# How to Install a Custom Server JAR on Your Minecraft Server (/docs/minecraft/install-custom-jar) import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps'; If you want to run a server type beyond the built-in Vanilla, Paper, Forge, or Fabric — like **Purpur**, **Pufferfish**, **Mohist**, **Magma**, or **Folia** — you can upload any compatible JAR and point your server's startup at it. Popular Custom JARs [#popular-custom-jars] | JAR | Based on | Best for | | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **[Purpur](https://purpurmc.org/)** | Paper | Extra gameplay features (rideable mobs, AFK kicks, configurable rules) | | **[Pufferfish](https://pufferfish.host/)** | Paper | Maximum performance, 100+ player servers | | **[Folia](https://papermc.io/software/folia)** | Paper | Region-based threading for huge servers (experimental) | | **[Leaves](https://leavesmc.org/)** | Paper | Vanilla parity + selective Paper optimizations | | **[Mohist](https://mohistmc.com/)** | Forge + Paper | Run Forge mods AND Bukkit plugins together | | **[Magma](https://magmafoundation.org/)** | Forge + Paper | Alternative Forge + Bukkit hybrid | | **[Arclight](https://github.com/IzzelAliz/Arclight)** | Forge/NeoForge + Bukkit | Modern Forge mod + plugin hybrid | Install a Custom JAR [#install-a-custom-jar] Download the JAR from the official source [#download-the-jar-from-the-official-source] Always download from the official project site (links above). Pick the build for your Minecraft version. Save the file with a clean name like `purpur-1.20.4.jar`. > **Security note:** Never download server JARs from random forums or "modified" sites — they're a common vector for crypto-miner malware. Stop the server [#stop-the-server] In the [XGamingServer Panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), open **Console** and stop your server. Create a backup [#create-a-backup] Open **Backups** and create a snapshot. If the new JAR breaks your world or plugins, you'll want a rollback point. Upload the JAR [#upload-the-jar] Click **Files** in the sidebar. Upload your `.jar` file to the **server root** (same level as `server.properties`). For files over 100 MB, [use SFTP](/docs/minecraft/configure-sftp) instead. Update the startup configuration [#update-the-startup-configuration] Click **Startup** in the sidebar. Find the **Server JAR File** (or similar) variable and change it to the exact filename you uploaded: ``` purpur-1.20.4.jar ``` Save the change. Start the server [#start-the-server] Start from **Console**. Watch the startup log — the new JAR should announce itself (e.g., "This server is running Purpur version git-Purpur-..."). Compatibility Notes [#compatibility-notes] | Custom JAR | Compatible plugins | Compatible mods | Notes | | ------------------------- | ------------------------ | --------------- | ----------------------------------------- | | Purpur | All Paper/Spigot/Bukkit | ❌ | Drop-in Paper replacement | | Pufferfish | All Paper/Spigot/Bukkit | ❌ | Drop-in Paper replacement | | Folia | Folia-aware plugins only | ❌ | Many plugins are not Folia-compatible yet | | Mohist / Magma / Arclight | Most Bukkit | Most Forge | Hybrids — expect some incompatibilities | | Leaves | All Paper/Spigot/Bukkit | ❌ | Vanilla-feature parity | > **Hybrid warning:** Mohist/Magma/Arclight let you run mods *and* plugins, but the cost is fragility. Some mods conflict with some plugins. Always test on a staging server before going live. Should You Use a Custom JAR? [#should-you-use-a-custom-jar] For most servers — **no, stick with Paper**. Paper covers 95% of needs and is the most stable, most-supported option. Switch to a custom JAR only if you have a specific need: * **Pufferfish/Folia** — your Paper server is hitting tick lag with many players * **Purpur** — you want vanilla gameplay tweaks (rideable mobs, AFK rules, etc.) * **Mohist/Arclight** — you genuinely need Forge mods AND Bukkit plugins on the same server * **Leaves** — you want Paper-level performance with vanilla parity (no behavior changes) Common Issues [#common-issues] | Problem | Fix | | ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Server still uses old JAR | The **Startup → Server JAR File** variable wasn't updated | | `Unable to access jarfile` | Filename mismatch — check exact case-sensitive name | | `UnsupportedClassVersionError` | Wrong Java version. See [Java Version](/docs/minecraft/java-version) | | Plugins crash on startup | Plugin is not compatible with the new server type — check plugin docs | | Mods don't load on Mohist | Mods must be in `mods/`, not `plugins/`. Some Forge mods don't work on hybrids | | Server crashes immediately | Restore the previous JAR via your backup | Switching Back [#switching-back] To revert to a built-in server type: 1. Stop the server 2. In **Startup**, change the **Docker Image** or **Server Type** back to Paper/Vanilla/Forge 3. Reset the **Server JAR File** to the default (e.g., `server.jar`) 4. Start Or restore from the **Backup** you made before installing. Related Guides [#related-guides] * [Switch Version](/docs/minecraft/switch-version) * [Java Version](/docs/minecraft/java-version) * [Optimize Server](/docs/minecraft/optimize-server) * [Modpack Setup](/docs/minecraft/modpack-setup) * [SFTP Connection](/docs/minecraft/configure-sftp)