Minecraft

Which Version of Minecraft Should You Use for Your Server? ๐Ÿ“ฑ๐Ÿ’ปโ€‹

MinecraftยทMarch 22, 2026ยท18 min read

Hello! โš”๏ธ If you're looking to set up your own server, it's crucial to choose the right version of Minecraft. Today we'll explain the differences between Vanilla, Craftbukkit, Spigot, PaperMC, Fabric, Bedrock and Forge so you can make the best decision for your needs. ๐Ÿ’ก

The original and unmodified version that comes directly from Mojang. Perfect for survival servers among friends or custom multiplayer maps. The best part? You get access to updates as soon as they come out. However, keep in mind that it doesn't support plugins and may not offer the best performance if you plan to grow your server.

Minecraft

When to use Vanilla?

  • ๐ŸŒ Small or private servers.
  • ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ Pure Minecraft experience, without modifications.
  • ๐Ÿ“… Immediate access to new updates.

Craftbukkit is a modified version of Vanilla that allows you to use plugins. Be careful with low-quality plugins, they can affect your server's performance. Additionally, Craftbukkit doesn't support Bungeecord, making it less ideal for large servers.

bukkit

When to use Craftbukkit?

  • ๐Ÿ”‘ You need basic plugins for customization.
  • ๐ŸŽ›๏ธ Medium servers that don't require Bungeecord.
  • โš™๏ธ You don't mind waiting a bit for updates.

Spigot is a fork of Craftbukkit that offers more options and better performance. Compatible with most plugins and supports Bungeecord, making it the favorite option for large servers. With Spigot, you can make fine adjustments in spigot.yml to optimize your server even further.

Spigot

When to use Spigot?

  • ๐Ÿฐ Large or community servers.
  • โš™๏ธ You need Bungeecord support.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ You want to optimize server resources without compromising gameplay.

PaperMC is a fork of Spigot, but with significant improvements in performance and customization. Did you know? You can use it without plugins for a super optimized Vanilla experience. Additionally, the PaperMC team is very active and always willing to help you with any problem.

Paper

When to use PaperMC?

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ You need the best optimization possible.
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ You want to customize your server down to the last detail.
  • ๐Ÿ” You're looking for solid and active community support.

Fabric is a popular choice among modders because it's lightweight and easy to use. Fabric doesn't support Bukkit Plugins, but it has a wide modding community that offers a unique experience. Plus, it updates quickly after new Minecraft versions.

fabric

When to use Fabric?

  • ๐Ÿงฉ You want to experiment with lightweight mods.
  • ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ You need a server that updates quickly after new versions.
  • ๐ŸŽจ You're looking for flexibility and ease in mod creation.

Minecraft Bedrock is ideal if you're looking for a server that works on consoles, mobile devices, and PC. Although it has limitations in terms of customization and mods compared to Java, Bedrock is more accessible for players on different devices.

Minecraft Bedrock Edition

When to use Bedrock?

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ You need cross-platform compatibility.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ You have players on consoles and mobile devices.
  • ๐ŸŒ You want a server that's easy to set up and maintain.

Forge is the most used platform for installing complex and large-scale mods in Minecraft. Ideal for creating custom gaming experiences with a wide range of available mods, although it may require more resources and technical knowledge.

Forge

When to use Forge?

  • ๐Ÿ—๏ธ You want to build a server with advanced and complex mods.
  • ๐ŸŒŸ You need access to a huge mod library.
  • โš’๏ธ You're willing to invest time in configuring and optimizing your server.

Now that you know the differences between these versions, you can choose the one that best suits your server.

We hope this guide has been helpful and remember๐Ÿš€, don't hesitate to ask on HolyHosting Discordย or contact our support team.

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Best regards!!๐ŸŒŸ

Stuffyย @ HolyHosting

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