Frequently asked questions

HostGoblin currently hosts Minecraft: Java Edition, Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, Valheim, and Rust. The order page is the source of truth for available games, plans, and current pricing.

Most servers are ready in a couple of minutes. Large modpacks can take a little longer while their files and loader are installed. The setup page updates automatically, and unusually long installs alert the goblin so we can investigate.

No. You can order with your email address. We create your account, email you a secure link to set a password, and show your server's setup progress after checkout. You'll verify your email before using the full dashboard.

Once the server is active, its connection address appears on your dashboard and server page. Games that need a join password, such as Valheim, show it there too.

A standard Java order runs Paper, a fast Minecraft server that supports plugins. You can use the latest Minecraft release or choose a specific supported version when ordering.

You can browse CurseForge packs during checkout. A pack is orderable when CurseForge provides a server-pack version for it. You choose from the available versions, and HostGoblin prevents selecting a plan below the pack's minimum RAM requirement.

Yes. Stop the server, take a backup, then open Files and use the supplied SFTP details to upload the .jar into /mods or /plugins. Restart when the upload is complete.

The file must match the server's exact Minecraft version and loader, and you must include any dependencies. Every player also needs mods marked as client-required. Binary files such as JARs go through SFTP; the browser editor is for small text files.

Yes. An active modpack server's Modpack tab lets the owner select another version or switch CurseForge packs. This runs a reinstall and can replace the server files or world, so download a backup first. A heavier pack may also require a plan upgrade.

Yes. Stop the server and use SFTP to upload worlds and other large files. Take or download a backup before replacing anything. If the old and new servers use different loaders, ask us before the move—world folders and mod data are not always laid out the same way.

New Minecraft servers start with the whitelist turned on, so only players you approve can join. Your server's Overview tab has a Whitelist card: type a Minecraft username (or Bedrock gamertag) and press Add player — start with your own so you can join. Remove someone with the × next to their name. The server must be running for changes to apply.

Prefer the console? The same thing works from the Console tab: whitelist add Name and whitelist remove Name on Java, or allowlist add "Gamertag" and allowlist remove "Gamertag" on Bedrock. To open the server to everyone, set white-list=false in server.properties from the Files tab and restart.

Your server page includes start, stop, and restart controls, a live console with command input, a file browser and text editor, SFTP access, connection details, backups, schedules, and supported game settings.

Open the Files tab to see your server-specific host, port, and username. The owner can set a file-access password of at least 12 characters, then connect with an SFTP client. Use SFTP for mods, worlds, archives, and other large or binary files.

Your plan shows how many backups you can keep. From the Backups tab you can create, name, download, restore, and delete them. You can also enable a daily or weekly rolling backup schedule.

When the allowance is full, a scheduled backup rotates out the oldest backup—even a named one. Download anything you want to keep permanently. Backups are a convenience, so keep your own copy of anything you cannot afford to lose.

Yes. Owners and co-owners can set one daily or weekly restart and one daily or weekly backup. Scheduled times use the timezone saved in your Profile settings.

Yes. Invite them from Users & permissions. Operators get the console and power controls. Co-owners also get files, SFTP, schedules, and backups. Sub-users never see billing or manage the subscription.

Check the Console tab for the first error after startup. If the problem began after adding a mod, plugin, or configuration change, stop the server and undo that change or restore a backup. Still stuck? Email support with the server name and what changed.

Payments are handled securely by Stripe; HostGoblin never stores your full card number. Cards are supported, and Apple Pay or Google Pay appears when available for your device and browser.

You can pay monthly or prepay 3, 6, or 12 months. Current discounts and the full amount due are shown before checkout.

Yes. Owners can change the tier or billing term from Plan & billing and preview the price before confirming. Upgrades charge the prorated difference; downgrades apply a credit to the next invoice. Your files stay in place, though modpack RAM requirements can block a plan that is too small.

Yes. Cancel from Plan & billing. The server keeps running through the paid period, and you can resume before that period ends. After cancellation takes effect, the server is suspended and its files are kept for 14 days before permanent deletion.

Unused prepaid time is not refunded. Any account credit remains available for future charges.

Stripe retries the payment and we email you to update your card. If it remains unresolved, the server is suspended rather than immediately deleted. Its files are retained for 14 days; resolving payment before deletion brings it back online.

Billing & history shows upcoming charges, active subscriptions, account credit, invoices, and downloadable PDF receipts. The payment method on your account covers every server you own.

A server owner can enable a public funding page and share it with players. No account is required to contribute. Players can chip in once or monthly, with a display name or anonymously. After applicable Stripe and platform fees, the owner's share becomes credit toward hosting. Donations are non-refundable.

Share the link under Refer a friend. A new customer gets 25% off their first invoice, and after that invoice is paid you receive 25% of it as account credit. Self-referrals and fake accounts are not allowed.

Yes. Enable authenticator-app two-factor authentication under Settings, and save the one-time recovery codes somewhere secure.

Email goblin@hostgoblin.com with your server's name and a short description of the problem. There's a real human behind the goblin, and we usually reply within a day.