---
title: "Hypixel-Style Network Setup: Lobby, Minigames and Ranks"
description: "Build a Hypixel-style Minecraft network with Velocity: lobby, game servers, ranks, cosmetics, Bedrock and what it really costs to run."
url: "https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/hypixel-style-network-setup-lobby-minigames"
updated: "2026-10-28T04:15:54.841131+00:00"
source: "ZCraft Studios"
---
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# Hypixel-Style Network Setup: Lobby, Minigames and Ranks
ZCraft StudiosOct 28, 2026
Build a Hypixel-style Minecraft network with Velocity: lobby, game servers, ranks, cosmetics, Bedrock and what it really costs to run.
## In this guide
- [The parts of a network](#the-parts-of-a-network)
- [Three ways to build it](#three-ways-to-build-it)
- [Step 1: plan the network](#step-1-plan-the-network)
- [Step 2: set up the proxy](#step-2-set-up-the-proxy)
- [Step 3: build the lobby](#step-3-build-the-lobby)
- [Step 4: connect game servers](#step-4-connect-game-servers)
- [Step 5: ranks, cosmetics and store](#step-5-ranks-cosmetics-and-store)
- [Step 6: Bedrock and version support](#step-6-bedrock-and-version-support)
- [Step 7: staff, safety and performance](#step-7-staff-safety-and-performance)
- [Realistic expectations](#realistic-expectations)
- [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
- [Related reading](#related-reading)
## Hypixel-Style Network Setup: Lobby, Minigames and Ranks
**Quick answer:** a network is several servers behind one address. Players join a **lobby**, then use menus or NPCs to move to game servers such as BedWars, Skyblock or KitPvP. You need a **proxy** (Velocity), a lobby server, one or more game servers, shared permissions and data, and hosting that can run several servers.
_A large network is a big project. Start with a lobby and one game mode, then add more._
## The parts of a network
| Part | Role |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Proxy (Velocity) | Single entry point that routes players. See [Velocity Network Setup](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/velocity-proxy-network-setup) |
| Lobby (hub) | Spawn area with NPCs and menus. See [Hub and Lobby Design](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/building-a-minecraft-hub-lobby-server) |
| Game servers | One per game mode, such as [BedWars](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/bedwars-minigame-setup-guide), [KitPvP](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/kitpvp-arena-setup-guide) or [Skyblock](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-skyblock-server-design-guide) |
| Database | Shared ranks, punishments and stats. See [MySQL for Networks](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/mysql-cross-server-player-data) |
| Permissions | [LuckPerms](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/luckperms-ranks-setup-guide) with a shared database |
| Moderation | [AdvancedBan](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/advancedban-setup-guide) or [LiteBans](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/litebans-setup-guide) on the network |
## Three ways to build it
| Option | Best for |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Ready-made pieces** | Faster launch. The ZCraft **[Tropical Island Spawn](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/products/tropical-island-spawn-400x400)** works as a lobby, the **[Ultimate Skyblock Server Setup](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/products/ultimate-skyblock-server-setup)** gives a Skyblock game mode, and the **[LifeSteal Server Setup](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/products/lifesteal-server-setup-teams-economy)** gives a PvP mode |
| **Plugins and your own builds** | Full control |
| **Custom development** | Unique minigames or network systems. See [Custom Minecraft Server Development](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/custom-minecraft-development) |
_The ZCraft Tropical Island Spawn, a 400x400 hub build._
## Step 1: plan the network
1. Pick two or three game modes, not ten. See [Server Types Explained](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-types-explained).
2. Plan hosting: a VPS or dedicated machine that can run several servers. See [Dedicated Server vs VPS](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-dedicated-server-vs-vps) and [Minecraft VPS Hosting Guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-vps-hosting-guide).
3. Set a budget. See [Monthly Cost Planning](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-launch-cost-planning).
## Step 2: set up the proxy
Install Velocity, set the player forwarding mode, and lock backend servers behind the proxy so players cannot connect directly. See [Velocity Modern Forwarding Checklist](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/velocity-modern-forwarding-setup-checklist), [Velocity vs BungeeCord vs Waterfall](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/velocity-vs-bungeecord-vs-waterfall-comparison) and [Firewall Hardening](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-firewall-hardening).
