Minecraft Server Software

Mojang's own server runs vanilla Minecraft. Most servers with plugins use a fork instead, because forks fix performance problems and add the API plugins are built on.

Paper is the common starting point. It is a performance-focused fork of Spigot that also corrects many gameplay inconsistencies, and most plugins target it first. If you are unsure what to use, start here.

Purpur is a fork of Paper that adds a large set of configuration options and extra gameplay features. It is intended as a drop-in replacement for Paper, so a server can switch to it and keep its plugins. Choose it if you want the additional options.

Folia is a Paper fork with a different design: it divides the world into regions and ticks them on separate threads, so a server with many spread-out players can use more CPU cores. That changes the rules for plugins, and a plugin must be written for Folia to work on it. Choose Folia only if you have the player load to benefit and every plugin you need supports it.

Whichever you choose, update regularly. Server software receives security and performance fixes, and plugins assume you are on a recent version.

Can I switch from Paper to Purpur later? Purpur is designed as a replacement for Paper, so switching is a matter of replacing the jar. Back up first and read its notes on settings that differ.

Do all plugins work on Folia? No. A plugin has to declare support for Folia's threading model. Check each plugin before moving.

Is vanilla good enough for a small private server? For a few friends with no plugins, yes. Add a fork when you want plugins or better performance.