Paper, Fabric, Forge or NeoForge: which Minecraft server type to pick
The difference between Vanilla, Paper, Fabric, Forge and NeoForge Minecraft servers, which one fits how you want to play, and how to switch safely.
Updated 3 November 2026 · 4 min read
When you create a server or open the Versions page, you pick a server type. This choice decides whether you can use plugins or mods, and what your friends need to install.
Quick answer
| You want to | Pick | Friends need |
|---|---|---|
| Play normal Minecraft, smooth | Paper | Nothing, just normal Minecraft |
| Add homes, claims, ranks, economy | Paper + plugins | Nothing |
| Add performance mods and small mods | Fabric | The same mods (most of them) |
| Play a big modpack or classic tech/magic mods | NeoForge or Forge, whatever the pack uses | The same modpack |
| Exactly the official server, no changes | Vanilla | Nothing |
Paper
Paper is a faster version of the official server that also runs plugins. Players join with normal Minecraft, from any launcher. For most friends and family servers without mods, Paper is the best pick. Plugins are installed from the Plugins page: see How to install plugins.
Fabric
Fabric is a light, quick-to-update mod loader. It has lots of performance mods and smaller mods that add to vanilla without changing it too much. New Minecraft versions usually get Fabric mods first. See How to install mods.
Forge and NeoForge
Forge runs many of the big, classic mods and older modpacks. NeoForge started as a fork of Forge and is where most newer big mods and modpacks are made. If you install a modpack, the panel picks the right one for you: see How to install a modpack.
Mods and plugins don't mix
Plugins only run on Paper, and mods only run on Fabric, Forge or NeoForge. A Fabric mod doesn't work on Forge either. Pick one path for your server, based on what you want to play.
Switching later
You can switch on the Versions page. Make a backup first, and leave Wipe server files off. Your world usually carries over, but blocks and items from mods you remove will disappear. See How to change your server version.