What's the difference between plugins and mods, and can I run both?
"Plugins" and "mods" get used interchangeably, but on a Minecraft server they're not the same thing — and which one you can run depends entirely on your installed software. Here's how to tell them apart and whether you can combine them.
Plugins vs mods
The key is your server software:
- Plugins work on the Paper/Spigot/Purpur/Bukkit family. Install them from the Plugins tab.
- Mods work on Forge/Fabric. Install them from the Mods tab.
A plugin won't load on Forge, and a mod won't load on Paper. On a Forge server, the Plugins tab simply won't apply.
Can I run both?
To use plugins and mods together, you'd run a hybrid software such as Mohist or Arclight, both available in the Versions catalog. This bridges the two worlds so a single server can load both.
Warning: Hybrid software is less stable than pure Paper or pure Forge. Expect the occasional compatibility quirk, and back up your world before relying on it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which software I'm running? Check the Versions tab — the installed software determines whether you use the Plugins tab, the Mods tab, or both.
My Plugins tab isn't doing anything — is it broken? Not necessarily. If you're on Forge, plugins don't apply, so the tab won't work. Switch to a plugin-capable software (Paper/Spigot family) via the Versions tab, or use mods instead.