Find the best Minecraft server software. We compare top open-source projects by performance and features to help you pick the right one for your needs.
Paper is a high-performance server implementation for hosting multiplayer Minecraft games. It functions as a performance-oriented game engine designed to reduce resource usage and resolve mechanical inconsistencies in game logic. The project provides a platform for extending server logic and adding custom gameplay features through a dedicated plugin API. This allows for the development and integration of third-party extensions to add specialized capabilities to the server environment. The software covers several technical areas including server performance optimization for high-concurrency e
Paper is a high-performance Minecraft server implementation with a full Bukkit/Spigot plugin API, performance optim
Tenet is a Java-based Minecraft server runtime designed to host multiplayer sessions that incorporate both complex custom content and server-side modifications. It functions as a modding platform that integrates distinct server ecosystems into a single, unified environment. The project distinguishes itself by enabling the simultaneous execution of Forge mods alongside Bukkit or Spigot plugins within one server instance. By bridging these traditionally separate frameworks, it allows administrators to combine diverse gameplay features and management tools that would otherwise be incompatible.
Tenet is a Minecraft Forge hybrid server that implements the Spigot/Bukkit API, making it a direct fit for hosting multiplayer games with plugin support, though its version support and optimization level may vary.
CatServer is a hybrid Minecraft server implementation designed to simultaneously execute Forge mods and Bukkit or Spigot plugins within a single environment. It functions as a runtime bridge that enables the integration of heterogeneous modding and plugin ecosystems, allowing content from both sources to operate together. The project provides a compatibility layer that translates plugin dependencies and synchronizes data between external extensions and internal game logic. By utilizing a unified classloader hierarchy and runtime bytecode instrumentation, it allows standard server extensions t
CatServer is a Minecraft server implementation that combines Forge mod support with Bukkit/Spigot plugin APIs for high performance and compatibility, fitting the intent well—though it targets specific older versions (1.12.2/1.16.5/1.18.2) rather than the latest release.