Java Edition server software allows for Java Edition players to play on multiplayer servers. Official Java Edition server software includes Realms, with unofficial software being plenteous. Some unofficial server software can be found below.
Official Server Software
With every release, Mojang releases official server software. This is always available with every major release and snapshot.
Name | Main Developer(s) | Latest supported JE version | Programming Language |
---|---|---|---|
Java Server | Mojang Studios | Latest | Java |
Plugins
Some un-official software allows you to run plugins natively in the game. These plugins and the software used to run them are not run or maintained by Mojang Studios.
Name | Main Developer(s) | Latest supported JE version | Programming Language | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spigot | md_5 | 1.16.5 | Java | Spigot is the continuation of CraftBukkit that is actively maintained and adds more functionality for plugin developers as well as server fixes and configurations. |
Paper | Aikar | 1.16.5 | Java | Paper is a fork of Spigot with a focus on performance enhancements. It also provides even more API for plugin developers and expose more server settings. |
Tuinity | SpottedLeaf | 1.16.5 | Java | Tuinity is a fork of Paper that aims to be more optimized for high player count servers. |
SpongeVanilla | Sponge | 1.12.2 | Java | A server implementing the Sponge API, a different plugin API separate from the Bukkit API used by the above three. This implementation also includes some general improvements regarding performance and server settings. |
CraftBukkit | SpigotMC, Formerly The Bukkit Project | 1.16.5 | Java | CraftBukkit added Plugin support to Minecraft and exposed some additional server settings. After it was abandoned by the BukkitDev team, SpigotMC took up development of it, to keep it up to date with the latest versions. |
Purpur | BillyGalbreath | 1.16.5 | Java | Purpur is a fork of Paper and Tuinity with the goal of providing new and interesting configuration options, which allow for creating a unique gameplay experience not seen anywhere else. |
Yatopia | YatopiaMC | 1.16.5 | Java | Yatopia is a fork which combines the code from many Paper forks and optimization mods, as well as many unique optimizations. |
Modded
Some un-official software allows you to run modded versions of the game. These mods and the software used to run them are not run or maintained by Mojang Studios.
Name | Main Developer(s) | Latest supported JE version | Programming Language | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
Forge | Forge | 1.16.5 | Java | Forge is a server software based on the MCP. Both the server and client need to be running the mods. |
Fabric | Fabric | 21w11a | Java | Fabric, unlike Forge, is not based on the MCP. This allows it to be updated for snapshots easier. It is incompatible with Forge. |
Plugins + Mods
Some un-official software allows you to run modded versions of the game as well as plugins. These mods, plugins and the software used to run them are not run or maintained by Mojang Studios.
Name | Main Developer(s) | Latest supported JE version | Programming Language | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
SpongeForge | Sponge | 1.12.2 | Java | SpongeForge allows both SpongeVanila plugins as well as Forge mods on one server. |
Magma | Haxception | 1.12.2 (1.16.5?) | Java | Minecraft Forge Hybrid server implementing the Spigot/Bukkit API (Cauldron for 1.12) |
Mohist | Mohist Community | 1.16.5 | Java | Minecraft Forge Hybrid server implementing the Paper/Spigot/Bukkit API(1.12.2/1.16), formerly known as Thermos/Kettle/Cauldron/MCPC+ |
Arclight | IzzelAliz | 1.16.5 | Java | A Minecraft Bukkit(1.15/1.16) server implementation on Forge using Mixin |
CatServer | Luohuayu | 1.12.2 | Java | A Minecraft 1.12.2 Forge+Bukkit+Spigot Hybrid server supporting most mods and plugins to run stably |
Proxies
Some un-official software allows you to chain multiple servers together behind a proxy. This allows you to switch servers without actually leaving.
Name | Main Developer(s) | Supported JE version(s) | Programming Language | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bungeecord | SpigotMC | 1.8 through 1.16.4 | Java | Bungeecord is a simple proxy software that allows you to switch servers. |
Waterfall | PaperMC | 1.8 through 1.16.4 | Java | Waterfall is a fork of Bungeecord with better support for Forge. |
Travertine | PaperMC | 1.7 through 1.16.4 | Java | Travertine is a fork of Waterfall with 1.7 support. |
Velocity | Velocity | 1.7.2 through 1.16.5 | Java | Velocity is an independent software with added security. |
Protocol Translators
Some un-official software allows you to connect to Bedrock edition servers from Java Edition or vice versa.
Name | Main Developer(s) | Supported JE version(s) | Programming Language | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
BigBrother | BigBrotherTeam, Shoghi Cervantes (Formerly) | 1.12.2 and 1.16.4 | PHP | Requires PocketMine-MP Server software which supports Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and allows you to join from Java Edition |
GeyserMC | GeyserMC | 1.16.5 | Java | Lets you join Java servers from a bedrock device. Available as a BungeeCord, Spigot, Sponge, or Velocity plugin or standalone to join any java server. |