU, RAM, and upload speed set the real player and performance limits. SquidServers does not impose a hard player cap. See How many players can join my server?.