Add plugins (Paper/Spigot) or mods to a Minecraft server

Overview

Plugins extend Minecraft server functionality (chat, economy, griefing protection) without requiring clients to install anything, while mods require client installation but offer deeper gameplay changes. Choose plugins for simplicity or mods for extensive customization.

Part 1: Using Plugins (Paper/Spigot)

What are plugins?

Plugins are server-side extensions that players don't need to install. They're the easiest way to add features like:
- Anti-griefing protection (WorldGuard, GriefPrevention)
- Economy systems (Vault, Essentials)
- Chat formatting (ChatControl)
- Vanish/admin tools (Essentials, Admin Plus)

Plugins require either Spigot (mod API) or Paper (optimized Spigot fork). Paper is recommended for better performance.

Step 1: Back up your world

cd /home/minecraft/server
sudo -u minecraft cp -r world world.backup

Step 2: Download Paper server jar

Visit papermc.io and download the latest stable version for your desired Minecraft version, or use wget:

cd /home/minecraft/server
sudo -u minecraft wget https://api.papermc.io/v2/projects/paper/versions/1.20.1/builds/138/downloads/paper-1.20.1-138.jar

Replace the version number and build ID with your target version.

Step 3: Replace the server jar

sudo -u minecraft mv server.jar server-vanilla.jar
sudo -u minecraft mv paper-1.20.1-138.jar server.jar

Step 4: Accept the EULA for the new jar

cd /home/minecraft/server
sudo -u minecraft echo "eula=true" > eula.txt

Step 5: Start the server to generate the plugins folder

cd /home/minecraft/server
sudo -u minecraft java -Xmx2048M -Xms2048M -jar server.jar nogui

Wait for "Done! For help, type 'help'", then type stop to shut down. A plugins/ directory will be created.

Step 6: Download and install plugins

Common plugin sources:
- SpigotMC
- Bukkit Dev
- PolyMart

Example: Install WorldGuard (griefing protection)

cd /home/minecraft/server/plugins
sudo -u minecraft wget https://dev.bukkit.org/projects/worldguard/files/latest/download -O worldguard.jar

Repeat for other plugins (Essentials, etc.). Each plugin goes into plugins/ as a .jar file.

Step 7: Restart the server

cd /home/minecraft/server
sudo -u minecraft java -Xmx2048M -Xms2048M -jar server.jar nogui

Check the console for plugin load messages. Most plugins generate config files in plugins/ on first run.

Step 8: Configure plugins

Edit plugin configs (usually in plugins/WorldGuard/, plugins/Essentials/, etc.):

sudo -u minecraft nano /home/minecraft/server/plugins/Essentials/config.yml

Restart the server after config changes:

# In the server console, type:
reload

Or stop and restart.

Part 2: Using Mods (Forge/Fabric)

What are mods?

Mods are client-side and/or server-side modifications that require players to install them. They offer:
- New items, blocks, and dimensions
- Gameplay mechanics overhauls
- Visual and performance enhancements

Popular mod loaders: Forge (larger ecosystem), Fabric (lighter, faster).

Step 1: Choose your mod loader and Minecraft version

For this example, we'll use Fabric (easier to install). Visit fabricmc.net.

Step 2: Back up your world

cd /home/minecraft/server
sudo -u minecraft cp -r world world.backup

Step 3: Download Fabric server launcher

cd /home/minecraft/server
sudo -u minecraft wget https://maven.fabricmc.net/net/fabricmc/fabric-installer/0.11.2/fabric-installer-0.11.2.jar

Check fabricmc.net/use/server for the latest version.

Step 4: Install Fabric

cd /home/minecraft/server
sudo -u minecraft java -jar fabric-installer-0.11.2.jar server -mcversion 1.20.1 -loader 0.14.22 -installer 0.11.2

Replace versions with the latest. This generates fabric-server-launch.jar.

Step 5: Rename and set up

cd /home/minecraft/server
sudo -u minecraft mv server.jar server-backup.jar
sudo -u minecraft mv fabric-server-launch.jar server.jar
sudo -u minecraft echo "eula=true" > eula.txt

Step 6: Create the mods folder

cd /home/minecraft/server
sudo -u minecraft mkdir -p mods

Step 7: Download mods

Visit CurseForge or Modrinth and download mods compatible with your loader and version.

Example: Download a mod manually or with wget:

cd /home/minecraft/server/mods
sudo -u minecraft wget https://cdn.modrinth.com/data/example-mod/versions/example-mod-1.0.jar

Step 8: Start the server

cd /home/minecraft/server
sudo -u minecraft java -Xmx2048M -Xms2048M -jar server.jar nogui

The server will load all mods in the mods/ folder on startup.

Step 9: Distribute the modpack to players

Players must install the same mods locally:
1. Install Fabric Loader (same version as the server)
2. Copy all mods from server/mods/ into their local .minecraft/mods/ folder
3. Launch with the Fabric profile

Use a modpack manager like Prism Launcher to simplify distribution.

Important Notes

• Plugin dependencies: Some plugins require others (e.g., WorldGuard needs WorldEdit). Check the plugin page for dependencies.
• Mod compatibility: Not all mods work together. Check mod pages for known conflicts.
• Server performance: Too many mods/plugins can slow down the server. Monitor with /timings on (Paper) and reduce if needed.
• Player installation: With mods, every player must install the same mods. With plugins, only the server needs them.

Troubleshooting

Plugins won't load:
- Check console for errors: [ERROR] [PluginName]
- Verify the .jar file is in plugins/
- Check plugin compatibility with your server version

Mods crashing on startup:
- Verify all players have the same mods
- Check mod order (some mods depend on load order)
- Use Prism Launcher to manage versioning

Server running slow:
- Reduce entity/chunk load limits in server.properties
- Disable CPU-heavy plugins/mods
- Check available RAM: free -h

Next Steps

• Run a Minecraft server as a systemd service for stable plugin/mod server management
• Visit plugin documentation for configuration and permission setup