Direct answer

A Vanilla Java server uses Mojang’s official server JAR, Java runtime and EULA acceptance; Bukkit plugins do not load on Vanilla.

Recommended procedure

  1. Download the official Java server JAR for the exact Minecraft release and verify the Java requirement before running it.
  2. Create a dedicated directory and launch from there using java -jar server.jar nogui after naming the verified server JAR server.jar.
  3. Read eula.txt; accept only if you agree to the EULA, then restart. Set the correct address, player limit and whitelist before exposing a port.

Why this matters

Server forks and mod loaders can share a launch pattern while still having different compatibility rules. Do not assume Paper, Folia, Leaf, Purpur, Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge are interchangeable.

Important limitation: Do not use a client launcher JAR as the server JAR. Vanilla does not provide a plugins/ folder for Paper plugins.

How to verify the result

  • Join from the same LAN and then from a different network if public access is intended; use the server console to stop cleanly.

Version and compatibility notes

  • When a setting, command, or file name differs from this guide, stop and check the documentation for your exact Minecraft/server-software version instead of forcing an old example.

Official references

These sources were checked for the current MSH revision. Version-sensitive details should always be confirmed against the project documentation for the release you run.

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