Installing Nukkit on a Minecraft Bedrock Server

As of mid-2024, HolyHosting no longer supports Bedrock plugin-based server types such as PocketMine, Nukkit, or PowerNukkitX. For most players, the better route is a Java Edition server running the GeyserMC plugin, which lets Bedrock players join while still using Java plugins.

If your server is currently using Bedrock Dedicated Server, it can be moved to Java Edition, but the world will need conversion first. Bedrock and Java worlds are not directly compatible, so use a tool such as Chunker. Conversions are useful, but they are not magic, so check the world carefully afterward for missing blocks, odd terrain, or other issues.

Nukkit Overview

Minecraft Bedrock Edition is popular because it works across phones, consoles, and computers. That cross-play is convenient, but Bedrock servers usually do not support gameplay changes as deeply as Java Edition servers.

Nukkit helps fill that gap by allowing plugins on Bedrock and Pocket Edition servers. It is written in Java, which can make it faster and more stable than some similar Bedrock server software. Nukkit also has its own plugin ecosystem, so you can add features without trying to force Bukkit plugins into a place they absolutely do not belong.

Install Nukkit

Before changing server software, stop the server and make a backup if the panel offers one. Switching between server types can require a new world, especially when moving from Java Edition.

1. Open your server control panel and stop the server.
2. Find the version selector or server software menu in your panel.
3. Search for `Nukkit`, or scroll through the available server types until it appears.

1. Select Nukkit, then click Save.
2. If the panel asks whether to create a new world, choose the option that matches your setup. A reset is usually required when changing from Java Edition.
3. Start the server again.

Once the server finishes booting, Nukkit should generate its folders and core files automatically.

Add Plugins to Nukkit

Nukkit plugins must be made for Nukkit. Bukkit, Spigot, Paper, Forge, and Fabric plugins or mods will not work here.

1. Visit a Nukkit plugin listing site.
2. Browse the available plugins and open the page for the plugin you want.

1. Download the plugin `.jar` file to your computer.
2. Return to your server panel and open the file manager or your FTP client.

1. Log in to the file manager, then open the `plugins` folder.
2. Upload the plugin `.jar` file and wait until the upload reaches 100%.

1. Restart the server from the panel.
2. Check the console or run `pl` to confirm the plugin loaded.

If the plugin does not appear, verify that it is a Nukkit plugin, that the file is inside the `plugins` folder, and that the server fully restarted after upload.

Final Notes

Nukkit is useful when you want plugin support on a Bedrock or Pocket Edition server. It is not the same as Bukkit, and it cannot run Java Edition plugins or Minecraft mods. Keep plugins version-compatible with your Nukkit build, restart after each upload, and test new plugins before opening the server back up to players.