Dutch Minecraft servers: how to find one that suits you

The quickest way to find a Dutch Minecraft server is a public server list that you filter by country, after which you check the language, version, rules and atmosphere yourself. Paid spots often sit at the top of those lists, so look beyond the first row. Can’t find anything that fits? Then start a server of your own with your friends.

We deliberately don’t give a list of "the best servers". Servers come and go, and whoever sits at the top often pays to be there. With the tips below, you pick for yourself.

Where do you find Dutch Minecraft servers?

On public server lists. Server owners add their own server there, with a description, tags and the address. A few lists you can browse by country:

• Minecraft-mp.com has a page per country, including the Netherlands. That country is where the server is located, not necessarily the language spoken on it.
• MinecraftKrant.nl and Mineservers.nl are Dutch-language lists with servers from the Netherlands and Belgium. On Mineservers.nl you can also filter by edition: Java, Bedrock or both.

On a list like that, you’ll come across a few things:

• Paid spots. Labels such as Premium, AD or Uitgelicht (Dutch for featured) often mean a paid spot. Minecraft-mp.com and Mineservers.nl themselves offer a premium spot for extra visibility. So such a spot says nothing about how much fun a server is.
• Votes. Players can vote for their favourite server every day, often in return for an in-game reward. Lots of votes mainly shows that a server gets its players to vote.
• Tags. Such as Nederlands (Dutch), SMP, Survival, Crossplay or Cracked. More on that last one below.

What should you check on a Dutch server?

1. Language and community. Is there a Dutch or NL/BE tag, and is the Discord Dutch-speaking too? A server located in the Netherlands may just as well be English-speaking.
2. Edition and version. Do you play Java or Bedrock? Many servers support both (crossplay). Also check which versions they let in.
3. Type of server. On an SMP you survive and build together, survival servers often add extras such as an economy, and on a minigame server you play short rounds. Pick what you enjoy, not what’s at the top.
4. Rules and moderation. Read the rules before you join. Are there active admins, and can you report someone?
5. No cracked servers. A cracked server lets in players without a bought Minecraft account. According to the Minecraft Wiki, anyone with a fake account can then join, under any name. Mojang’s guidelines say a server may only let in players with a genuine paid-for version of Minecraft.
6. Paying. Playing is usually free. If a server sells ranks or items, Mojang says that must not give an advantage in the game, and you should see the prices before you join.
7. Reset or not. Some servers start over with a new world every now and then. A tag such as No Reset means your world stays. If it isn’t mentioned, ask before you build a castle.
8. Voice chat. Servers with voice chat often use the Simple Voice Chat mod. You then install it yourself as well, or you won’t be able to talk.

Try a server for a few evenings before you spend money or start your biggest build. You’ll soon notice whether the atmosphere, the rules and the people suit you. And ask your own friends or around on Discord where others play: a tip from someone you know often says more than a spot on a list.

Can you join with Bedrock or on a console?

With Bedrock on a PC, phone or tablet, you add a server yourself with its address and port. On an Xbox, PlayStation or Switch you only see the featured servers from Mojang’s partners; you can only reach other servers through a workaround. The workarounds are explained in A Minecraft server on PS5, Xbox or Switch. Not sure which edition you need? Read Minecraft Java vs Bedrock: which should you get?

Is a public server suitable for kids?

On a public server you play with strangers. For young players, pick a server with clear rules and active moderators, or a private server with a whitelist. Never share your password, not even with someone who says they’re an admin. More tips are in A Minecraft server for your kids.

Starting a Dutch server of your own

Nothing that suits you, or do you simply want to play with your own group? Then start your own server. Here’s how:

1. Choose your edition: Java, Bedrock or a Java server with Geyser for both.
2. Set up a server, at home or rented. What both cost and need is explained in How to make a Minecraft server.
3. Agree on the basics: rules, backups and who’s in charge. Tips for an SMP with friends are in How to start a Minecraft SMP with friends.
4. Want to grow? Add your server to a server list yourself; signing up is free on most lists. A website of your own helps too: see A website for your Minecraft server or clan.

A server with friends is like a cake you bake together: it turns out best when everyone brings something.