Choosing the Right Server Type
Selecting the right server software depends on whether you intend to run gameplay mods, Bukkit/Spigot plugins, or an unadulterated vanilla world:
| Server Type | Best For | Plugins | Mods | Performance & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanilla | Unaltered Mojang experience | No | No | Exact vanilla mechanics; high CPU usage with many players. |
| Paper | High-performance SMP & public servers | Yes | No | Industry standard; async chunk loading, security patches, plugin API. |
| Purpur | Paper fork with deep customization | Yes | No | Includes all Paper optimizations plus extensive purpur.yml configuration toggles. |
| Fabric | Modern, lightweight modular modding | No* | Yes | Fast startup, low overhead, rapid updates to newest Minecraft snapshots and releases. |
| NeoForge | Modern community-driven Forge fork (1.20.2+) | No* | Yes | Standard for modern heavy modpacks on current Minecraft versions. |
| Forge | Legacy & long-term modpack platform | No* | Yes | Traditional platform for 1.7.10, 1.12.2, 1.16.5, and 1.20.1 modpacks. |
*Hybrid loaders (such as Mohist, Arclight, or Banner) attempt to run Bukkit plugins alongside Forge or Fabric mods, but often introduce game-breaking entity or chunk desync issues. For stability, use dedicated plugin or mod platforms.
Step 1: Create a Snapshot Backup Before Switching
Before modifying container images or server types, create a safety snapshot:
- In DustBowl Warden, open your server dashboard and navigate to the Backups tab.
- Click Create Backup.
- Name your backup
pre-server-type-switchand ensure the lock toggle is enabled to prevent automated retention pruning. - Wait for the snapshot status to display Completed.
For complete backup instructions, see How to Back Up and Restore Your Minecraft Server.
Step 2: Switching Server Type in DustBowl Warden
DustBowl Warden manages server software using standardized OCI container images:
- In the Warden Console, type
stopto gracefully save world chunks and shut down the container. - In the navigation bar, click the Startup tab.
- Locate the Server Type / Software Egg configuration field.
- Select your target server software from the selector:
PaperPurpurFabricNeoForgeForgeVanilla
- Select your target Minecraft Version (e.g.,
1.21.4,1.20.4). - Verify the Docker Image / Java Version setting:
- Minecraft 1.20.5 and newer: Java 21
- Minecraft 1.18 through 1.20.4: Java 17
- Minecraft 1.16.5 and older: Java 8 or Java 11
- Navigate back to Console and click Start.
- Warden will automatically fetch the verified server binary, verify file checksums, apply container startup parameters, and boot the server.
What Gets Preserved vs. What Incompatibilities Arise
Data Preserved Across Switches:
- World data: Overworld, Nether, and End regions remain intact (
world/,world_nether/,world_the_end/). - Player data: UUID profiles, inventories, and ender chests in
playerdata/. - General server settings:
server.propertiesand whitelist definitions.
Software Incompatibilities:
- Switching from Paper/Purpur to Forge/Fabric: Bukkit plugins in
/plugins/will be ignored by Forge and Fabric. Any plugin-specific data (economy balances, claims, custom items) will not function. - Switching from Forge to Fabric: Forge mods and Fabric mods use distinct APIs; you must replace your
/mods/folder contents with Fabric-compatible jars. - Modded Blocks in Vanilla/Paper: If you generated a world with Forge/Fabric mods that introduced custom blocks and switch to Vanilla or Paper, those custom blocks will become missing block IDs or vanish.
Switching Between Paper and Purpur
Switching between Paper and Purpur is a seamless drop-in replacement. Both run on the same Bukkit/Paper API, share identical world formats, and support all Bukkit plugins. Purpur adds an extra purpur.yml file with gameplay tweaks (such as ridable mobs and entity performance toggles) while maintaining Paper's performance core.