Vanilla vs Paper vs Spigot vs Fabric vs Forge: Choose the right server type

Vanilla vs Paper vs Spigot vs Fabric vs Forge: choose the right server type

Picking the right Minecraft server type is the most important choice you’ll make before inviting friends. It defines what you can customize, how smoothly the world runs, and how hard it is to maintain over time. This guide breaks down the five most popular options—Vanilla, Paper, Spigot, Fabric, and Forge—using plain language and real-world scenarios so you can make a confident choice.

Quick definitions

• Vanilla: Official server from Mojang. No plugins or mods. Simple, stable, and familiar.

• Spigot: Performance-tuned fork of Bukkit. Massive plugin ecosystem. Long-standing community.

• Paper: High-performance fork of Spigot with more fixes and features. Compatible with most Spigot plugins.

• Forge: Classic mod loader for heavy content mods. Huge library. Best for big modpacks.

• Fabric: Lightweight mod loader with fast updates. Great for modern, optimized modpacks.

What are plugins vs mods?

• Plugins (Spigot/Paper): Server-side add-ons that don’t require players to install anything. Ideal for commands, ranks, minigames, protection, and QoL features.

• Mods (Forge/Fabric): Client + server add-ons that add new blocks, mobs, dimensions, tech, and magic systems. Players must install the same mods to join.

How to choose in one minute

• “I want the classic game, no extras.” → Vanilla

• “I want better performance and simple features like homes and ranks.” → Paper

• “I want a plugin-heavy server with a plugin my friends recommended.” → Paper (Spigot if a specific plugin requires it)

• “I want big content mods like Create, Thermal, or Biomes O’ Plenty.” → Forge

• “I want a modern, efficient modpack with fast updates.” → Fabric

Decision table

| Goal | Best fit | Why |

| --- | --- | --- |

| Zero setup, just play | Vanilla | Official, simple, and stable |

| General-purpose server with QoL features | Paper | Performance + plugin ecosystem |

| Legacy plugin compatibility | Spigot | Broad compatibility and maturity |

| Heavy modded content | Forge | Classic loader with huge mod library |

| Lightweight, modern modpacks | Fabric | Fast updates and efficient runtime |

Pros and cons you’ll actually feel in-game

Vanilla

• Pros: Simple, stable, official. Easy to keep up to date. Minimal breakage.

• Cons: No plugins or mods. Limited admin control beyond standard commands.

• Best for: Private worlds, survival with friends, teaching young/new players.

Spigot

• Pros: Mature plugin ecosystem, stable performance, widely supported by hosts.

• Cons: Fewer cutting-edge performance fixes than Paper; some plugins assume Paper now.

• Best for: Servers with older plugin dependencies or specific Spigot-only setups.

Paper

• Pros: Excellent performance, robust async handling, active development, and compatibility with most Spigot plugins.

• Cons: Occasional plugin edge cases; some devs target Spigot first.

• Best for: Most plugin servers—survival, SMP, creative plots, minigames.

Forge

• Pros: Enormous mod library, deep gameplay changes, classic modpack support.

• Cons: Heavier, more RAM hungry, updates can lag behind new MC versions.

• Best for: Content-rich modpacks with tech/magic progression.

Fabric

• Pros: Lightweight, very fast update cadence, tons of modern performance mods.

• Cons: Smaller library than Forge for older mods; some flagship mods remain Forge-only.

• Best for: Modern, efficient modpacks where performance matters.

Performance realities

If you’re hosting with limited resources, Paper usually gives the best experience for many players because it optimizes entity ticking, chunk loading, and I/O. Forge/Fabric modpacks can be smooth, but require tuning and careful mod selection. Vanilla scales surprisingly well for small groups.

Tips:

• Keep view distance 8–10, simulation 6–8 for most setups.

• Avoid keeping chunk loaders always on.

• Profile plugins/mods to find heavy hitters.

Migration advice

• Vanilla → Paper/Spigot: Easy. Keep your world, add plugins.

• Spigot ↔ Paper: Usually simple; most plugins work on both. Prefer Paper for performance.

• Paper → Forge/Fabric (or vice versa): Not directly compatible. You’re switching ecosystems (plugins vs mods). Treat it as a fresh server or test migration on a copy.

• Forge ↔ Fabric: Some tools like Patchwork exist historically but don’t count on seamless swaps. Choose one and build around it.

Always back up before switching, and test on a clone of your server to validate.

Popular loadouts that work well

Paper starter pack (plugins):

• LuckPerms: Roles, ranks, and permissions

• EssentialsX: Must-have commands

• Vault + an economy plugin: Foundation for shops and ranks

• WorldEdit + WorldGuard: Building tools and region protection

Fabric performance pack (mods):

• Lithium, Sodium, Starlight: Performance suite

• FerriteCore, MemoryLeakFix: Memory optimizations

• Krypton: Networking improvements

Forge tech pack (mods):

• Create, Immersive Engineering, Thermal Series: Deep progression

• JEI: Recipe browsing

• JourneyMap: Mapping

Security and stability

• Vanilla: Lowest maintenance, minimal attack surface.

• Paper/Spigot: Keep plugins from trusted sources, update intentionally, and audit permissions.

• Forge/Fabric: Match mod versions exactly between client and server; lock your pack once stable.

What we recommend for most players

• Start with Paper if you want a smooth, friendly server with classic gameplay plus a few quality-of-life features. You’ll get great performance, a huge plugin library, and easy management.

• Choose Forge or Fabric if your group loves modded adventures. Fabric is ideal for lightweight, modern packs; Forge still rules for many big-name content mods.

• Stick to Vanilla if you want the original experience without extra moving parts.

Choose the type that fits your friends and playstyle, then build around it. With the right foundation, your server will run smoothly, be easy to manage, and stay fun for the long haul.