Paper, Fabric, Forge or NeoForge: Which Minecraft Server Type to Choose
Before setting up the server there's one decision that shapes everything else: which software runs it. A server built for plugins isn't the same as one built for mods, and you can't mix them.
The short rule
If you want to play normal Minecraft and have your friends join without installing anything: Paper. If you want mods (more blocks, dimensions, machines): Fabric, Forge or NeoForge, depending on the mods you want. And if you're going to use a modpack, pick whichever the modpack says.
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Paper: plugins and performance
Paper is an optimised version of the official server that also supports plugins (Bukkit and Spigot ones). Players join with the unmodified game, even from Bedrock if you add Geyser (Java and Bedrock together). It's the choice for communities, survival with friends, minigames or economy servers. Purpur is a Paper variant with more gameplay settings.
Fabric: lightweight mods and new versions
Fabric is a small, fast mod loader that's usually updated very quickly to new Minecraft versions. It's the usual choice for performance and quality-of-life mods. Players also have to install the mods that show up on screen (client-side).
Forge and NeoForge: the big modpacks
Forge is the classic loader, with the longest mod catalogue, especially on old versions. NeoForge came out of Forge and is the one recent versions use. Each mod is for one loader only: they don't mix with each other or with Fabric. Heavy modpacks usually need more RAM; see our RAM guide to work it out, and how to install a modpack.
Switching from one to another
Take a backup
From “Backups” in the panel, just in case.
Open “Mods & plugins” → “Server type”
Choose Paper, Fabric, Forge or NeoForge and the Minecraft version.
Press “Change”
The world is kept. Paper plugins don't work on Fabric or Forge, and mods don't work on Paper: each folder (plugins or mods) is for its own type.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use plugins and mods at the same time?
On a normal server, no: Paper uses plugins and Fabric, Forge or NeoForge use mods. There are unofficial hybrids (Arclight, Mohist), but they cause problems: we explain it, with the mods that do the same job as each plugin, in the guide “Mods and plugins together on a Minecraft server”.
Which is best for performance?
For plugins, Paper. For mods, Fabric is usually the lightest, but what weighs most is the number of mods and how much terrain has been explored.
What if I pick the wrong one?
On NapNodes you switch from the panel, keeping your world. What doesn't switch by itself is the plugins or mods you already had: you have to put them back for the new type.
Shall we set it up for you?
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Your server doesn't show up in the game? Check it in a second with “Is my Minecraft server online?”: players, version and MOTD, free. Need a player's UUID for the whitelist or permissions? Look it up here. Handing out enchanted items? Build the command with the /give generator.
Free tool: Which Java do I need?. Type your Minecraft version or paste the Java error and we'll tell you which Java your server or your game needs.
Keep reading
- How to Add Mods to a Minecraft Server
Fabric, Forge or NeoForge, which mods go on the server and which on the client, and how to get your friends in without fighting over versions.
- How to Choose Minecraft Server Hosting: What to Check Before You Pay
What to check when renting a Minecraft server: dedicated or shared RAM, CPU, location, backups, mods and refunds. For comparing any host.
- Minecraft server.properties Explained: the Settings That Matter
What each important server.properties option does (motd, max-players, view-distance, online-mode…), where to edit it, when to restart and where pvp went.