Create a Modpack-Style Minecraft Server with Spigot Plugins

Overview

Forge and Fabric servers are great for adding machines, new equipment, custom materials, and other big gameplay changes to Minecraft. The catch is that most mods must also be installed by every player before they can join. With a full modpack, that client setup can become the part where half the group suddenly remembers they have homework.

Spigot and Paper work differently. Their plugins run server-side, so players can usually connect with a normal Minecraft client. If the goal is to build a server that feels close to a modpack without forcing everyone to download a large pack, Nova is one of the strongest options. With its addons, Nova can add power systems, machines, storage blocks, custom tools, jetpacks, and other mod-like features.

This guide explains how to install Nova on a Spigot or Paper Minecraft server, add its addons, configure the required resource pack, and get started with the features that make the server feel modded.

Download Nova and Its Addons

Start by downloading the main Nova plugin and the addons you want to use.

• Open the Nova page on Spigot and select Download Now.

• Save the file somewhere easy to find on your computer.
• Repeat the download process for the Nova addons you plan to install, such as Logistics, Machines, and Jetpacks.

Keep the main Nova plugin file separate from the addon files for now. They are uploaded to different folders later.

Install Nova on the Server

Nova must be installed as a normal plugin first. Do not upload the addons during this first step.

• Open the HolyHosting server panel and go to the file access or FTP area. Make sure you are editing the correct server profile.

• Enter your server panel password if prompted, then log in.

• Open the plugins folder, then select Upload.

• Drag and drop the downloaded Nova plugin file into the upload area.

• Wait until the upload reaches 100%.
• Return to the main server panel and restart the server.

Nova requires Spigot or Paper 1.19.3 or newer. It will not run on a standard Vanilla, Forge, or Fabric server unless that server software also supports Bukkit-style plugins. If your server is using the wrong software, change the server type before continuing.

Add the Nova Addons

After the server has restarted once with Nova installed, the addon folder will be created. Addons do not go directly into the main plugins folder.

• Return to file access and open the plugins directory.
• Open the Nova folder, then enter the addons folder.

• Select Upload.
• Drag and drop the downloaded addon files into this folder.

• Wait for every upload to finish.
• Restart the server again so Nova can load the addons.

Set Up the Nova Resource Pack

Nova uses a resource pack to display its custom items, blocks, and visual details correctly. This resource pack adds new visuals without replacing the normal vanilla textures. If it is missing, many Nova features may look wrong or fail to make sense in-game.

The setup has three parts: download the generated pack, upload it somewhere Minecraft can access, then add its URL to Nova's config.

Download the Resource Pack

• Open the plugins folder in file access.
• Enter the Nova directory, then open resource_pack.

• Download ResourcePack.zip.

• Save the file somewhere easy to access.

Upload the Pack

• Open MC-Packs in a new browser tab.
• Select Choose File and choose ResourcePack.zip.
• Upload the file.

• When the upload finishes, copy the generated Download URL. Leaving this tab open is useful until the config is saved.

Enable the Pack in Nova

• Return to the Nova folder in file access.
• Open configs, then edit config.yml.

• Find the resource_pack section and set the URL field to the MC-Packs download link. The structure should look like resource_pack: url: [], with the brackets replaced by your URL.

• Save the file and return to the server panel.

• Restart the server, then join and accept the resource pack prompt.

If the prompt does not appear, remove the server from your multiplayer list, add it again, and reconnect. Minecraft sometimes needs a nudge, because apparently a button labeled refresh was too simple.

First Steps In-Game

When you join the server, Nova displays an information box while you look at blocks and items. This overlay can show useful details such as the required tool, machine fuel, power storage, and other Nova-specific data.

Use the /nova items command to browse Nova's available items, materials, and blocks. You may need to be a server operator or have the correct permissions before running it. If you use a permissions plugin such as LuckPerms, assign the needed Nova permissions to your admin group.

Useful Nova Commands

Nova commands are useful for testing, giving items, checking recipes, and toggling plugin features. Server operators can usually use them immediately. Permission-managed servers should grant access through the active permissions plugin.

