Choosing Your Server Software: Vanilla, Spigot, Paper, Purpur, Forge, Fabric
The full ecology of server JARs, what each one is for, what it costs you, and which to actually run.
Why The JAR Matters
The server JAR is the program that runs your world. It dictates your performance ceiling, plugin/mod compatibility, and how much abuse the engine will tolerate before crashing. Pick wrong and no amount of RAM will save you.
The Software Landscape
| JAR | What It Is | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla | Mojang's reference build. No plugin API, no mods. | Tiny friend-only worlds. |
| Bukkit / CraftBukkit | Legacy plugin API. Defunct since the 2014 DMCA takedown. | Never. Archive only. |
| Spigot | Continuation of Bukkit. Easy plugins, big legacy support. | Outdated default. Pick Paper instead. |
| Paper (PaperMC) | Performance fork of Spigot with exploit fixes. | The recommended default for public servers. |
| Purpur | Drop-in replacement for Paper with extra config knobs. | When you want to bend core game mechanics. |
| Tuinity | Old high-TPS fork of Paper. | Obsolete, its work was merged into Paper. |
| Forge | Heavy modding API. Clients must install the same mods. | Big modpacks, especially 1.12.2 era. |
| Fabric | Lightweight modern modding API. | Tech / modern mod servers with server-side perf mods. |
What To Actually Pick
- Plugin server ā Paper. Always Paper.
- Plugin server with deep customization ā Purpur (it's Paper + extras).
- Modded server (modern) ā Fabric + Lithium + Starlight.
- Modded server (large traditional modpack) ā Forge.
- Tiny private world ā Vanilla is fine.
Switch The JAR On Endercloud
- 1Open the panel ā Settings ā Server Type
- 2Pick the new JAR + version
- 3Save ā restart the server
- 4Watch the console, first boot reformats some files
Switching from Paper to Forge (or vice versa) is a one-way move for your plugin/mod stack. Back up before you click.
Need More Help?
Not sure which to run? Drop your player count + plugin list in our Discord and we'll match you to a JAR.
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Still need help?
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