# [Run a Minecraft server on an Arm-based Oracle Cloud Infrastructure instance](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/servers-and-cloud-computing/minecraft-on-oci/)

## In this learning path

- [Introduction](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/servers-and-cloud-computing/minecraft-on-oci/)
- [Create and configure an Arm-based virtual machine instance on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/servers-and-cloud-computing/minecraft-on-oci/oci-instance-start/)
- [Install the Minecraft server on an Arm-based virtual machine](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/servers-and-cloud-computing/minecraft-on-oci/minecraft-server-install/)
- [Connect to the server from the Minecraft client](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/servers-and-cloud-computing/minecraft-on-oci/minecraft-client-connect/)
- [Next Steps](https://learn.arm.com/learning-paths/servers-and-cloud-computing/minecraft-on-oci/_next-steps/)

## About this Learning Path

| Skill level:         | Introductory       |
|----------------------|--------------------|
| Reading time:        | 30 min             |
| Last updated:        | 10 Jul 2026        |

| Author:              | Dave Neary, Ampere |
|----------------------|--------------------|
| Arm IP:              | [Neoverse](https://support.arm.com/?tab=compute-ip&Product%20Type=Infrastructure%20Processors) |
| Tags:                | Web, Linux, Java, Minecraft |

### Who is this for?
This is an introductory topic for developers who are new to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and want to provision an arm64 instance and run a persistent Minecraft server on it.

### What will you learn?
Upon completion of this Learning Path, you will be able to:
- Provision an OCI A1 arm64 virtual machine instance suitable for running a Minecraft server
- Deploy and configure Minecraft server software
- Expose the Minecraft service from OCI by editing the network policy for the instance and the local firewall
- Connect to the running Minecraft server from the Minecraft client application

### Prerequisites
Before starting, you will need the following:
- An Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) account
- A copy of the [Minecraft Java Edition client](https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/download) installed, and [a license for the game](https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/store/minecraft-java-bedrock-edition-pc)
- A Microsoft account for starting a Minecraft client application

### Summary
You’ll provision an Arm-based Ampere A1 virtual machine (VM) on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), install the required Java runtime, and deploy a Minecraft Java Edition server. First, you’ll set up the OCI VM instance and update security ingress rules. Then, you’ll configure a persistent terminal session so the server continues running after SSH disconnects. With the server running, you’ll update the server-side local firewall, start the Minecraft Java Edition client, and connect to the server to validate the deployment.

### Frequently asked questions
<details>
<summary>Which OCI shape and image should I choose for the server?</summary>
Create an Arm-based Ampere A1 instance with Oracle Linux 9.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Which Java package should I install on the Arm instance?</summary>
For Minecraft 26 or earlier, install Java 25 OpenJDK for aarch64. Use: `sudo dnf install java-25-openjdk.aarch64 -y`.
</details>

<details>
<summary>How do I keep the Minecraft server running after I close my SSH session?</summary>
Use `tmux` to create a persistent terminal session and start the server inside that session. You can disconnect and later reattach to the `tmux` session without stopping the server.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Which port do I need to open on the VM, and how?</summary>
Open TCP port `25565` in the Linux firewall. Run: `sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=25565/tcp` and `sudo firewall-cmd --reload`.
</details>

<details>
<summary>I opened the VM firewall but the client still can't connect. What should I check?</summary>
Verify the OCI network policy for the instance allows inbound TCP traffic on port `25565` to the VM. Update the OCI security settings if needed, then try connecting again.
</details>