BDS is usually the right choice if you want to run a Minecraft Bedrock server that feels as normal as possible with a stable Vanilla experience. PocketMine-MP is a better fit if plugins, minigames, or your own server logic are more important than full Vanilla accuracy. Both options have clear strengths; what matters is what kind of server you want to build.
Two Paths for Minecraft Bedrock
When you order a Minecraft Bedrock server from game-serverhosting, you can choose between two server programs in the configurator: the official Mojang BDS and PocketMine-MP. Both provide a Bedrock server, but they pursue different goals.
BDS is based on Mojang's official Bedrock server software. PocketMine-MP is an independent open-source project with its own plugin ecosystem. For you, that means the decision affects more than just a technical detail: it affects gameplay feel, extensibility, update planning, and later maintenance effort.
If you are still generally weighing whether paid hosting makes sense for you, the comparison Free vs. Paid Minecraft Server is a useful addition. For setting up a rented server, you can also use the step-by-step guide Rent and Set Up a Minecraft Server.
What Is Mojang BDS?
BDS stands for Bedrock Dedicated Server. Mojang officially provides this software for Minecraft Bedrock; the authoritative primary source is the official download and information page for Minecraft Dedicated Server.
BDS is mainly intended for servers that should stay as close as possible to the normal Bedrock game. This matters if you play Survival with friends, want to bring console, mobile, and Windows players together, or do not want to check for every server feature whether it has been recreated by third-party software.
Strengths of BDS
- Vanilla-like gameplay feel: Behavior, world mechanics, and Bedrock features follow Mojang's official server software.
- Add-ons and packs: Behavior packs and resource packs are the intended way to customize content.
- Good choice for Survival: If you do not need complex server plugins, BDS is usually the more straightforward setup.
- Clear technical basis: You work with the official server software instead of an alternative implementation.
Limits of BDS
BDS does not have a classic plugin system like PocketMine-MP. Economy systems, lobby networks, minigame logic, or finely branched permission systems are therefore not as flexible to implement as on a plugin server. Some customizations are possible through add-ons, but add-ons do not replace a universal server-side plugin system.
What Is PocketMine-MP?
PocketMine-MP is open-source Bedrock server software developed in PHP. The official project page is PocketMine-MP. The most important difference from BDS is the plugin system: PocketMine-MP is aimed at servers that need custom rules, game modes, or administration features.
That makes PocketMine-MP interesting for minigames, Skyblock, roleplay, lobbies, economy servers, or projects where you intentionally deviate from the Vanilla game. In return, you need to accept that PocketMine-MP is not Mojang's official Bedrock server and that some Vanilla details may be implemented differently.
Strengths of PocketMine-MP
- Plugin system: Many typical server features can be added through plugins, for example permissions, economy, or minigame mechanics.
- Good for custom servers: If the server has its own concept, PocketMine-MP is often the better foundation.
- Developer-friendly: If you know PHP or want to customize existing plugins, you get a flexible platform.
Limits of PocketMine-MP
PocketMine-MP does not automatically reproduce Bedrock mechanics fully identically to Mojang's server. After Minecraft updates, it may also be necessary to wait for compatible PocketMine-MP versions or plugin adjustments. Be realistic when planning: not every new Bedrock feature is available immediately or completely just because the client has been updated.
Comparison at a Glance
| Criterion | Mojang BDS (recommended) | PocketMine-MP |
|---|---|---|
| Official basis | Mojang Bedrock Dedicated Server | independent open-source software |
| Protocol freshness | based on Mojang's official release | depends on PocketMine-MP updates |
| Plugins | no | yes, through PocketMine-MP plugins |
| Add-ons / behavior packs | yes, intended | limited or needs separate checking |
| Vanilla accuracy | high | may differ |
| Best for | Survival, Vanilla, stable Bedrock experience | minigames, custom servers, plugin features |
Which Option Fits You?
Choose BDS if you want to play classic Bedrock Survival with friends, stay as close as possible to the official game, and do not need deep plugin features. BDS also makes sense if you want to explain as little as possible to players: start the world, connect, play.
Choose PocketMine-MP if your server has its own concept. This includes minigames, lobby systems, economy, permissions, rank logic, or other features that are not covered by normal Bedrock settings and add-ons. Check every important plugin in advance: is it compatible with your PocketMine-MP version, actively maintained, and suitable for your game mode?
