What are Minecraft plugins?
Minecraft plugins are .jar files that add features to a Paper, Purpur or Spigot server – commands, ranks, protection, economy, minigames – and they run only on the server, so players join with the normal game. That's the big difference from mods, which usually have to be installed by every player too.
| Plugins | Mods | |
|---|---|---|
| Server engine | Paper, Purpur, Spigot, Folia | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge |
| Players need to install them | No | Usually yes (same mods in the game) |
| What they can change | Rules, commands, protection, menus, economy – with existing blocks and items | Anything, including new blocks, mobs, dimensions |
| Folder on the server | plugins/ |
mods/ |
| Typical examples | EssentialsX, LuckPerms, WorldGuard | Create, JEI, Cobblemon |
So if you want new blocks and creatures, you need a modded server – see how to install Minecraft mods. If you want to run a survival, SMP or minigame server where anyone can join with plain Minecraft, plugins are the right choice.
Plugins or mods – not both. A server runs either plugins (Paper, Purpur) or mods (Fabric, Forge, NeoForge). There are "hybrid" engines that try to load both, but they lag behind new versions and break easily, so we don't recommend them. On a Fabric or NeoForge server, look for a server-side mod that does the job instead – LuckPerms, for example, exists as a mod too.
Which server can run plugins?
You need Paper, Purpur, Spigot or another Bukkit-based server; Vanilla, Fabric, Forge and NeoForge can't load plugins. Most servers use Paper: it runs plugins written for Spigot and Bukkit, and it's faster than both.
| Engine | Plugins? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paper | Yes | The standard choice for a plugin server |
| Purpur | Yes | Paper with extra gameplay options; runs Paper plugins |
| Spigot | Yes | Older base of Paper; plugins for Spigot also run on Paper |
| Folia | Only Folia-compatible ones | For very large servers; many plugins don't support it |
| Vanilla | No | Pure Minecraft – no add-ons (only datapacks) |
| Fabric, Forge, NeoForge | No | Mod loaders – they use the mods folder |
If you're not sure what your server runs, look at the first lines of the console log when it starts, or see Minecraft server software. For changes that don't need any engine – custom crafting recipes, loot, functions – Vanilla also supports datapacks.
Where to download Minecraft plugins safely
Download plugins from Hangar (hangar.papermc.io), Modrinth (modrinth.com/plugins), SpigotMC (spigotmc.org/resources) or the developer's official GitHub page. Plugins are programs that run on your server with full access to its files, so a file from a random re-upload site is a real risk.
| Site | What's there |
|---|---|
| Hangar | PaperMC's own plugin site – plugins for Paper, Velocity and Waterfall |
| Modrinth | Plugins and mods, with filters for Paper, Purpur, Spigot and Folia |
| SpigotMC | The largest and oldest collection of Spigot plugins |
| GitHub | Many plugins publish their releases there; use the "Releases" section |
Before you download, check the plugin page for three things:
- Platform: it says Paper, Spigot or Bukkit (not Fabric or Forge).
- Minecraft version: your server version is in the supported list, or the latest plugin version was released after your Minecraft version.
- Dependencies: whether it needs another plugin to work (see below).
How to install a plugin on a Minecraft server
Stop the server, put the plugin's .jar file into the plugins folder, and start the server again. The plugin loads during startup and usually creates its own folder with a config.yml.
- Stop the server (type
stopin the console). - Copy the
.jarintoplugins/. Paper creates this folder on the first start, next toserver.properties. Don't unzip the jar and don't put it in a subfolder. - Start the server. The console shows a line like
[PluginName] Enabling PluginName v1.2.3while it starts. - Check it loaded. Type
/plugins(or/pl) in the game. Plugins in green are running; red ones failed to load – the reason is in the console log a few lines above. - Configure it. Settings live in
plugins/<PluginName>/config.yml. Edit them while the server is stopped, or use the plugin's own reload command if it has one (for exampleessentials reloadfor EssentialsX). - Give permissions. Most plugin commands are for operators until you allow them for other players with a permissions plugin – see how to set up LuckPerms.
Updating a plugin: stop the server, delete the old jar, put in the new one and start again. Keep the plugin's folder – that's where its settings and data are. Removing a plugin works the same way: delete the jar. Its folder stays and can be deleted separately if you don't want the data.
Why you shouldn't use /reload
Don't use /reload to load new plugins – restart the server instead. /reload unloads and reloads every plugin while players are online, and many plugins don't handle that: they lose data, double their tasks, leak memory or stop working until the next restart. The server itself prints a warning that the command isn't supported and may cause issues.
- New or updated plugin: restart.
- Changed a config file: use the plugin's own reload command if it has one (EssentialsX has
essentials reload; check the plugin page), or restart. - Plugin managers that load jars on the fly have the same problem as
/reload. A restart takes a minute and is always safe.
What are plugin dependencies?
A dependency is another plugin that a plugin needs in order to work; without it the plugin won't load and the console says which one is missing. Install the dependency the same way, into the same plugins folder.
| Plugin | Needs | Why |
|---|---|---|
| WorldGuard | WorldEdit | Uses WorldEdit's selections for regions |
| EssentialsX Chat | Vault + a permissions plugin | To show rank prefixes in chat |
| Shop and jobs plugins | Vault + an economy plugin | To pay and charge players |
| Floodgate | Geyser | Bedrock players without a Java account |
Plugin pages call these "dependencies" or "required". "Optional" or "soft" dependencies add extra features but aren't needed. If a plugin is in red in /plugins, search the console log for its name – the error usually mentions an unknown or missing dependency by name.
