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Setup & Configuration

Java Minecraft server at home: LocaltoNet TCP tunnel vs Playit.gg for normal join address

Posted by Claireg • July 12, 2026

I've already got a Java server running from home and LocaltoNet does work, but I'm trying to avoid anything that makes people mess with ports or weird addresses. Ideally they just type one normal hostname and connect, same as any other server.

For anyone who's used both, does one of these stay simpler once you throw in custom domains, SRV records, modded packs, or changing the backend port later? I'm not looking for benchmarking, just which one is less annoying in practice for a handful of friends.

Comments (3)

johnrivera Jul 12, 2026

Playit.gg is usually the easier one for that, because your friends can join with a normal hostname and default Minecraft behavior, no client-side tinkering. If you want your own domain you can layer that on later, but for a small private server I’d pick the option that keeps the join address boring and predictable.

jmartin Jul 12, 2026

I'd also check what happens when you change the backend port later, that's where some of these services get mildly annoying. For modded Java it usually doesn't matter to the clients as long as the tunnel still lands on the right server, but I wouldn't want friends updating anything on their end every time I rearrange things.

Gibson Jul 12, 2026

Yeah, the backend port thing is the part I'd pay attention to too. If the tunnel lets you remap internally and keep the public address unchanged, your friends never notice, and for a little modded server that's basically the whole game.

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