Paper, Fabric, Forge or NeoForge: which server software?
The server software decides whether you can use plugins or mods and how well the server runs. Which one suits you mostly depends on what you want to play.
5 min read · Updated 16 October 2026
Plugins or mods?
Plugins only run on the server. Players don't need to install anything and connect with normal Minecraft. Typical examples are land claims, homes, shops, ranks or minigames. Mods change the game itself, for example new blocks, machines or dimensions. For that, every player has to install the same mods too.
The software at a glance
- Vanilla: the original from Mojang. No plugins, no mods, but exactly the normal game behaviour.
- Paper: the most popular choice for plugins. Much faster than vanilla and compatible with most plugins (Bukkit and Spigot).
- Purpur: builds on Paper and offers many extra settings, for example for mobs and game rules. Paper plugins run here too.
- Fabric: lightweight, quick to support new Minecraft versions and popular for performance and technical mods.
- Forge: the classic for big mods and many older modpacks.
- NeoForge: the successor of Forge. Many new mods and modpacks for current versions rely on it.
Which one should I pick?
- You just want to play together, maybe with a few comfort features: Paper.
- You want to fine-tune game rules: Purpur.
- You want mods that add content: whatever the mods require, usually NeoForge or Fabric.
- You play a specific modpack: exactly the software and version the modpack requires.
- You want the pure game without changes: Vanilla.
Plugins and mods can't simply be mixed. A Paper server won't load Fabric mods and vice versa.
Switching at Navoryx
In the Panel under Versions you choose the software and Minecraft version; switching usually takes one to three minutes. Make a backup first: switching to an older version or different software can change the world. Afterwards you install plugins and mods in the Installer, matching the software and version.
Frequently asked questions
Is Paper better than Spigot?
For most servers, yes: Paper is based on Spigot, is faster and fixes many bugs. Spigot plugins almost always run on Paper too.
Do players need to install anything?
Not with Vanilla, Paper and Purpur. With Fabric, Forge and NeoForge and content mods, all players need the same mods, easiest via a launcher like Modrinth or CurseForge.
Can I switch software later?
Yes, in the Panel under Versions. But plugins and mods only fit their respective software, so make a backup first.