Minecraft Server Types

Choosing the right server software is one of the first decisions you will make when setting up a Minecraft server. Each option has its own strengths, and the best choice depends on what you want your server to do.

Minecraft server software determines what you can and cannot do with your server. Want to install plugins like EssentialsX, LuckPerms, or Vault? You need a server that supports the Bukkit/Spigot plugin API, and Paper is the go-to choice. Want to run modpacks with tech trees, magic systems, or new dimensions? You are looking at Forge or Fabric. Prefer the game exactly as Mojang ships it? Vanilla is the simplest option. And if your friends play on different platforms, console, mobile, PC, a Bedrock crossplay setup lets everyone connect to the same world.

The differences between server types go beyond features. Performance characteristics, update schedules, community size, and configuration complexity all vary. Paper applies dozens of performance patches on top of Spigot, making it noticeably faster for large player counts. Forge servers tend to use more RAM because mods add new blocks, entities, and world generation. Fabric sits somewhere in between, it is lighter than Forge but still supports impressive mods like Create and Sodium.

It is worth noting that server software is not locked in forever. You can switch from Vanilla to Paper without losing your world. Moving from Forge to Fabric (or vice versa) is harder because mods are not cross-compatible, but your actual world data usually transfers fine. The point is: pick the option that fits your current plans, and adjust later if your needs change.

Every Astroworld plan supports all of these server types. There is no restriction based on your plan tier, whether you are on Starter or Dedicated, you can run Paper, Forge, Fabric, Vanilla, or any other server software. Check out our features page for the full list of what is included with every plan.

If you are running a community server with ranks, permissions, and gameplay plugins, go with Paper. It is the standard for a reason: excellent performance, massive plugin library, and active development. Most Minecraft servers online today run Paper or a fork of it.

If you want to play a modpack, like RLCraft, All The Mods 10, Create, or Pixelmon, check whether it runs on Forge or Fabric. Most large modpacks still use Forge, but Fabric is catching up quickly. Our modpacks section has guides for the most popular options.

If you want the simplest possible setup and do not need plugins or mods, Vanilla is the way to go. It runs lighter than anything else and gives you Minecraft exactly as Mojang intended. Keep in mind that you will not have access to admin tools like WorldGuard or CoreProtect without switching to Paper.

If your group includes players on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or mobile devices, you will need a crossplay solution. Installing GeyserMC on a Paper server is the simplest approach, it translates Bedrock connections into Java protocol, so everyone ends up in the same world.