Purpur Minecraft Server Software FAQ
10 questions players actually ask, answered.
How do I start a Purpur server from scratch?
Download the Purpur server JAR file, create a new folder for your server, place the JAR inside, and run it with a Java command (the server will generate necessary files on first launch). After the initial startup completes, you can configure settings in the generated configuration files before restarting.
What's the difference between Purpur and Paper?
Purpur is built on top of Paper and includes all of Paper's optimizations, but adds additional customization options and features specifically designed to give server administrators more control over gameplay mechanics like mob behavior, entity processing, and block interactions.
Can I use my old Bukkit and Spigot plugins on Purpur?
Yes, Purpur is designed to be compatible with most Bukkit and Spigot plugins, though some plugins may have compatibility issues depending on how they were coded. Test your plugins on a test server first to ensure they work as expected.
My server is lagging—where do I start troubleshooting?
Check your view distance and entity processing settings in the configuration files, as these are common causes of lag. You can also monitor chunk loading behavior and mob spawning rates, which Purpur allows you to customize to reduce server strain.
How do I disable TNT explosions or mob griefing?
These features can be toggled in Purpur's configuration files—look for the relevant settings in the main config and adjust them to disable the behaviors you don't want on your server.
What Java version do I need to run Purpur?
Purpur requires a modern version of Java to run; check the official documentation for the specific minimum version required for your target Minecraft version, as requirements may vary between releases.
How do I set a player limit on my Purpur server?
Player limits can be configured in the server properties and configuration files—you can set a maximum number of concurrent players to prevent server overload and manage performance.
Does Purpur support mods or only plugins?
Purpur is server software that supports Bukkit and Spigot plugins, not client-side mods; players on your server will use vanilla Minecraft clients unless you're using a mod loader alongside Purpur (which requires additional setup).
How do I update Purpur to a newer version?
Download the new Purpur JAR file, stop your server, back up your world and configuration files, replace the old JAR with the new one, and restart the server. Most updates are backward compatible, but always test on a backup first.
Where can I get help if something breaks?
The Purpur community maintains an active Discord server where you can ask questions and get support from other users and developers; the open-source project also has documentation and issue tracking available online.