Installing Minecraft Mods & Plugins
Mods and plugins add countless features to your Minecraft server. Here you’ll learn the difference and how to install them.
Plugins vs Mods — What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Plugins (Paper/Spigot) | Mods (Forge/Fabric) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Simple: JAR in /plugins | JAR in /mods |
| Client needed? | Usually no | Depends on each mod's environment metadata |
| Performance | Depends on plugins and configuration | Depends on mods and configuration |
| Compatibility | High | Can conflict |
| Examples | EssentialsX, WorldEdit | OptiFine, Biomes O Plenty |
Installing Plugins (Paper/Spigot)
- Download the plugin from Hangar or Modrinth
- Go to your server dashboard on game-serverhosting
- Navigate to the Mods & Plugins tab
- Search for the desired plugin and click Install
- Restart the server
Alternatively, you can manually upload the JAR file to the /plugins folder.
Installing Mods (Forge/Fabric)
- Make sure your server is running Forge or Fabric
- Download the mod from Modrinth or CurseForge
- Upload the JAR to the
/modsfolder - Important: Check each mod's environment metadata. Server-only mods do not need to be installed by players; client-only and required-on-both mods must be handled according to their scope.
- Restart the server
Recommended Plugins for Beginners
EssentialsX — Basic functions (Home, Warp, Kits)
LuckPerms — Permissions system
WorldGuard — Region protection
Vault — Economy system
CoreProtect — Block logging / anti-grief
Common Errors
- Plugin does not load: Check the Minecraft version — the plugin must be compatible
- Server does not start: Check the console for error messages — dependencies are often missing
- Mod conflict: Remove mods one by one to find the conflict
Performance After Plugin Installation
Use /spark profiler to check whether a plugin is causing lag. Disable plugins you do not need.