There isn’t just one Minecraft server. There’s a whole range of server “cores” that differ in performance, compatibility and whether they support plugins or mods. Let’s go through them.
Plugins vs. mods – the key difference
- Plugins run only on the server. Players join with a normal client. Ideal for survival, minigames, economies and land claims.
- Mods change the game itself – adding blocks, items and dimensions. Players need the same mods installed (usually via a modpack).
Paper – the gold standard for plugins
Paper is the most widely used server software. It’s compatible with Bukkit/Spigot plugins and includes hundreds of optimisations and fixes.
Best for: most community servers, survival, minigames, networks.
Purpur – Paper with extra settings
Purpur is based on Paper and adds lots of configurable gameplay options (riding mobs, mechanic tweaks and so on). Performance is similar to Paper.
Best for: servers that want to fine-tune gameplay without writing their own plugins.
Fabric – lightweight, modern modding
Fabric is a lightweight modding framework that updates quickly to new game versions. Besides content mods, it’s popular for performance mods like Lithium or FerriteCore.
Best for: technical servers, light modpacks, servers on the latest version.
Forge and NeoForge – big modpacks
Forge has historically been the most widespread modding platform and powers a huge number of modpacks. NeoForge is its modern continuation, and many mods and modpacks for newer versions are moving to it.
Best for: big modpacks (All the Mods, tech and magic packs).
Velocity and BungeeCord – server networks
If you want to connect several servers (lobby, survival, minigames), you need a proxy. The modern choice is Velocity; BungeeCord is older but still in use.
Quick decision
| I want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Survival with plugins for friends or a community | Paper |
| To tweak game mechanics without programming | Purpur |
| Light mods and the latest version | Fabric |
| A big modpack | NeoForge / Forge |
| A network of several servers | Velocity + Paper |
| Mobile and console players | Paper + Geyser |
One click on Noveric
In our control panel you choose the server software and version in one click, and you can switch later – the panel takes a backup before any change. Modpacks from CurseForge, Modrinth and FTB install straight from search.
Check out Minecraft hosting and pick a plan for what you want to run.
