Minecraft Server Basics: What Are Configs, Plugins, Modpacks, Versions, and Worlds?
Running a Minecraft server through a hosting provider gives you a lot of power, but it also throws a ton of new terms at you. If you’ve ever stared at your server panel wondering what a “modloader” is, or whether you should install a plugin or a datapack, this guide is for you.
If you’re using Nexus Hosting, the good news you can seamlessly install and manage most of the essentials. We’ve put together step-by-step guides to help you understand and manage your server setup:
Versions
Worlds
Configs
Plugins
Mods
Modpacks
This is the base version of Minecraft that your server runs. It determines what features, mobs, items, and mechanics are available, and what mods or plugins will work.
When choosing a version, you’ll typically pick from:
Vanilla – The official, unmodified version of Minecraft.
Spigot/Paper – Versions built for plugin support (best for performance and community servers).
Forge/Fabric – Required for running mods.
Modpack-based – Pre-configured collections of mods that run on top of Forge or Fabric.
Your players must be using the same version (or compatible launcher/modpack) to connect.
Each Minecraft server runs at least one “world.” This is the actual terrain where players build, explore, and survive. But you can run more than one:
world/ – Your main world.
world_nether/, world_the_end/ – Dimensions automatically generated alongside the main world.
Custom or extra worlds – Created with plugins like Multiverse-Core.
Worlds are saved as folders in your server’s file system. If you upload a custom map, you’ll usually replace the world/ folder or create a new one and point the server to it.
Config files let you define how your server behaves. You'll mostly work with these:
server.properties: This is your main config file, where you can set the world seed, enable/disable PVP, change difficulty, set the max number of players, define server view distance, and much more.
Plugin and Mod Configs: Each plugin or mod typically comes with its own config files. They live inside folders like /plugins/PluginName/config.yml (for Spigot/Paper). These configs control how individual plugins or mods behave, everything from cooldown timers to item limits.
Plugins are server-side add-ons that extend functionality without requiring players to install anything. They are built using the Bukkit API, a custom framework that extends the core Minecraft server to support extra features and server-side code. Since all modern Minecraft plugins are built for the Bukkit API, they require a server type that includes it:
Spigot
Paper
Bukkit
Plugins are tools that add new features, commands, protections, and quality-of-life improvements. They build on top of vanilla Minecraft, allowing you to control gameplay, automate tasks, and manage your server more easily.
Mods go deeper than plugins. They can add new blocks, mobs, mechanics, dimensions, and even change game physics. They require a modded server – usually Forge or Fabric – and all players must install the same mods to join.
Here are some popular mods, to give you an idea of what can be achieved:
Mekanism – A massive tech mod with advanced machines, digital miners, reactors, and high-end power systems.
Botania – Magic through flowers. You generate mana and power mystical devices using natural mechanics, not wands.
Biomes O’ Plenty – Adds 80+ new biomes, each with unique terrain, trees, plants, and blocks for building and exploring.
JourneyMap – Adds an in-game minimap and a real-time web map, letting players see where they’ve explored and set waypoints.
Mods can work together in giant modpacks or be installed individually, depending on the experience you're aiming for.
A modpack is a curated bundle of mods + configs + server files, often with a specific theme or progression system. They are great for survival, hardcore, or themed servers. Popular sources include:
Modrinth
CurseForge
FTB (Feed The Beast)
Technic
ATLauncher
Voids Wrath
Make sure your players install the exact same client version of the modpack or they won’t be able to join.
Datapacks are mini-mods that tweak gameplay using built-in Minecraft mechanics. No modloader is required because they run on Vanilla, and players don’t need to install anything. They are a great lightweight option for adding features without switching off vanilla.
Examples include things like custom loot tables, new crafting recipes, and tweaked mob behavior.
These change the look and sound of Minecraft without affecting gameplay. Unlike mods, they’re installed client-side by the player, but you can recommend or force one from the server.
To set a default pack for your server, upload the .zip to a file host (like Dropbox). Then paste the direct download link into server.properties under resource-pack=.
