Host a Minecraft server on your PC. Your friends just join.

Homerun Desktop runs the server on your own PC and gives your friends one address. No port forwarding, no queue, and hosting Minecraft is free.

13,691servers started since March 31
96countries with a server on someone's PC
5.6 minmedian from install to a running server

Five games, one app

Every game hosts the same way: pick it, press Start, send the address. Friends join from their own copy of the game.

Minecraft

Free

Hytale

$1.99 a month or Premium

Palworld

$1.99 a month or Premium

Terraria

$1.99 a month or Premium

Valheim

$1.99 a month or Premium

Pick it, start it, send it

Homerun Desktop downloads the server, sets it up and runs it on your PC. No router settings, no config files, no command line.

1Pick a game

Minecraft Java, Bedrock or both in one world, or any game on the shelf.

Cherry Grove SMP starting up: Starting the server, Preparing the world, Open to players

2Press Start

You see each step as it happens, and the address is ready when the world is.

Cherry Grove SMP is live. Friends can join now. Copy invite, Connect Discord

3Send the address

Copy the invite or post it to your Discord. Friends paste it into the game they already have.

Send one line. They're in.

Your friends don't install anything. They paste the address into their game's own multiplayer screen, so it works on school Wi-Fi, in dorms and where your internet blocks ports.

What you send
homerun-empire.gethomerun.app

Copy it from Homerun Desktop and drop it in your group chat. It stays the same every time you start the server.

What they see in Minecraft
Homerun Empire in a Minecraft server list, with the Homerun Desktop logo as its icon: Cherry blossoms and a big build. Friends welcome, on most nights. 4 of 8 players.

Multiplayer, Add Server, paste. Your server shows up with its message and who's on.

The world doesn't wait for you

Pick the friends who can host. When you log off, any of them can start the world on their own PC from your last backup, at the same address.

AlexOwner
Logged off 10:40 pm
SamAdmin, can host
Hosting now
MayaAdmin, can host
Offline
kiro_buildsMember, can start and stop
Playing

Every modpack on Modrinth, one click away

Search Modrinth inside Homerun Desktop and add a whole modpack to your server in one click. Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Paper plugins all work.

Fixes before it startsKnown mod conflicts are fixed for you, and the console explains the rest in plain words.
Friends know what to installThe server lists exactly which mods they need to join.

Minecraft is free. Every other game is $1.99.

No free trial that turns into a charge. Servers, players and co-hosts are never capped; your PC is the limit.

Minecraft, freeJava, Bedrock and crossplay, mods and modpacks, co-hosts, and your latest backup.
$0

Add a game

Hytale$1.99 a month, with 5 GB of backups
Palworld$1.99 a month, with 5 GB of backups
Terraria$1.99 a month, with 5 GB of backups
Valheim$1.99 a month, with 5 GB of backups

Get every game

Homerun Premium

Hytale, Palworld, Terraria, Valheim and every game we add, with 20 GB of backups. It covers every server you're a member of.

$7.99a month, or $79.99 a year

Plans are bought inside Homerun Desktop. Download it, open Plans, and pick a game or Premium. Cancel any time in Settings.

Download for Windows

Ways to play with friends

Each of these is a fine choice for someone. Here's where they differ.

Feature Homerun DesktopOn your PC AternosFree host Minecraft RealmsRun by Mojang Paid host4 GB plan
Cost for MinecraftFreeFree, with ads$3.99 to $7.99 a month$14.99 a month
Wait to startNo queueOften a queueNoneNone
MemoryYour PC's spare memoryNot publishedNot published4 GB
Mods on JavaModpacks in one clickYesNoYes
Other gamesHytale, Palworld, Terraria, ValheimHytaleNonePriced per game
Download free

Prices checked October 14, 2026.

From the people hosting

“Homerun Desktop makes it possible to play with my friends on the other side of the world without needing an expensive subscription.”
Boost_ist_leckerMinecraft host
“Homerun Desktop is genuinely one of the best tools for all types of players with an absurd amount of convenience and customization.”
Ragnarok9401Minecraft host
“There is no downside to this program. Full control of your server, zero hassle to set up, the friendliest and most helpful staff.”
ShadyStoodUpMinecraft host

Questions people ask first

Still stuck? Ask on our Discord.

Is Homerun Desktop free?
Hosting Minecraft is free, with no card and no time limit. Hytale, Palworld, Terraria and Valheim need Homerun Lite ($1.99 a month per game) or Homerun Premium ($7.99 a month or $79.99 a year for every game). There's no free trial, so nothing charges you later.
My friend can't join. What do I check?
Make sure they pasted the exact address from your server card and are on the same game version as the server. Bedrock players also need the port, which is on the card too. On a modded server, they need the same mods.
Do I need to port forward? Will friends see my IP?
No port forwarding. Homerun Desktop connects your PC out to our network, and friends join an address like yourworld.gethomerun.app, so they never see your IP.
Does my PC have to stay on?
Yes, the server runs on your PC. Closing the window keeps it running in the tray. When you're off, an admin co-host can start the world on their own PC from your latest backup.
Is it safe to install? Why does Windows warn me?
Homerun Desktop is signed by Ethereal Network Sciences PBC and installs without an admin prompt. If Windows shows "Windows protected your PC" for a new release, choose More info, check that publisher, then Run anyway.
How much RAM do I need?
A 64-bit Windows PC with 4 GB of RAM and 5 GB of free disk. A Minecraft server gets a quarter of your memory by default, and a slider changes that. Palworld needs more, about 7.5 GB.
Do my friends need Homerun Desktop?
No. They need their own copy of the game and the address you send them. Nothing to install from us.
Can I use mods and modpacks?
Yes, on Minecraft Java. Search Modrinth inside Homerun Desktop and add a modpack in one click. Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, Quilt and Paper plugins all work.
Can Bedrock and phone players join?
Yes. Turn on crossplay and Bedrock players on phones, tablets and Windows join your Java world with the address and port.
Do I need an account?
No, you can host Minecraft without one. Sign in with an email link or Google to invite co-hosts, keep backups or get a plan.
Does it work on Mac or Linux?
No, Homerun Desktop runs on Windows. Friends on a Mac or Linux can still join your Minecraft server from their own game.
I'm a parent. Is it safe for my kid?
Servers are private unless your kid lists one, so only people with the address can join, and hosts can whitelist, kick and ban players. Accounts are for ages 14 and up, with a parent's consent below the age of majority.

Your PC is the server.
Your friends are one address away.

Free for Minecraft. Running in about five minutes.

Download for Windows