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Choose Paper if you want plugins, Purpur if you want Paper plus extra gameplay options, Fabric for lightweight and performance mods, and NeoForge (or Forge for older packs) for big content mods and modpacks. Plugins and mods don’t mix on these types. On a FREAKHOSTING server you switch type in a few seconds with Version Changer, but make a backup first.

What is the difference between plugins and mods?

A plugin runs only on the server. Players join with a normal, unmodded Minecraft client. Plugins add commands, permissions, protection, economy and minigames, but they can’t add new blocks or items. A mod changes the game itself. Content mods (new blocks, items, mobs, dimensions) must be installed on the server and on every player’s game. A mod loader (Fabric, Forge, NeoForge or Quilt) loads them, and a mod only works on the loader it was made for.

Paper vs Purpur vs Spigot: which plugin server?

Start with Paper. You can move to Purpur later with the same world and plugins, because Purpur is built on Paper and runs Paper plugins.

Fabric vs Forge vs NeoForge: which mod loader?

The rule is simple: use the loader your mods or modpack ask for. A Fabric mod won’t load on NeoForge, and the other way round. When you install a pack from Modpacks, the panel installs the right loader and version for you.

Can I run plugins and mods together?

Hybrid server types (Arclight, Mohist, Youer and Magma) load Forge or NeoForge mods and Bukkit plugins together. They are in Version Changer, but not every plugin works with every mod, and problems are harder to fix. For the most stable server, pick either plugins (Paper) or mods (Fabric or NeoForge).

Which proxy: Velocity or BungeeCord?

A proxy links several Minecraft servers behind one address. Velocity is the modern choice and supports secure modern forwarding. BungeeCord is older, and Waterfall is marked DEPRECATED in Version Changer. See the Velocity proxy guide.

How to switch server type with Version Changer

Never open a world in an older Minecraft version than it was last played on. It can corrupt the world. Make a backup before any change.
1

Make a backup

Click Backups, then Create backup. See create and restore backups.
2

Open Version Changer

Click Version Changer in the sidebar. The status line shows what is installed, for example Currently installed: Paper 26.1.1 (#29).
Version Changer page showing server type cards such as Vanilla, Paper, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, Velocity and Purpur, each with a number of versions and builds

Version Changer with a card for each server type

3

Pick the new type

Click the server type card. In the dialog, choose the Minecraft Version. The Build is set to the newest one.
4

Choose the options

Leave Delete Server Files off to keep your world. Switch on Accept EULA only if you have read and accept the Minecraft EULA. Keep Restart server afterwards if it was running on.
5

Click Change Version

The progress window runs from Preparing to Done. The sidebar now shows Plugins or Mods to match the new type.
Moving from Paper to a mod loader (or back) means your plugins stop loading. Your plugins folder stays on the server, so you can switch back later. For the full walkthrough, see change your server version.

Frequently asked questions

Is Purpur better than Paper?

Purpur is Paper plus extra settings, so it runs the same plugins with more ways to change gameplay. If you don’t need those settings, Paper is the simpler choice and gets updates first.

Is Fabric faster than Forge?

Fabric is lighter and has popular performance mods, but server speed depends mostly on how many mods you run and what they do. Choose the loader your mods need, not the one that sounds faster.

Should I use Forge or NeoForge?

For recent Minecraft versions most big modpacks use NeoForge. Use Forge when your pack or mods are made for Forge, which is common on older versions.

Do players need to install anything for Paper?

No. Paper and Purpur servers work with a normal Minecraft: Java Edition client. Only modded servers need players to install the same mods or modpack.

Can I go back to Vanilla?

Yes. Pick Vanilla in Version Changer with the same or a newer Minecraft version. Plugin and mod features stop working, but the world itself loads.

Minecraft server guide

Every Minecraft guide in one place.

Change your server version

Version Changer step by step.

Install plugins

Add plugins to Paper or Purpur.

Install mods

Add mods to Fabric, Forge or NeoForge.

Install a modpack

One-click packs with the right loader.

RAM for modded servers

How much memory each type needs.
Reviewed by the FREAKHOSTING team on 29 October 2026. Game Panel steps were checked on our panel (Minecraft 26.1, Paper and Fabric); game and plugin details follow their official documentation. Steps may differ slightly if the game or its plugins change.

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Last Updated: October 2026