What is Pumpkin?
Pumpkin is a Minecraft server implementation built entirely in Rust, designed to offer a fast, efficient, and customizable experience. It supports both Java Edition (1.21.11) and Bedrock Edition clients, allowing players from different platforms to connect to the same server. Built from the ground up with performance and security in mind, Pumpkin leverages Rust’s multi-threading capabilities and memory safety guarantees to deliver a server that’s both blazingly fast and reliable.Pumpkin is currently under heavy development. While many core features are functional, some features are still being implemented. See the roadmap for details on the path to the 1.0.0 release.
Key benefits
Performance
Pumpkin leverages multi-threading for maximum speed and efficiency. The async Rust architecture with Tokio and Rayon allows the server to handle intensive tasks without blocking, providing smooth gameplay even under heavy load.- Multi-threaded architecture: Parallel chunk loading, world generation, and entity processing
- Efficient memory usage: Rust’s ownership system prevents memory leaks and reduces overhead
- Optimized protocol implementation: Fast packet serialization and compression
Compatibility
Pumpkin aims to provide full compatibility with vanilla Minecraft mechanics while supporting multiple client types:- Java Edition 1.21.11: Full protocol support for the latest Java Edition clients
- Bedrock Edition: Cross-platform play with Bedrock clients
- Proxy support: Works with Velocity and BungeeCord proxies
- Vanilla world format: Load and save existing Minecraft worlds
Security
Security is a top priority in Pumpkin’s design:- Memory safety: Rust’s compiler prevents common vulnerabilities like buffer overflows
- Online mode: Authenticate players with Mojang’s servers
- Encryption: Built-in packet encryption to protect player data
- Active development: Regular updates to address known security exploits
Flexibility
Pumpkin is highly configurable, allowing you to customize nearly every aspect of your server:- TOML configuration: Easy-to-read configuration files (
configuration.tomlandfeatures.toml) - Feature toggles: Disable unnecessary features to reduce resource usage
- Extensive options: Configure view distance, game rules, networking, and more
- Plugin support: Extend functionality with custom plugins (in development)
Who should use Pumpkin?
Server administrators
If you’re running a Minecraft server and want:- Better performance than traditional Java servers
- Lower memory usage and CPU overhead
- Modern, maintainable codebase
- Cross-platform client support (Java + Bedrock)
Developers
Pumpkin is ideal for developers who want to:- Contribute to an open-source Minecraft server project
- Learn Rust programming with a real-world application
- Build custom plugins and server modifications
- Experiment with server-side Minecraft mechanics
Hosting providers
Hosting providers benefit from Pumpkin’s:- Reduced resource consumption per server instance
- Docker support for easy containerized deployment
- Pterodactyl egg for panel integration
- Efficient multi-threading for better hardware utilization
Current features
Pumpkin already implements many core Minecraft features:- Protocol: Server status/ping, encryption, compression, Java/Bedrock support
- World: Chunk loading and saving, world time, borders, lighting, entity spawning, liquid physics
- Player: Skins, movement, inventory, experience, hunger, eating
- Entities: Non-living entities, entity effects, mobs, animals
- Server: RCON, Query, inventories, particles, chat, commands, permissions, translations
- Proxy: Bungeecord and Velocity support
Next steps
Quickstart
Get your server running in minutes
Installation
Detailed installation instructions
Configuration
Configure your server settings
Contributing
Help improve Pumpkin
Community and support
Join the Pumpkin community to get help, share ideas, and stay updated:- Discord: Join our Discord server for community support and discussions
- GitHub: Report issues and contribute at github.com/Pumpkin-MC/Pumpkin
- Documentation: Browse these docs for guides and reference materials