| Software | Loads | Best for | On PenguHost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanilla | datapacks only | purists; identical to singleplayer | order Paper and set nothing, or ask us for a vanilla jar |
| Paper | Bukkit/Spigot/Paper plugins | almost every survival, SMP, minigame server; best performance | server type Paper |
| Purpur | same plugins as Paper + extra config | Paper with more knobs (ridable mobs, per-player options) | Paper server, swap the jar via Kowalski |
| Fabric | Fabric mods | light modded servers, performance mods, most 1.21+ packs | server type Fabric |
| Forge | Forge mods | classic modpacks up to 1.20.1 | server type Forge |
| NeoForge | NeoForge mods | most modpacks from 1.20.2 on | server type NeoForge |
| Velocity | proxy plugins | joining several servers into one network | a separate server; see Networks |
The short version
- You want plugins (economy, claims, minigames, permissions): Paper.
- You want mods (new blocks, machines, dimensions): the loader the modpack says (Fabric, Forge or NeoForge). Mods and plugins do not mix (a few Fabric mods emulate Bukkit; treat that as advanced).
- Bedrock players: Paper plus Geyser.
Switching later
The modpack installer changes a server from Paper to Fabric/Forge/NeoForge (and back, by installing a Paper "pack" or by asking Kowalski). Worlds survive, plugins/mods do not carry over.