Bypassing VPN to host a Minecraft server
14:59 21 Feb 2026

I have a specific problem that I haven't really found an answer for. I want to host a Minecraft server for my friends, however, since i am using a VPN for other programs I am faced with a problem. Having the VPN enabled prevents users from accessing the Minecraft server.

Currently, Minecraft Bedrock is being hosted in a docker container. Server is working fine and I'm able to connect via LAN and NordVPN Meshnet. NordVPN is hosted natively outside of docker, so all network traffic is being routed through NordVPN.

(The server is hosting the latest version of Debian, I can provide more details if needed.)

I see a few possible solutions and I need input or even some better ideas from you.

  1. (Probably the most time consuming and hair pulling solution) Move Nord and all other programs that require the use of a VPN to docker containers, then route only necessary traffic through Nord.

  2. Somehow find a way to make Nord ignore the internet traffic from the Minecraft container. I have no idea if this is even possible or just wishful thinking, but would be preferred.

  3. Use a Raspberry Pi 5 as a "proxy" (I don't know if I'm using that term correctly) to route traffic through Its IP Address to the docker container on my main server. Again, I have no idea if this is a good idea or not, but it sounds nice not having to expose my actual server to the internet through port forwarding.

Any input on my situation would be greatly appreciated, if you have a better idea let me know.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

docker minecraft vpn docker-network debian-based