Server Address and Domains

Server Address and Domains

Every game server on Witchly.host has a unique address that players use to connect. This guide explains how server addresses work, what ports are, and how you can set up a custom domain to give your server a professional, memorable identity.

Understanding Your Server Address

Your server address consists of two parts:

• IP Address — The numerical address of the machine hosting your server (e.g., 123.45.67.89)
• Port — A number that identifies your specific server on that machine (e.g., 25565, 8211)

Together, they form your full connection address: 123.45.67.89:25565

Think of the IP address as a building’s street address, and the port as the apartment number. The IP gets traffic to the right machine, and the port routes it to your specific server.

Finding Your Server Address

1. Log in to Dashboard
2. Select your server from the dashboard
3. Your server address is displayed on the main console page
4. You can also find it under Settings in the SFTP Details section

The address shown in the panel is exactly what you share with players. Copy it directly to avoid typos.

How Ports Work

When you create a server on Witchly.host, a port is automatically assigned to it. You do not need to configure this yourself. Different games use different default port ranges:

• Minecraft — Typically port 25565 and nearby
• Palworld — Typically port 8211 and nearby
• Rust — Typically port 28015 and nearby
• Hytale — Assigned from available ranges

Some games also use secondary ports for features like RCON (remote console) or query protocols. These are configured automatically and usually do not need to be shared with players.

Important: The SFTP port for file management is always 2022, regardless of your game server’s port. This is the port you use when connecting with FileZilla or other SFTP clients.

Sharing Your Address with Players

When sharing your server address, include both the IP and port separated by a colon:

123.45.67.89:25565

Most games have a “Direct Connect” or “Add Server” option where players paste this address. Some games have separate fields for the IP and port — in that case, enter them individually.

For games where the port is the standard default (e.g., Minecraft with port 25565), some clients allow connecting with just the IP. However, it is always safest to include the port to avoid confusion.

Setting Up a Custom Domain

Instead of sharing a numerical IP address, you can point a custom domain to your server. This gives you a clean, branded address like:

• play.yourserver.com
• mc.yourserver.com
• palworld.yourserver.com

What You Need

• A registered domain name (from Cloudflare, Namecheap, Porkbun, or any registrar)
• Access to the domain’s DNS management panel
• Your server’s IP address and port from the Witchly.host panel

Basic Setup: A Record

The simplest approach works for all games:

1. Log in to your domain registrar’s DNS management
2. Create an A record:
   • Name: Your chosen subdomain (e.g., play, mc, server)
   • Value: Your server’s IP address
   • TTL: 300 or Auto
   • Proxy: Disabled / DNS Only
3. Wait for DNS propagation (usually 5-60 minutes)

Players can then connect using play.yourserver.com and the port number.

SRV Records (Minecraft)

Minecraft Java Edition supports SRV records, which let you embed the port into the domain so players do not need to type it separately. Create an SRV record:

Field	Value
Type	SRV
Name	_minecraft._tcp.play
Priority	0
Weight	0
Port	Your server’s port
Target	play.yourserver.com

You also need the A record from the basic setup. With both records in place, Minecraft players can connect using just play.yourserver.com — no port required.

Note: SRV records work reliably for Minecraft Java Edition. Other games have varying levels of SRV support. Check the game-specific documentation for details.

Do Not Proxy Game Traffic

If you use Cloudflare for DNS, make sure the proxy is disabled (grey cloud icon, not orange) for all game server records. Cloudflare’s proxy only handles HTTP/HTTPS traffic and will block the TCP/UDP connections that game servers use. Website records can be proxied, but game server records must be DNS Only.

Game-Specific Domain Guides

For detailed instructions tailored to each game, see:

• Minecraft Custom Domain
• Palworld Custom Domain
• Rust Custom Domain
• Hytale Custom Domain

DNS Propagation

After creating or changing DNS records, the changes need time to propagate across the internet’s DNS infrastructure:

• Cloudflare: Typically under 5 minutes
• Other providers: Usually within 1 hour, occasionally up to 24-48 hours

You can check propagation status at dnschecker.org by entering your domain and verifying it resolves to the correct IP.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Players cannot connect using the domain:

• Verify the DNS record exists and points to the correct IP
• Check that the proxy is disabled if using Cloudflare
• Confirm DNS has had time to propagate
• Try connecting with the raw IP:Port to confirm the server itself is working

Domain works but port is wrong:

• A records do not include port information. Players must enter the port separately unless you are using an SRV record (Minecraft only)
• Double-check the port in your SRV record matches the one shown in the panel

Intermittent connection failures:

• DNS propagation may not be complete everywhere yet. Some players in different regions may be able to connect before others
• Wait the full propagation period and try again

If you need help configuring your domain, open a ticket on Discord with your domain name, the records you created, and your server address.