How to Upload and Use a Custom World on Your Minecraft Server
Uploading a custom world to your Minecraft server is a great way to refresh gameplay, explore epic builds, or share creations with your player community. You can find custom worlds through popular sites like Planet Minecraft, MinecraftMaps, or even create your own in single-player and upload it.
If you're looking for something ready to go, Nexus also offers a built-in collection of around 4,600 maps pulled from CurseForge, available to browse and download directly through the panel – making it easier than ever to find the perfect new adventure.
First, get your custom world folder ready on your computer. Make sure the world folder is named clearly, is compatible with the version of Minecraft your server is running, and that it contains the necessary standard files, including:
Level.dat
region (folder)
It may also contain folders like data, DIM-1 (Nether), and DIM1 (End).
Log in to your Nexus Hosting Account.
Once on the dashboard, find and select your intended Minecraft server.
Before making any changes, stop the server to avoid potential data issues. On the Terminal page, click the red Stop button.
You don’t need to create a backup for this, because we aren’t going to touch the existing world folder. If you decide to go back to that world, you can make those changes in the server.properties file.
Now, click Files from the sidebar. Click Upload and then select your world folder.
Uploads are limited to 100MB.
Now you need to tell your server to use your custom world. Locate and open the server.properties file. Find the level-name setting and change it to match your custom world folder’s exact name. For example:
level-name=RagnaRune_Remake
Then click Save Content.
With Nexus, you have a simpler option available. You can click the More (ellipses) from the sidebar and then select Worlds from the pop-up menu.
Now scroll through the available maps or use the search bar to find something specific. When you locate a world of interest, click the Download button on the right.
Once the download is complete, you can refresh the page. You’ll notice this new world is now listed along the top, with your other worlds and dimensions. If you’re ready to use it, click Make Default.
Restart your server from the control panel by clicking the green Start button to apply the changes. Your custom world is now active!
If you're looking for something ready to go, Nexus also offers a built-in collection of around 4,600 maps pulled from CurseForge, available to browse and download directly through the panel – making it easier than ever to find the perfect new adventure.
Step 1: Prepare Your Custom World
First, get your custom world folder ready on your computer. Make sure the world folder is named clearly, is compatible with the version of Minecraft your server is running, and that it contains the necessary standard files, including:
Level.dat
region (folder)
It may also contain folders like data, DIM-1 (Nether), and DIM1 (End).
Step 2: Log in
Log in to your Nexus Hosting Account.
Step 3: Select the Server
Once on the dashboard, find and select your intended Minecraft server.
Step 4: Stop the Server
Before making any changes, stop the server to avoid potential data issues. On the Terminal page, click the red Stop button.
You don’t need to create a backup for this, because we aren’t going to touch the existing world folder. If you decide to go back to that world, you can make those changes in the server.properties file.
Step 5: Upload Your World Folder
Now, click Files from the sidebar. Click Upload and then select your world folder.
Uploads are limited to 100MB.
Step 6: Activate Your Custom World
Now you need to tell your server to use your custom world. Locate and open the server.properties file. Find the level-name setting and change it to match your custom world folder’s exact name. For example:
level-name=RagnaRune_Remake
Then click Save Content.
Step 7: Download and Activate from Worlds (Alternative)
With Nexus, you have a simpler option available. You can click the More (ellipses) from the sidebar and then select Worlds from the pop-up menu.
Now scroll through the available maps or use the search bar to find something specific. When you locate a world of interest, click the Download button on the right.
Once the download is complete, you can refresh the page. You’ll notice this new world is now listed along the top, with your other worlds and dimensions. If you’re ready to use it, click Make Default.
Step 8: Restart Your Minecraft Server
Restart your server from the control panel by clicking the green Start button to apply the changes. Your custom world is now active!
Updated on: 05/05/2025
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