Server Software · Guide 3
Choosing Server Software: Paper, Purpur, Forge, Fabric, or NeoForge?
Understanding the difference between plugin platforms, modern mod loaders, and vanilla.
Overview Matrix
| Software | Category | Performance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | Plugins (Spigot/Bukkit) | Exceptional | SMPs, economy servers, public communities |
| Purpur | Plugins (Paper fork) | Extreme TPS tuning | High-player-count SMPs with custom game knobs |
| NeoForge | Modern Mods (1.20.4+) | High | All The Mods 10, Prominence II, 2026 packs |
| Fabric | Lightweight Mods | Very Fast | Cobblemon, Sodium/Lithium optimization, tech mods |
| Forge | Classic Mods (1.7–1.20) | Moderate | RLCraft (1.12.2), Tekkit (1.7.10), SevTech |
| Vanilla | Official Mojang | Basic | Redstone purists, snapshot testing, pure 100% vanilla |
Plugins vs. Mods: Crucial Distinction
Plugins (Paper / Purpur)
Players do not need to install anything on their client. They join with standard Minecraft. Plugins handle economy, land protection (WorldGuard), rollback (CoreProtect), and permissions (LuckPerms).
Mods (Fabric / Forge / NeoForge)
Add new blocks, dimensions, creatures, and items. Players must install the exact same mods on their launcher (via CurseForge or Modrinth App) to connect.
How to Switch Software
You can change your software anytime in Chunkly:
- Stop your server in the Chunkly panel.
- Take a backup under the Backups tab.
- Navigate to the Software tab.
- Select your new engine and click Switch.
- Start your server.