Can I run mods and plugins on the same server, and how? — Minecraft

Q: Where do plugins vs mods go?

Always keep them separate: plugins in plugins, mods in mods. A hybrid reads both, but a file in the wrong folder won't load and may crash.

Yes — you can run Forge mods and Bukkit plugins together, but only with special "hybrid" server software that bridges the two worlds. It's a powerful setup with one important trade-off: stability. Here's how to do it and what to expect.

What a hybrid server does

Normally, mods (Forge/Fabric) and plugins (Bukkit) live in separate ecosystems that can't coexist. A hybrid server software bolts a Bukkit plugin layer onto a Forge server, so both a mods folder and a plugins folder work at once. The common hybrids are Mohist, Magma, and Arclight.

How to set it up

In the Versions tab, install a hybrid — Mohist, Magma, or Arclight — matching your Minecraft and Forge version.
Put your mods in the mods folder (via Files or SFTP).
Put your plugins in the plugins folder.
Start the server and watch the Console for load errors.

Warning: Hybrids are less stable than pure Forge or pure Paper, and not every mod or plugin will behave on them. Test your setup thoroughly and keep your own backups by downloading world/files via Files or SFTP.

Frequently asked questions

Which hybrid should I choose? It depends on your Minecraft/Forge version and mod set. Mohist has broad support, Arclight often does better on newer versions, and Magma suits certain versions. Try the one with the best support for your exact versions.

Where do plugins vs mods go? Always keep them separate: plugins in plugins, mods in mods. A hybrid reads both, but a file in the wrong folder won't load and may crash.

What if it keeps crashing? Confirm the hybrid build matches both your Minecraft and Forge versions, then remove the most recently added mod/plugin and test. Share the crash log via mclo.gs if you're stuck.