If you’re using Nexus Hosting, the good news you can seamlessly install and manage most of the essentials. We’ve put together step-by-step guides to help you understand and manage your server setup:
Versions
Worlds
Configs
Plugins
Mods
Modpacks
**1.** Server Version
This is the base version of Minecraft that your server runs. It determines what features, mobs, items, and mechanics are available, and what mods or plugins will work.
When choosing a version, you’ll typically pick from:
Vanilla – The official, unmodified version of Minecraft.
Spigot/Paper – Versions built for plugin support (best for performance and community servers).
Forge/Fabric – Required for running mods.
Modpack-based – Pre-configured collections of mods that run on top of Forge or Fabric.
Your players must be using the same version (or compatible launcher/modpack) to connect.
**2.** Worlds
Each Minecraft server runs at least one “world.” This is the actual terrain where players build, explore, and survive. But you can run more than one:
world/ – Your main world.
world_nether/, world_the_end/ – Dimensions automatically generated alongside the main world.
Custom or extra worlds – Created with plugins like Multiverse-Core.
Worlds are saved as folders in your server’s file system. If you upload a custom map, you’ll usually replace the world/ folder or create a new one and point the server to it.
**3.** Configuration Files (Configs)
Config files let you define how your server behaves. You'll mostly work with these:
server.properties: This is your main config file, where you can set the world seed, enable/disable PVP, change difficulty, set the max number of players, define server view distance, and much more.
Plugin and Mod Configs: Each plugin or mod typically comes with its own config files. They live inside folders like /plugins/PluginName/config.yml (for Spigot/Paper). These configs control how individual plugins or mods behave, everything from cooldown timers to item limits.
**4. Plugins**
Plugins are server-side add-ons that extend functionality without requiring players to install anything. They are built using the Bukkit API, a custom framework that extends the core Minecraft server to support extra features and server-side code. Since all modern Minecraft plugins are built for the Bukkit API, they require a server type that includes it:
Spigot
Paper
Bukkit
Plugins are tools that add new features, commands, protections, and quality-of-life improvements. They build on top of vanilla Minecraft, allowing you to control gameplay, automate tasks, and manage your server more easily.
**5.** Mods
Mods go deeper than plugins. They can add new blocks, mobs, mechanics, dimensions, and even change game physics. They require a modded server – usually Forge or Fabric – and all players must install the same mods to join.
Here are some popular mods, to give you an idea of what can be achieved:
Mekanism – A massive tech mod with advanced machines, digital miners, reactors, and high-end power systems.
Botania – Magic through flowers. You generate mana and power mystical devices using natural mechanics, not wands.
Biomes O’ Plenty – Adds 80+ new biomes, each with unique terrain, trees, plants, and blocks for building and exploring.
JourneyMap – Adds an in-game minimap and a real-time web map, letting players see where they’ve explored and set waypoints.
Mods can work together in giant modpacks or be installed individually, depending on the experience you're aiming for.
**6.** Modpacks
A modpack is a curated bundle of mods + configs + server files, often with a specific theme or progression system. They are great for survival, hardcore, or themed servers. Popular sources include:
Modrinth
CurseForge
FTB (Feed The Beast)
Technic
ATLauncher
Voids Wrath
Make sure your players install the exact same client version of the modpack or they won’t be able to join.
**7. Datapacks**
Datapacks are mini-mods that tweak gameplay using built-in Minecraft mechanics. No modloader is required because they run on Vanilla, and players don’t need to install anything. They are a great lightweight option for adding features without switching off vanilla.
Examples include things like custom loot tables, new crafting recipes, and tweaked mob behavior.
**8. Resource Packs**
These change the look and sound of Minecraft without affecting gameplay. Unlike mods, they’re installed client-side by the player, but you can recommend or force one from the server.
To set a default pack for your server, upload the .zip to a file host (like Dropbox). Then paste the direct download link into server.properties under resource-pack=.
Updated on: 27/05/2025
Thank you!