If you run offline-mode or want login protection at the proxy, see [Z-Auth](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/products/z-auth-modern-authentication-plugin) and [Authentication Models](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-authentication-methods).
## Step 3: build the lobby
A good lobby is small, clear and fast to load.
- Spawn protection and no mob spawning
- NPCs or a compass menu to join games. See [Citizens NPCs](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/citizens-npc-setup-guide)
- Floating text for rules and news. See [DecentHolograms](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/decentholograms-floating-text-setup)
- A tablist and scoreboard. See [TAB Plugin Config](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/tab-plugin-tablist-scoreboard-setup)
- Leaderboards. See [Leaderboards Setup](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-leaderboards-stats-setup)
## Step 4: connect game servers
1. Add each game server to the Velocity `servers` list.
2. Use the same LuckPerms database across servers.
3. Share punishments through one database.
4. Test moving between servers, including failed connections.
5. Add a way to return to the lobby.
## Step 5: ranks, cosmetics and store
- Ranks and perks through LuckPerms. See [Rank and Permission System](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-rank-permission-system).
- Cosmetics such as chat tags. See [EternalTags](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/eternaltags-plugin-setup-guide) and [Cosmetics and Monetization](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/cosmetics-monetization-minecraft-server).
- Rewards and crates. See [Pouch Currency and Rewards](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-currency-pouches-setup).
- Check Mojang's commercial usage rules before selling anything.
## Step 6: Bedrock and version support
Add [Geyser and Floodgate](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/geyser-floodgate-bedrock-crossplay-setup) for Bedrock players and [ViaVersion](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/viaversion-cross-version-setup) for client versions. Test every game mode with each client type.
## Step 7: staff, safety and performance
- Train staff and set permissions per role. See [Staff Training Checklist](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-staff-onboarding).
- Use anti-cheat on gameplay servers. See [Anti-Cheat Comparison](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-anticheat-plugins-compared).
- Protect against bots. See [Join Spam Defense](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-antibot-join-spam-defense).
- Profile each server. See [spark](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-read-spark-profiler-minecraft).
- Back up databases and worlds. See [Backup Strategy](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-backup-strategy).
## Realistic expectations
Large networks need many servers, staff and ongoing development. Smaller networks succeed by doing a few modes well, building a community and iterating. See [Grow Your Server's Playerbase](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/grow-minecraft-server-playerbase) and [What Makes Players Stay](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/what-makes-players-stay-minecraft-server).
## Frequently asked questions
**How do I make a server like Hypixel?** Start with a proxy, a lobby and one or two game modes, then expand.
**What proxy should I use?** Velocity is the modern choice. See the [comparison](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/velocity-vs-bungeecord-vs-waterfall-comparison).
**How many servers do I need?** One lobby plus one per game mode to start.
**Can I run it on one machine?** Yes, for a small network, if the CPU and RAM allow it.
**Can I get custom minigames built?** Yes. See [Custom Minecraft Server Development](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/custom-minecraft-development).
## Related reading
- [Best Minecraft Server Plugins by Category](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/best-minecraft-plugins-by-category)
- [Update a Minecraft Server to 26.1+](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-26-1-server-update-guide)
## Continue reading
- [Vanilla-Plus SMP Setup: A Hermitcraft-Style Server](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/vanilla-plus-smp-setup-hermitcraft-style)
- [Build a Minecraft Hub or Lobby Server Properly](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/building-a-minecraft-hub-lobby-server)
- [Sharing Player Data Across a Network With MySQL](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/mysql-cross-server-player-data)
- [LuckPerms Setup Guide: Ranks, Prefixes, Tracks and Debugging](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/luckperms-ranks-setup-guide)
[ Previous guide Nations SMP Setup With Towny: Towns, Claims and Economy](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/nations-smp-setup-towny-towns-claims)[ Next guide How to Make a Lifesteal SMP Server: Plugins, Setup, Rules](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-make-a-lifesteal-smp-server)