Paper vs Fabric vs Vanilla — which Minecraft should I pick?

All three are Minecraft Java Edition servers. Your friends join all three the same way. The difference is what you can add on top.

Vanilla

The official server from Mojang, unchanged.

• Pick it if: you want the game exactly as it ships, no extras.
• You can't: add plugins or mods.
• Bedrock players: can't join. Geyser needs Paper or Fabric.

Paper

A high-performance version of the server that runs plugins. Plugins are server-side add-ons: land claims, homes and warps, economy, anti-grief, minigames, and Geyser for Bedrock players.

• Pick it if: you want vanilla gameplay that runs smoother, with plugins.
• Players need: nothing extra. Plugins live on the server only.
• Watch out for: Paper fixes some vanilla bugs that technical players rely on (certain duping and redstone quirks). Most groups never notice.
• Bedrock players: can join through Geyser.

Fabric

A mod loader. Mods can change the game itself: new blocks, new mobs, new dimensions, performance mods, full modpacks.

• Pick it if: you want mods or a Fabric modpack.
• Players need: the same content mods installed on their client. Pure performance mods often only need to be on the server.
• Bedrock players: can join through the Geyser mod, but they won't see content from mods that add new blocks or items.

If your modpack is built for Forge or NeoForge instead of Fabric, ask us on Discord before you order.

Quick answer

• Just want to play together? Paper.
• Want mods or a modpack? Fabric.
• Want it untouched? Vanilla.

Changed your mind after ordering? Ask us on Discord before touching anything. A world can move between server types, but plugin data doesn't come along, so back up first.