Server Plugins Guide

Everything about server software and plugins.

Server-side only

No client install

Best Minecraft Server Software: Paper vs Spigot

Recommended

Paper

100M+ downloads

The most popular server software. Optimized fork of Spigot with async chunks.

Spigot

50M+ downloads

Original plugin platform. Maximum vanilla parity with plugin support.

Purpur

10M+ downloads

Paper fork with gameplay customization. Rideable mobs, toggleable mechanics.

Velocity

5M+ downloads

High-performance proxy for server networks. Replaces BungeeCord.

Essential Minecraft Server Plugins

EssentialsX

Core

Homes, warps, kits, economy, and 100+ commands

LuckPerms

Permissions

Advanced permission system with web editor

WorldGuard

Protection

Region protection and flag management

Vault

API

Economy and permissions API bridge

CoreProtect

Logging

Block logging and rollback

Spark

Performance

Performance profiler and monitoring

Minecraft Plugin Categories & Types

Economy

Vault, EssentialsX Economy, CMI

Protection

WorldGuard, GriefPrevention, Lands

Chat

LPC, ChatEx, VentureChat

Minigames

Citizens, Quests, Jobs

AntiCheat

Vulcan, Matrix, Spartan

World Management

Multiverse, WorldEdit, FAWE

What's the difference between plugins and mods?

Plugins are server-side only - players don't need anything installed. Mods require both client and server to have matching installations. Plugins add features through the server software API.

Paper vs Spigot - which is better?

Paper is generally recommended. It's faster, more secure, and fixes more vanilla bugs. Spigot is more conservative but may have slightly better vanilla parity.

Where do I download plugins?

SpigotMC.org, Modrinth, Hangar (Paper's site), and Polymart are the main sources. Always use official sites to avoid malware.

How many plugins can a server run?

Depends on server hardware and plugin quality. Well-optimized servers run 50-100+ plugins. Start with essentials and add more as needed.

Explore More Minecraft Plugins & Resources

Check out our mods guide or browse servers.

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