Two Ways to Run a Bedrock Server
When you order a Minecraft Bedrock server from game-serverhosting, the configurator lets you choose between two server programs: the official Mojang BDS (recommended) and PocketMine-MP. Both host a Bedrock server, but they pursue different goals. This guide explains the differences so you can choose the option that fits you best.
What Is Mojang BDS?
BDS stands for Bedrock Dedicated Server – the official server software from Mojang itself. Its most important features:
- Always up to date: BDS supports the latest Bedrock protocol from release day. When your Minecraft app gets an update, you can keep playing right away – no waiting.
- Vanilla 1:1: The gameplay experience matches normal Minecraft exactly. Ideal for classic survival.
- Expandable with add-ons: Behavior and resource packs (the official add-ons) work just like in singleplayer.
- No plugins: BDS does not have a plugin system like PocketMine. Deep server mechanics (economy, complex minigames) are only possible to a limited extent.
What Is PocketMine-MP?
PocketMine-MP is open-source Bedrock server software written in PHP by an independent community. Its major advantage is expandability:
- Real plugin system: Thousands of plugins (e.g. from Poggit) add minigames, permissions, economy, custom mechanics, and much more – without you having to code yourself.
- Ideal for custom servers: If you want to build a minigame, Skyblock, or roleplay server, this is the right choice.
The price for that: PocketMine lags a few days behind the official protocol after every Mojang update. During this short time window, players with the brand-new app version may not be able to join yet until PocketMine catches up. For vanilla survival with guaranteed crossplay, that is a downside – for a plugin server whose community usually waits anyway, it is mostly manageable.
Comparison at a Glance
| Criterion | Mojang BDS (recommended) | PocketMine-MP |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol updates | up to date daily (release day) | a few days of delay |
| Plugins | no | yes (e.g. Poggit) |
| Add-ons / behavior packs | yes, fully | limited |
| Vanilla accuracy | 1:1 | slightly different |
| Best for | Survival, vanilla, stable crossplay | Minigames, custom servers |
Which Option Fits You?
- Choose BDS if you play classic survival with friends, want to keep playing immediately on the release day of every new version, and need maximum stability. This is the right choice for most players – that is why BDS is our default option.
- Choose PocketMine if you want plugins, minigames, or your own server mechanics and can live with a short update lag after Mojang releases.
Both Can Be Ordered at game-serverhosting
You do not have to decide in advance: simply choose Minecraft Bedrock as the game in the order wizard. Right after that, the variant selection appears – BDS is preselected as recommended, while PocketMine is available as an alternative with a note about the update lag. The price is identical for both variants.
You can order here: Rent a Minecraft Bedrock Server.
Moving Between BDS and PocketMine
Have you chosen one option and want to switch later? That works – but there is an important difference between world data and extensions:
- Your world moves with you: Both servers use the same Bedrock world format (LevelDB). So you can transfer your world folder from BDS to PocketMine (or the other way around). The guide Upload & switch Minecraft world shows you how to upload and switch a world.
- Extensions do NOT move with you: PocketMine plugins (
.phar) do not run on BDS, and BDS add-ons are not PocketMine plugins. Permissions and configurations are also structured differently depending on the software and must be set up again on the target server.
Recommended process: Back up world → order a new server with the target variant → upload world → set up add-ons or plugins again. If you need help with this, our support team will assist you.
Summary
BDS is the default option: up to date daily, true to vanilla, expandable with add-ons – the best choice for survival and stable crossplay. PocketMine is the choice for plugin and minigame servers, with a short update lag as a compromise. You can order both from game-serverhosting, and your world data can be transferred between them. Want to bring Java and Bedrock players together on one server? That is a different topic – see Set up Bedrock crossplay.