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The Docker Minecraft Server supports multiple server types through the TYPE environment variable. Each server type has its own characteristics, performance profile, and plugin/mod ecosystem.

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Selecting a Server Type

Set the TYPE environment variable to one of the supported server types: 
environment:
  TYPE: PAPER  # or VANILLA, FABRIC, FORGE, etc.
The VERSION environment variable controls the Minecraft version (e.g., 1.20.4) and works across all server types. Each server type may have additional version-specific variables.

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Available Server Types

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Official Servers

Vanilla

Official Mojang server software - the baseline Minecraft experience

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Plugin-Based Servers

These servers support Bukkit/Spigot plugins and focus on performance and customization.

Paper

High-performance fork with extensive optimizations and plugin support

Bukkit/Spigot

Classic plugin-based servers (Paper recommended instead)

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Modded Servers

These servers support client-side and server-side mods for extensive gameplay modifications.

Fabric

Lightweight, modern modding platform

Forge

Traditional modding platform with extensive mod ecosystem

Quilt

Community fork of Fabric with enhanced features

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Hybrid Servers

Combine multiple server types to run both mods and plugins simultaneously.

Hybrid Servers

Run Forge/Fabric mods alongside Bukkit/Spigot plugins

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Specialized Servers

Other Server Types

SpongeVanilla, Limbo, Crucible, and custom server configurations

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Quick Comparison

Server TypePluginsModsPerformanceUse Case
Vanilla❌❌BaselinePure Minecraft experience
Paper✅❌ExcellentProduction servers, minigames
Bukkit/Spigot✅❌GoodLegacy plugin support
Fabric❌✅ExcellentModern modded servers
Forge❌✅GoodTraditional modded servers
Quilt❌✅ExcellentEnhanced Fabric alternative
Hybrids✅✅VariableBoth mods and plugins

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Common Configuration

All server types share these fundamental settings: 
services:
  minecraft:
    image: itzg/minecraft-server
    environment:
      EULA: "TRUE"
      TYPE: PAPER        # Server type
      VERSION: "1.20.4"  # Minecraft version
    ports:
      - "25565:25565"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/data
Always set EULA: "TRUE" to accept the Minecraft EULA before starting the server.

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Next Steps

1

Choose your server type

Review the individual server type pages to understand their specific features and requirements.
2

Configure version settings

Set the VERSION variable and any type-specific version variables.
3

Add mods or plugins

Follow the mods and plugins documentation to extend your server functionality.
4

Optimize performance

Configure memory settings and server properties for your player count.

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