Minecraft: core and version (Paper, Forge, NeoForge, Fabric)
How to switch the core or version in two clicks and which Java to choose.
Which core to choose
| Core | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Vanilla | The pure game without mods or plugins |
| Paper / Purpur | Plugins (Bukkit/Spigot), the best performance |
| Forge | Mods and most older modpacks (1.12.2, 1.16.5, 1.20.1) |
| NeoForge | Mods and modpacks for 1.20.4+ |
| Fabric | Lightweight mods, optimisation |
Plugins and mods don't mix: plugins only work on Paper/Purpur, mods on Forge/NeoForge/Fabric.
Switching the core or version
- Make a backup.
- Go to "Mods and plugins" → the core switching tab → choose the core and Minecraft version → install.
- Start the server.
When you change the version upwards (1.20 → 1.21), the world usually opens. Downwards is not possible: the world can get corrupted.
"Startup" may still say Forge: that is the startup template and it doesn't matter. The server runs whichever core is installed.
Java
The right Java is chosen in "Startup" → Docker Image: 1.12–1.16 needs Java 8, 1.17–1.20.4 Java 17, 1.20.5–1.21 Java 21, 26.x Java 25.