Paper, Purpur, Fabric, Forge or Vanilla: which Minecraft server type to pick

"Which server software should I use?" is the first question most new Minecraft owners ask, and the answers online contradict each other. Here's the practical version, based on what you want to do with the server.

First, plugins and mods are different things

This trips up almost everyone, so it's worth getting straight:

  • Plugins run only on the server. Players join with a normal, unmodified Minecraft. Think permissions, homes, shops and claims.
  • Mods change the game itself. They add blocks, mobs and dimensions, and players usually need the same mods installed on their own computer.

A server runs one or the other. Plugin software doesn't load mods, and mod software doesn't load plugins. There are hybrid projects that try to do both, but they tend to be unstable and we'd steer you away from them.

The main options

Vanilla is Mojang's own server. It has no plugins, no mods and the fewest surprises. It's fine for a few friends who want the plain game, but it's also the slowest and offers the least control.

Paper is the sensible default. It's a faster, more efficient version of the plugin software that most servers use, and it runs almost every plugin out there. Players need nothing extra. If you aren't sure, pick Paper.

Purpur is built on top of Paper and adds a lot of extra settings for gameplay tweaks. Choose it if you want that fine control. If you've never wished for those options, you won't miss them.

Fabric is for mods. It's lightweight, updates quickly after each new Minecraft release, and suits performance mods and smaller mod lists.

Forge and NeoForge are for mods too, and they're what most large modpacks are built on. Pick whichever the modpack you want to run asks for. They aren't interchangeable, so check the modpack's page.

A quick way to decide

  1. Want to play with friends on normal Minecraft and add features like claims or economy? Paper.
  2. Want extra gameplay tweaks on top of that? Purpur.
  3. Running a specific modpack? Use whatever it requires, Forge, NeoForge or Fabric.
  4. Just the plain game, nothing added? Vanilla.

Things to know before you commit

  • Worlds mostly carry over between Vanilla, Paper and Purpur, but going to or from a modded server is risky because modded blocks don't exist elsewhere. Take a backup before any switch.
  • Version matters. Plugins and mods are built for particular Minecraft versions. Pick your version first, then check that everything you want supports it. To switch later, see Change your Minecraft version or server type.
  • Modded servers need more memory. A large modpack can need far more RAM than a plugin server with the same number of players.

Once you've chosen, How to install plugins on your Minecraft server covers the next step for Paper and Purpur.

Related guide: How to host a Minecraft server: home, VPS or managed hosting compared covers the full decision, from choosing a hosting route to a first-30-minutes checklist.

Still stuck? Open a ticket on Discord - run /ticket in any channel, pick a department, and include your Server ID or Invoice ID so we can jump straight in.