> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Paper vs Purpur vs Fabric vs Forge: Which Minecraft Server? > Paper vs Purpur, Fabric vs Forge or NeoForge: which Minecraft server type to choose for plugins or mods, how they differ and how to switch with Version Changer. 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. | You want | Choose | Sidebar page you get | | - | - | - | | Plugins (EssentialsX, LuckPerms, GriefPrevention) | Paper or Purpur | **Plugins** | | Mods (new blocks, mobs, machines) | NeoForge, Forge or Fabric | **Mods** | | A ready-made modpack | Use **Modpacks**: it installs the loader for you | **Mods** | | Several servers behind one address | Velocity | **Plugins** (Velocity plugins) | *** ## 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? | Server type | What it is | Choose it when | | - | - | - | | **Paper** | A fast, stable fork of Spigot that runs Bukkit and Spigot plugins. Includes the spark profiler from 1.21 onwards. | You want plugins. This is our default recommendation. | | **Purpur** | A fork of Paper with many extra settings (rideable mobs, gameplay tweaks) in its own `purpur.yml`. Runs Paper plugins. | You want Paper plus more options to change vanilla behaviour. | | **Pufferfish** | A Paper fork tuned for busy servers. | You run a large plugin server and want extra performance options. | | **Spigot** | The older plugin server Paper is based on. | Rarely. Paper runs the same plugins faster. | | **Folia** | Splits the world into regions that run on several CPU cores. | Very large servers only. Plugins must be made for Folia, so most won't work. | | **Leaves**, **Leaf**, **DivineMC**, **Canvas**, **ASPaper** | Other forks in the Paper family with their own focus. | You know you need what they offer. | > [!TIP] > > 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? | Loader | Strengths | Choose it when | | - | - | - | | **Fabric** | Light and quick to update to new Minecraft versions. Popular for performance, technical and smaller content mods. Most Fabric mods need **Fabric API**. | Your mods are made for Fabric, or you want a "vanilla plus" server. | | **NeoForge** | A newer fork of Forge. Most large modpacks for recent versions use it. | Your mods or modpack ask for NeoForge. | | **Forge** | The classic loader. Many older modpacks use it. | You play an older pack or older Minecraft version. | | **Quilt** (experimental) | A Fabric-compatible loader. | A mod you need is made for Quilt. | 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/setting-up-bungeecord-velocity-proxy-network.md). *** ## How to switch server type with Version Changer > [!WARNING] > > 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md). **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](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc/images/games/minecraft/mc-version-changer.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc\&q=85\&s=0e5ed5ea91eea402212794be1fa4d1c1) 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](https://www.minecraft.net/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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/changing-your-minecraft-server-version.md). *** ## 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. *** ## Related guides > **[Minecraft server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/minecraft-server-hosting-guide.md)** > > Every Minecraft guide in one place. > **[Change your server version](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/changing-your-minecraft-server-version.md)** > > Version Changer step by step. > **[Install plugins](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-install-plugins.md)** > > Add plugins to Paper or Purpur. > **[Install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-install-mods-on-a-minecraft-server.md)** > > Add mods to Fabric, Forge or NeoForge. > **[Install a modpack](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-install-a-minecraft-modpack.md)** > > One-click packs with the right loader. > **[RAM for modded servers](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-much-ram-do-i-need-for-my-modded-minecraft-server.md)** > > How much memory each type needs. > [!NOTE] > > **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. *** > [!NOTE] > > ### Need Extra Help? > > If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist: > > * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website. > * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) > * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting) > * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com) > [!TIP] > > ### Save on Your Hosting > > Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order! *** **Last Updated:** October 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.