Plugins and plugin library
Understand plugins, dependencies and a carefully sourced starter library.
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Plugins, mods and datapacksHow to read the libraryEssentials and teleportationPermissions in plain languageProtection, moderation and rollbackMaps: BlueMap or Dynmap?Performance pluginsSafe installation routinePlugins, mods and datapacks#
Plugins extend a Paper-family server and normally require nothing on players’ computers. Mods run through a loader such as Fabric or NeoForge and can be server-only, client-only or shared. Datapacks use Minecraft’s built-in data system and live inside a world save.
Paper plugins do not belong in a Fabric mods folder. Fabric mods do not belong in Paper’s plugins folder.
How to read the library#
Minecraft support is release-specific. The official link in each row is the authoritative version filter; it should match your exact Minecraft release and platform before download. “Current release(s)” never means every release.
Last checked: August 18, 2026. Downloads link only to project-owned sites, Modrinth or Hangar—not mirror sites.
| Plugin | What it does | Server | Supported Minecraft | Dependencies | Players install? | Difficulty | Impact | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EssentialsX ↗ | Homes, warps, TPA, moderation and utility commands | Paper/Spigot | Listed on official download page | Vault for group/chat integrations; LuckPerms recommended | No | Easy | Low–medium | Recommended for feature-rich SMP |
| LuckPerms ↗ | Groups and permissions | Paper and several proxies/mod platforms | Select platform/current build on official page | None for core use | No | Medium | Low | Recommended when permissions are needed |
| Vault ↗ | Bridge between economy, chat and permission plugins | Bukkit family | Release-specific | A provider such as LuckPerms/EssentialsX | No | Easy | Low | Dependency, not a feature by itself |
| PlaceholderAPI ↗ | Shared placeholders for chat, scoreboards and menus | Paper/Spigot | Release-specific | Expansion-specific | No | Medium | Low–medium | Optional dependency |
| ProtocolLib ↗ | Packet/API layer used by other plugins | Paper | Build-specific | None for core use | No | Medium | Depends on consumers | Install only when required |
| CoreProtect ↗ | Logs block/container actions and can roll back damage | Paper/Spigot | Current support listed in docs/releases | Embedded database by default | No | Medium | Storage grows with activity | Recommended for community servers |
| WorldEdit ↗ | Powerful editing tools for staff | Paper and other published platforms | Release-specific | Platform build | No | Medium | High during large edits | Optional staff tool |
| WorldGuard ↗ | Region protection and flags | Paper/Spigot | Release-specific | WorldEdit | No | Medium | Low | Public/community servers |
| BlueMap ↗ | 3D browser map | Published Paper/Fabric/etc. builds | Filter by loader/game version | Platform-specific | No | Medium | Render/storage cost | Optional |
| Dynmap ↗ | Traditional browser map | Bukkit-family and published builds | Release-specific | Platform-specific | No | Medium | Render/storage cost | Optional alternative |
| DiscordSRV ↗ | Minecraft/Discord chat and events | Bukkit family | Filter official versions | Discord bot/application | No | Medium | Low | Optional |
| Geyser ↗ | Translates Bedrock traffic to Java | Paper, proxies and published mod platforms | Exact versions in official support page | ViaVersion in some version combinations | Bedrock client only | Medium | Medium | Crossplay requirement |
| Floodgate ↗ | Bedrock authentication and linking with Geyser | Supported Geyser platforms | Exact versions in official docs | Geyser for crossplay | No Java install | Medium | Low | Optional with Geyser |
| SkinsRestorer ↗ | Skin handling for supported server/proxy setups | Published platforms | Filter official versions | Setup-dependent | No | Medium | Low | Only where appropriate |
Essentials and teleportation#
EssentialsX already includes homes, warps and teleport requests. A second TPA plugin can create overlapping commands and permissions. For a small friends server, configure the EssentialsX features you want before adding another teleport plugin.
Why do we recommend it? One maintained suite is easier to update, document and back up than several plugins that each replace one command.
Permissions in plain language#
A permission is a named capability such as “may set two homes.” A group is a reusable bundle of permissions. Inheritance means one group receives the permissions of another.
- 1Create a
defaultgroup for every player. - 2Grant only the normal commands that group needs.
- 3Create a
moderatorgroup that inheritsdefault. - 4Add moderation permissions to
moderator. - 5Keep owner/admin access rare and never grant wildcard permissions casually.
LuckPerms has a web editor, but the link it creates can authorize changes. Treat an active editor link as private administrative information.
Protection, moderation and rollback#
WorldGuard prevents or changes actions inside regions. CoreProtect records activity and helps investigate or roll back damage. They solve different problems. WorldEdit is required by WorldGuard and is also a powerful staff tool; restrict it carefully.
Bans and kicks remove players. Mutes limit chat. Logs explain what happened. Rollback attempts to reverse recorded changes. None replaces a real backup: database logs can be damaged or incomplete too.
Maps: BlueMap or Dynmap?#
BlueMap emphasizes a 3D rendered view. Dynmap offers a familiar tile-map style and a long-running ecosystem. Both consume CPU while rendering and storage as the map grows. Render a bounded, pregenerated area during quiet hours rather than an unlimited world on a weak server.
Performance plugins#
Paper already includes many server optimizations. Do not install a pile of “lag fix” plugins that delete entities or clear items on a timer. First capture a spark ↗ profile, identify the actual cost, then change one setting or component.
Safe installation routine#
- 1Confirm Paper/Purpur compatibility and the exact game version.
- 2Read dependencies and known incompatibilities.
- 3Download from the linked official source.
- 4Stop the server and back it up.
- 5Place the jar in
plugins, then restart—do not use/reload. - 6Read the startup log for warnings.
- 7Test commands as a normal player, not only as an operator.