Best Minecraft server version for plugins (what to choose and why)
The best Minecraft server version for plugins is the newest one that all of your important plugins explicitly support, running on Paper or a Paper fork. The newest version is not always best, because some plugins lag behind updates.
How to decide
- List the plugins you must have, such as permissions, economy, protection and your gamemode plugin.
- Open each plugin's download page and read its supported versions.
- Pick the highest version they all support.
- Check your players' client versions.
Use Paper
Paper is a common choice for plugin servers because it runs Bukkit and Spigot plugins and has performance improvements. Plain vanilla does not load plugins at all.
Older versions
Some communities run older versions for PvP style or a plugin that was never updated. Older versions can lack security fixes and newer blocks, so weigh that.
Let more players join
ViaVersion and related plugins can let clients on other versions connect. They can be convenient but can introduce quirks, so test.
Before updating
- Back up the world and plugins folder.
- Test on a copy.
- Read plugin changelogs.
Tabi Cloud
You can switch the jar in the Files tab and keep a backup first. Our update guide covers the safe way to change versions.
Common mistakes
- Updating the server the day a new version drops.
- Using a plugin built for a different Minecraft version.
- Mixing Forge or Fabric mods with Bukkit plugins on one jar without a hybrid solution.
- Skipping backups.