Pick software for performance: Paper, Purpur, Folia or Fabric

Which server software is the fastest?

For plugins, Paper (or Purpur for extra features) is much faster than Vanilla or Spigot; for mods, Fabric with performance mods.

Before you start: A backup before switching.

Step by step

1. Plugin servers: switch to Paper in Versions (Spigot/Bukkit plugins work on it). Purpur adds more options on top of Paper.
2. Folia is for very large player counts across a big world; many plugins do not support it, so only use it if your plugins say they do.
3. Modded (Fabric): add Lithium, FerriteCore and C2ME-style performance mods; Forge packs usually include their own.
4. Vanilla is fine for a few friends with no plugins, but struggles with more players.
5. After switching, check the console for plugin errors and measure TPS.
6. Keep the same Minecraft version when switching software so the world does not need converting.

Check it worked: The same player count runs at 20 TPS.

Why it happens: Paper rewrites slow parts of the game; Vanilla has no optimisations.

More guides on RAM, CPU, performance, and lag:

• Find out why your server lags
• Out of memory errors
• RAM always shows high in the panel
• High CPU usage
• Too many entities, mob farms and item build-ups
• Redstone and hopper lag