If you are also working on classic Java server settings, the guide Configure minecraft server.properties Correctly can help. For version changes, Change Minecraft Server Version is also relevant, even though Bedrock and Java are technically different ecosystems.
Both Can Be Ordered at game-serverhosting
You do not have to decide permanently in advance. Select Minecraft Bedrock as the game in the order wizard. Right after that, the variant selection appears: BDS is preselected as recommended, and PocketMine-MP is available as an alternative. The price is identical for both variants.
You can order here: Rent a Minecraft Bedrock Server.
Switching Between BDS and PocketMine-MP
Switching later is possible, but it should be planned. Clearly separate the world, software, and extensions.
Requirements
First create a backup of your server. Stop the server during the backup so that no world data is written. Also note which add-ons, resource packs, PocketMine plugins, and configuration files are active. For larger servers, you should not perform the switch right before a planned play session.
Recommended Process
- Stop the server and create a full backup.
- Back up the world folder and keep it separate from plugins or add-ons.
- Select the target variant at game-serverhosting or prepare a new server with the target variant.
- Upload the world and set it as the active world.
- Reinstall extensions that match the target software.
- Connect with a Bedrock client and check spawn, inventory, permissions, packs, and game mode.
The guide Upload & Switch a Minecraft World explains how to transfer a world cleanly.
Important: PocketMine plugins (.phar) do not run on BDS. Conversely, BDS add-ons are not PocketMine plugins. Permissions, configurations, and extensions must be set up again or replaced on the target server.
Check the Result
After startup, the server should be reachable in the Bedrock server list. Then check not only whether you can join, but also whether the expected world was loaded, whether player permissions are correct, and whether extensions are actually active. With BDS, especially test resource and behavior packs. With PocketMine-MP, check the plugin list, console messages, and central commands such as permissions or economy features.
Troubleshooting
If players cannot connect after a Minecraft update, compare the client version, server software, and available updates. With PocketMine-MP, a plugin may also be incompatible. If in doubt, temporarily disable recently installed plugins and restart.
If the wrong world is loaded, check the world folder and the active world configuration. Make sure you transferred the complete world folder, not just individual files.
If add-ons or resource packs do not take effect with BDS, check the pack files and their assignment to the world. If PocketMine plugins do not start, read the console output: dependencies are often missing, the plugin version does not match, or the configuration file contains an error.
Testing, Limits, and a Safe Way Back
The guide "PocketMine or BDS? Minecraft Bedrock Server Software Compared" applies to the server type described in the article and the version state visible at the time of review. Menu names, available versions, mod or plugin compatibility, and required resources may differ after updates. Therefore, do not transfer values to another game, loader, or server version without checking them.
Before making changes to the world, savegame, configuration, or extensions, create a backup of the affected files. Then change only one related step and test it with the same client and server version you want to play with later.
| Checkpoint | Expected result | Abort and rollback |
|---|---|---|
| Server start | The server reaches the ready-to-use state without new error messages. | If startup errors occur, revert the change and restore the latest backup. |
| Connection test | A test account can connect through the address shown in the panel. | If version or connection errors occur, compare the version, port, and allowances again. |
| Function test | The specifically changed function works without damaging existing world or game data. | If side effects occur, stop the server and restore the backed-up files. |
A successful individual test is not a performance or availability guarantee. World size, mods, plugins, player count, network path, and simultaneous load can change the result. Document the version, change, and test result so you can understand later differences.
FAQ
Is BDS better than PocketMine-MP?
Not in general. BDS is better for Bedrock servers that stay close to Vanilla. PocketMine-MP is better if you need a plugin system and custom server mechanics.
Can I play normal Survival with PocketMine-MP?
Yes, that is generally possible. But if full Vanilla accuracy is important to you, you should prefer BDS because PocketMine-MP is an alternative implementation.
Can I use PocketMine plugins on BDS?
No. PocketMine plugins are built for PocketMine-MP and do not run on Mojang's Bedrock Dedicated Server.
Can I take my world with me between BDS and PocketMine-MP?
In many cases, you can transfer Bedrock worlds. Create a backup first and thoroughly check spawn, inventories, settings, and extensions after switching.
Which option does game-serverhosting recommend for beginners?
For most beginners, BDS is the better choice because it stays closer to the normal Bedrock game and requires less plugin maintenance.