Common reasons to use Nova commands include:

• Viewing all available Nova items.
• Opening recipe information for custom blocks or tools.
• Testing addon features before giving them to regular players.
• Troubleshooting whether Nova is loaded correctly.

Machines and Power

Nova's machines are the main reason it can make a plugin server feel like a modpack. The available devices can automate tasks, generate materials, store energy, and support larger production systems. The /nova items command is the best way to see the full list, but the examples below show the general idea.

A Solar Panel collects energy from sunlight. It is one of the easiest early power sources because it does not need fuel, though it will not generate power at night. Stored energy can still be used later by other Nova blocks.

A Charger stores extra energy and can recharge items or support devices that need power. A common setup is placing a solar panel nearby or above it so energy collection stays simple.

A Cobblestone Generator can automatically produce stone when supplied with water and lava. It can also generate obsidian, but that consumes the lava. Its interface includes input and output slots, so check the GUI before assuming it is broken.

Resource Storage

Nova also adds storage options for item-heavy servers. A Vacuum Chest collects dropped items in a nearby radius, which is useful around farms and grinders. A Storage Unit can hold very large amounts of a resource, going far beyond the normal stack limit. A Fluid Tank stores liquids for machines or other workflows.

Some storage blocks have multiple tiers or variants, each with different capacity or behavior. Browse them with /nova items before building a large storage room around the wrong block.

Star Equipment

Nova adds custom tools and weapons through Star Materials. These materials come from a Star Collector block and can be used to craft items such as a Star Pickaxe.

Star tools combine traits from iron, gold, and diamond equipment. They can be fast and useful, but durability can be a tradeoff. They are a good way to give players modded progression without replacing the entire Minecraft equipment system.

Jetpacks

The Jetpacks addon adds powered flight tools with several tiers. Unlike an elytra, a jetpack can move in multiple directions and hover, which makes building, exploring, and escaping danger much easier.

Jetpacks need energy before they can lift off. Set up a power source and charger first, then test the controls somewhere that is not directly above lava. That advice is technically optional, but only once.

Configuration Files

Nova includes several configuration files for item IDs, messages, core features, and addon behavior. For deep changes, check Nova's official wiki before editing values you are not familiar with.

To edit Nova configs:

• Open file access from the server panel.
• Go to the plugins folder, then open the Nova configs directory.

• Find the file you want to edit, such as item_categories.yml, and select Edit.
• Make the needed changes, then save the file.

• Restart the server so the edits apply.

Plugins That Pair Well With Nova

Nova can carry a lot of the modpack feeling by itself, but other plugins can round out the experience. These are useful options to consider on a Spigot or Paper server.

• EssentialsX adds core server tools such as teleportation, kits, homes, spawn management, and economy features. It is not flashy, but it gives admins the control most plugin servers need.
• MCRealistic adds survival mechanics such as thirst, fatigue, sickness, and physics changes. It works well for servers trying to imitate realism-focused modpacks.
• LevelledMobs makes hostile mobs scale in difficulty and rewards. This can make exploration and combat feel less predictable.
• EnhancedEnchants expands enchantment options beyond vanilla limits, giving players stronger progression paths for tools, weapons, and armor.
• TerraformGenerator creates custom world generation with varied terrain and biomes, which helps a plugin server feel less like a default survival world.
• MyCommand lets admins create shortcut commands and custom menus. It is helpful when several plugins need to feel like one connected system.

Common Problems

If Nova does not work correctly, first confirm that the server is running Spigot or Paper 1.19.3 or newer. Then check that the main plugin, addons, and resource pack were each installed in the correct place. These are separate steps, and skipping one can leave the setup half-working.

If you install or remove Nova addons after setting up the resource pack, regenerate and re-upload the resource pack. Addons can change the textures and models Nova needs, so the old pack may no longer match the active features.

If Nova commands do not work, make sure your account is a server operator or has the correct permissions through your permissions plugin. You can also run /plugins in-game or from the console to confirm Nova is loaded. If it is missing or shown as failed, check the server console for startup errors.

Useful Links

• Nova on Spigot
• Official Nova wiki
• How to add plugins to a Minecraft server
• How to become a Minecraft server operator