Spigot Minecraft Server Software FAQ
10 questions players actually ask, answered.
How do I start a Spigot server from scratch?
Download the Spigot server JAR file, create a new folder for your server, place the JAR inside, and run it from command line or a batch/shell script. The server will generate necessary configuration files and a world folder on first launch.
What's the difference between Spigot and vanilla Minecraft server?
Spigot is optimized for performance and allows you to install plugins that add features and customization, while vanilla servers run the unmodified game with no plugin support. Spigot can handle more players smoothly due to its performance improvements.
Can I use Paper plugins on a Spigot server?
No, Paper plugins are not compatible with Spigot. However, Spigot runs CraftBukkit and Spigot plugins, which make up the vast majority of available server plugins.
How do I install plugins on my Spigot server?
Download plugin JAR files and place them in the 'plugins' folder inside your server directory, then restart the server. The plugins will load automatically on startup.
What should I do if my server is lagging?
Check your server's TPS (ticks per second) using the appropriate command, then review the configuration guides for performance settings like entity activation ranges, chunk ticking, and item frame optimization. Disabling unnecessary plugins or reducing player count can also help.
How do I set up a whitelist so only certain players can join?
Enable the whitelist in your server configuration file, then add player names to the whitelist list. You can customize the message players see when denied entry.
Why are item frames and maps causing my server to lag?
Item frames and maps can cause excessive server load because they update frequently and send data to all nearby players. Spigot includes options to disable or limit these updates in the configuration.
Can I use Sponge plugins with Spigot?
No, Sponge plugins are not compatible with Spigot. You'll need to use CraftBukkit or Spigot plugins instead.
How do I reduce memory usage on my Spigot server?
Spigot includes optimized memory-reducing features like nibble arrays and a chunk garbage collector that prevent memory leaks. You can also configure chunk ticking rates and entity tracking ranges to use fewer resources.
What does TPS mean and why does it matter?
TPS stands for ticks per second, and a healthy server runs at 20 TPS. Lower TPS means the server is struggling to keep up, causing lag and delayed actions for players.