Essential Server Plugins
The stack almost every Paper server runs. All free, all on Modrinth, Hangar or SpigotMC.
LuckPerms
Permissions manager: groups, ranks and who can use which command. The first plugin on every serious server.
EssentialsX
The classic command pack: /home, /spawn, /warp, /tpa, kits, economy basics and player messaging.
GeyserMC + Floodgate
Lets Bedrock players (console, mobile) join your Java server. The standard cross-play bridge.
ViaVersion
Lets players on different Minecraft versions join the same server - no more "update your game" fights.
CoreProtect
Logs every block change. Roll back griefing in seconds and see exactly who broke what.
Chunky
Pre-generates world chunks so exploring players stop causing lag spikes.
BlueMap or Dynmap
A live 3D map of your world in the browser. Great for community servers.
DiscordSRV
Links server chat with a Discord channel: talk to in-game players from your phone.
WorldGuard (+ WorldEdit)
Protect spawn, regions and player builds with rules; WorldEdit for massive admin builds.
Vault
The bridge most economy and shop plugins need. Install it before economy plugins complain.
Plugin rules that save servers
- Fewer plugins, fewer problems: install what you use, remove what you do not.
- Match plugin versions to your server version - a wrong ViaVersion or ProtocolLib build is the classic crash cause.
- Never give players
*permissions or op. LuckPerms groups exist for a reason. - Download only from Modrinth, Hangar, SpigotMC or the plugin's official GitHub.