Minecraft Server Guides
Setup tutorials, plugin walkthroughs, performance tuning and troubleshooting — written by the TickHosting team.
Paper vs Spigot: Which Minecraft Server Software Should You Use?
Spigot used to be the standard for plugin-based Minecraft servers. Paper has since taken over almost every use case. Here is exactly why, and whether Spigot still has a place.
Paper vs Purpur: Do You Need the Extra Customization?
You are already running Paper. Is Purpur worth switching to? Here is what you actually gain, what changes under the hood, and when to stay put.
Paper vs Vanilla: Is It Worth Switching Off the Official Server?
The official Minecraft server works fine for a small group. Here is exactly what you gain, and what you give up, by switching to Paper instead.
Purpur vs Paper: What Extra Configuration Actually Gets You
Purpur promises deep gameplay customization on top of Paper. Here is what that actually looks like in practice, and whether it is the right starting point for a new server.
Fabric vs Forge: Which Mod Loader Should You Use?
Fabric and Forge are not interchangeable, a mod built for one will not load on the other. Here is how to decide which loader your server actually needs.
Forge vs NeoForge: What Changed and Which to Pick
NeoForge is a fork of Forge, not a separate competitor built from scratch. Here is why the split happened and which one actually makes sense for your modpack.
Fabric vs NeoForge: Comparing the Two Modern Mod Loaders
Both Fabric and NeoForge are actively developed and quick to support new Minecraft versions. Here is how they actually differ, and how to choose between them.
Vanilla vs Paper: When Sticking With Vanilla Actually Makes Sense
Paper is the better pick for most servers, but not every server. Here is an honest look at when running the plain vanilla server is actually the right call.
What Is Folia? Minecraft's Multithreaded Server Explained
Folia splits a Minecraft world into independent regions that run on separate CPU threads. Here is what that actually means, and whether your server needs it.
What Is Fabric? The Lightweight Minecraft Mod Loader Explained
Fabric is built to be small, fast, and quick to support new Minecraft versions. Here is what that means in practice and when to reach for it.
What Is Forge? Minecraft's Original Modding API Explained
Forge has been the backbone of Minecraft modding since 2011 and still has the deepest mod library of any loader. Here is how it works and when it is still the right pick.
What Is NeoForge? The Modern Fork of Minecraft Forge Explained
NeoForge forked from Forge in 2023 and has since become the default choice for new Forge-style modpacks. Here is the full story and what it means for you.