Java vs Bedrock: which server to make

Java is the original PC edition: Windows, macOS, Linux. Mods and most plugins live here. Bedrock is the edition on consoles, phones, tablets and the Windows store. Every server runs Java Edition on Paper, and Bedrock players join it through Geyser, so both can play together. You can change edition later in Settings; we back up first.

Which should I pick?

• Everyone plays on PC (Java)? Pick Java. You get any version back to the old classics, mods and every plugin.
• Friends on phones, Xbox, PlayStation or Switch? Pick Bedrock. Java players can still join too.
• A mix? Pick Bedrock: it's a Java server that Bedrock players can join as well.

How crossplay works

Geyser translates between the two editions, and Floodgate lets Bedrock players in without a Java account. A Bedrock server runs the newest Minecraft version Geyser supports, because Bedrock clients update automatically. A few things differ a little for Bedrock players (some redstone timings, a handful of Java-only blocks), but survival, building and most plugins work the same.