Vanilla, Paper, Fabric or Forge: which Minecraft server type should you pick?

"Minecraft server" can mean several different programs. The one you pick decides whether you can use plugins, mods, or neither, so choose before you build your world.

Vanilla

The official server from Mojang. It plays exactly like the base game, with no plugins or mods. Choose it for a simple survival world with friends.

Paper (and Spigot, Purpur)

Paper is a faster version of the official server that supports plugins. It is the most popular choice for public servers, minigames and survival servers with extras like homes, ranks and protection. Purpur is a Paper fork with even more settings.

Fabric

A lightweight mod loader. Fabric mods usually update quickly to new Minecraft versions and tend to be light on resources. Most Fabric mods also need the Fabric API mod.

Forge and NeoForge

Mod loaders used by many large modpacks that add new blocks, dimensions and machines. They need more RAM than Paper or Fabric.

Which one should I pick?

• Plain world with friends: Vanilla
• Plugins, ranks, minigames: Paper
• Light client and server mods: Fabric
• Big modpacks: Forge or NeoForge, depending on the pack

Important: plugins (Paper) and mods (Fabric, Forge) are different things and do not work in each other's folders.