Docs › Minecraft › Setup guides
How to set up a Paper Minecraft server
Paper is the best all-round server for plugins and smooth performance. Here is how to set one up, add plugins and keep it running well.
What Paper is #
Paper is a faster version of the normal Minecraft server that runs plugins (Bukkit, Spigot and Paper plugins). It fixes many lag sources and exploits while keeping vanilla gameplay. It's the usual pick for an SMP, a minigame server or anything with ranks, land claims or economy. Paper doesn't run Fabric or Forge mods. For mods, see Fabric or Forge/NeoForge.
1. Create the server #
- Sign in to the panel and open Buy a server. Choose Minecraft, then Paper.
- Pick a plan with at least 1 GB of RAM. 2 GB or more is comfortable for a group of friends with a few plugins. See how much RAM you need.
- Pay on Stripe. The server is set up automatically and shows up on your dashboard.
2. Pick the version and Java #
Open Startup. The Minecraft Version variable is latest by default. Set it to a version like 1.21.11 if your players or plugins need that one, then reinstall the server from Settings (download a backup first).
| Minecraft version | Java |
|---|---|
| 1.12.2 – 1.16.5 | Java 8 (most old modpacks need exactly 8) |
| 1.18 – 1.20.4 | Java 17 |
| 1.20.5 – 1.21.11 | Java 21 |
| 26.1 and newer | Java 25 |
Pick it in Startup → Docker Image. Wrong Java gives "Unsupported class file version".
3. Start it and accept the EULA #
Press Start in the Console and accept the EULA prompt. Wait for Done (…)! For help, type "help". Then type op YourName in the console to make yourself an operator. Your address (ip:port) is at the top of the Console page.
4. Add plugins #
Download plugins from Hangar, Modrinth or SpigotMC, upload the .jar to the plugins folder in Files, and restart. Don't use /reload. A good first set: LuckPerms (ranks), EssentialsX (homes, warps), a land-claim plugin, CoreProtect (rollback griefing) and spark (lag profiler). See essential plugins for a new SMP and how to install plugins.
5. Tune it #
server.properties: MOTD, difficulty, max players, whitelist. Don't changeserver-port.config/paper-world-defaults.ymlandconfig/paper-global.yml: Paper's own settings. The defaults are good. Only change things when spark shows a real problem.- Pre-generate the world with Chunky so exploring players don't cause lag.
- Let Bedrock players join with Geyser + Floodgate.
FAQ #
Paper or Purpur? #
Purpur is Paper with extra gameplay settings, and it runs the same plugins. Start with Paper; switch to Purpur if you want its options.
Can I move my singleplayer world to Paper? #
Yes. Paper splits the Nether and End into world_nether and world_the_end folders and converts them on first start. See upload a singleplayer world.
Is Paper safe for vanilla players? #
Yes. Vanilla clients join a Paper server normally with no mods needed. A few redstone and duping tricks behave differently because Paper fixes them.
Still stuck? Use the live chat on the panel or ask in the ESN Systems Discord. Last updated November 4, 2026.