Will a plugin work on my Minecraft version?
Use a plugin version that lists your Minecraft version, or one released after it; a plugin made only for older versions may load but break in places. New Minecraft releases often change things that plugins depend on, so right after an update it's normal to wait a few days for your important plugins.
- The plugin page says "1.21–26.3" and your server is 26.3: fine.
- The plugin was last updated years ago: it may still work for simple features, but test it on a copy before you rely on it.
- Your friends play a newer version than the server: that's not a plugin compatibility problem – ViaVersion lets newer clients join an older server.
Popular plugins to start with
Most survival servers start with a permissions plugin, an essentials plugin and land protection.
| Plugin | What it does | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| LuckPerms | Ranks and permissions | Set up LuckPerms |
| EssentialsX | Homes, teleports, warps, kits | Install EssentialsX |
| WorldEdit | Building with selections and commands | Use WorldEdit |
| WorldGuard | Protected regions for spawn and builds | Install WorldGuard |
| GriefPrevention | Players protect their own land with a golden shovel | WorldGuard guide, GriefPrevention section |
| Chunky | Pre-generates the world to reduce lag | World border guide |
| Geyser | Bedrock players on a Java server | Install Geyser and Floodgate |
| Dynmap / BlueMap | A live web map of the world | Install Dynmap |
The full catalog is on our Minecraft plugins page.
How to install plugins on a Spot.gg server
Open the "Addons" tab, go to "Available to install", search for the plugin, open it and click "Install" on the file marked "Compatible with your server" – then restart when the panel asks. No downloading, no uploading.
- In the server panel, open "Addons" → "Available to install".
- Search for the plugin by name and open it.
- Under "Your server: MC …" the panel shows your Minecraft version. Pick the file marked "Compatible with your server" and click "Install".
- Confirm. If the server is running, the panel asks "Restart required" – click "Restart" so the plugin loads.
Dependencies are separate addons: for WorldGuard, install WorldEdit the same way.
Managing installed plugins: "Addons" → "Installed" lists every plugin on the server, including files you uploaded yourself.
| Button | What it does |
|---|---|
| "Disable" | Turns the plugin off without deleting it – the file stays on disk as <file>-disabled. "Enable" turns it back on. |
| "Delete" | Removes the plugin file. This can't be undone. |
| Open the plugin → install another version | The panel asks whether to "Replace" the installed version – the old file is removed after the new one is installed. |
After each change the panel offers a restart, because the server reads the plugins folder only when it starts. Because installing a second file of the same addon replaces the first, plugins that come as several separate jars under one addon (EssentialsX and its modules, for example) need their extra jars uploaded by hand, as described in how to install EssentialsX.
Your own plugin files: a plugin that isn't in the catalog can be uploaded in "Files" into the plugins folder, or over SFTP. Restart the server afterwards.
"This engine does not support mods or plugins" – that's what "Addons" shows on Vanilla. Switch the engine without losing your world: "Information" → "Profile" → "Modify" → "Change engine" and choose Paper (or Purpur) on the same Minecraft version. The world and settings stay. On a Fabric, Forge or NeoForge server the change goes through "Reinstallation", which deletes the server's data, so make a backup in "Backup" or download your world over SFTP first.
A paid server starts from $3.90 per month, and you can try plugins on a free server for 24 hours first.
Plugin not working? Common problems
Most problems are the wrong engine, the wrong version, a missing dependency or a missing permission.
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
The plugins folder doesn't exist |
The server runs Vanilla, Fabric or Forge | Switch to Paper |
Plugin is red in /plugins |
Load error – wrong version or missing dependency | Read the console log, install the dependency or the right version |
| "Unknown command" | Plugin didn't load, or the jar is in the wrong folder | Check /plugins and that the jar is directly in plugins/ |
| "You do not have permission" | Commands are for operators only | Give the permission with LuckPerms |
Changes in config.yml do nothing |
Config wasn't reloaded | Use the plugin's reload command or restart |
| The server lags after adding a plugin | A heavy or broken plugin | Remove recently added plugins one by one; check with spark |
| Two plugins fight over a command | Both register e.g. /home |
Use the prefixed form /pluginname:home |
FAQ
How do I add plugins to my Minecraft server?
Put the plugin's .jar into the plugins folder of a Paper, Purpur or Spigot server and restart. On Spot.gg use "Addons" → "Available to install" → "Install".
Can I install plugins on a Vanilla server?
No. Vanilla can't load plugins. Switch to Paper on the same Minecraft version – on Spot.gg with "Modify" → "Change engine", keeping your world.
Do players need to download plugins?
No. Plugins run only on the server; players join with the normal Minecraft game in the server's version.
Can I use plugins on a Fabric or Forge server?
No – those engines load mods, not plugins. Look for a server-side mod that does the same thing, for example LuckPerms has a Fabric and Forge version.
Should I use /reload after installing a plugin?
No. Restart the server instead. /reload isn't supported and can break plugins until the next restart.
Are Spigot plugins compatible with Paper?
Yes. Paper runs plugins made for Spigot and Bukkit. Plugins marked "Paper only" don't run on Spigot, but Spigot plugins run on Paper.
Where is the plugins folder?
In the main server folder, next to server.properties and world. Paper creates it on the first start.