When it comes to setting up a Minecraft server, deciding on the right server software isn't an easy call.
With a host of options available, selecting the ideal one can be completely challenging.
That said, in this article, we'll delve into the three most sought-after options: Vanilla, PaperMC, and Spigot, and give you complete intuition to aid you in making an informed decision.
Vanilla
The standard server software that accompanies Minecraft is Vanilla Minecraft Server Software.
It offers an elementary option and doesn't offer any support for plugins or mods.
It's the perfect option for gamers who want to experience Minecraft in its purified form.
Setting up Vanilla is a child's play, and it doesn't need much in terms of resources. However, it absences the skill to personalize, which might not go down well with some players.
Advantages
Easy to set up
Requires minimal resources
Pure Minecraft experience
Disadvantages
Limited customization options
No support for plugins or mods
Who is it for
Players who want a basic Minecraft experience
Players who have limited resources
Spigot
Spigot, a server software for Minecraft, has garnered a significant following due to its association with the popular Bukkit server software.
With Spigot, players can take advantage of plugins that allow them to integrate new functionalities into their Minecraft servers.
This particular software is highly versatile, allowing players to tailor their Minecraft experience to their individual preferences.
That being said, Spigot does require significant resources and may prove to be a more formidable challenge to set up than Vanilla.
Advantages
Supports plugins
Highly customizable
Ideal for creating a unique Minecraft experience
Disadvantages
Requires more resources than Vanilla
Challenging to set up
Who is it for
Players who want to add new features to their Minecraft server
Players who want to create a unique Minecraft experience
PaperMC
If you're searching for a Minecraft server software that provides absolute performance, you might want to acknowledge PaperMC.
It's pretty popular and has been built on the Spigot server software, with the aim of arranging a faster and more optimized version.
This makes it a great option for players looking for the best achievable performance. With PaperMC, you get the added asset of support for plugins, which makes it very customizable.
It's important to note that setting up PaperMC can be a bit more challenging than Spigot, as resources are required to ensure it runs smoothly.
Advantages
Faster and more optimized than Spigot
Supports plugins
Highly customizable
Disadvantages
Requires even more resources than Spigot
Even more challenging to set up
Who is it for
Players who want the best possible performance
Players who want to create a highly customized Minecraft experience
Comparison
In terms of performance and the level of customization it offers, PaperMC stands out as the accessible option.
However, it's worth mentioning that setting up PaperMC can be challenging and it needs a notable amount of resources.
On the other hand, Spigot is a great middle-ground as its actions correct performance and doesn't need as many resources as PaperMC.
Vanilla, however, is by far the easiest option to set up, but it falls short in terms of customization options.
In regard to community support and updates, each of the three options boasts an engaged user base and is frequently updated.