How to Change Your Minecraft Server Version
Learn how to switch between Vanilla, Paper, Forge, Fabric, and other Minecraft server types.
Different mods, plugins, and gameplay styles require different server software. Whether you need Forge for modding, Paper for plugins, or Vanilla for the purest experience, the XGamingServer panel makes it easy to switch between editions and versions.
Available Server Types
Here are the server types you can install from the XGamingServer panel:
| Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Vanilla | The official Mojang server — no mods or plugins |
| Paper | Plugins + performance — the best choice for most servers |
| Spigot | Plugin support with fewer optimizations than Paper |
| Forge | The most popular mod loader for large modpacks |
| NeoForge | The modern fork of Forge, gaining community adoption |
| Fabric | Lightweight mod loader, great for performance mods |
| Quilt | A Fabric fork with additional features |
| Purpur | A Paper fork with extra configuration options |
| CraftBukkit | Legacy plugin support |
| SpongeVanilla | Sponge API plugin support |
| BungeeCord | Proxy for linking multiple servers together |
| Velocity | Modern proxy alternative to BungeeCord |
| Waterfall | An improved BungeeCord fork by the Paper team |
Changing Your Server Version
Open Software Version
Log in to the XGamingServer panel, select your Minecraft server, and go to Software Version in the sidebar.
Check your current version
A banner at the top shows your currently installed server software and version:
- Green border — Your server is up to date.
- Yellow border — Your server is running an outdated build. The banner shows the latest available build number.
Choose your server software
The page shows software type cards organized by category (Servers, Proxies). Each card displays:
- The software name and icon
- Number of available Minecraft versions and builds
- Border color indicating if it is installed (green = up to date, yellow = outdated, gray = not installed)
Click the software type you want to install.
Select a Minecraft version
A list of available Minecraft versions appears. Click the version you want.
💡 Tip: Click "Show Snapshot Versions" to include Minecraft snapshot releases in the list.
Choose a build and install
In the install dialog:
- Select a build from the dropdown (stable or experimental).
- Toggle Wipe Server Files if you want a clean install. This deletes all files on your server — cannot be undone.
- Toggle Accept EULA to confirm you accept the Minecraft EULA.
- Click Install.
A loading overlay appears during installation. When complete, the installed banner updates to show the new version.
⚠️ Warning: Enabling Wipe Server Files permanently deletes all files on your server. Create a backup from the
Backupspage before using this option!
📝 Note: Mod loaders like Forge and NeoForge are not cross-compatible. A Forge mod will not work on NeoForge or Fabric, and vice versa. Always check which loader your mods require before switching.
💡 Tip: If you're unsure which server type to choose, Paper is the best option for most players. It's compatible with Spigot/Bukkit plugins and includes significant performance improvements over Vanilla. See our Performance Guide for more details.
If you get stuck at any time, you can join our Discord.
How is this guide?
How to Change View Distance on Your Minecraft Server
Learn how to adjust the view distance and simulation distance on your Minecraft server to balance visuals and performance.
How to Use the Config Editor on Your Minecraft Server
Edit server.properties, spigot.yml, paper-global.yml, and other config files using the visual Config Editor in the XGamingServer panel.