How to Let Older Clients Join Your Newer Server (ViaBackwards & ViaRewind)

Why older clients can't connect

ViaVersion alone only lets newer clients join an older server. If you run a recent server and a friend is stuck on an old client, ViaVersion will not help them by itself. You need the companion plugins that translate in the other direction.

Installing the companion plugins

1. Stop the server.

2. Drop ViaBackwards into the same plugins/ folder as ViaVersion. This lets clients a few versions behind your server connect.

3. If you want to support *much* older clients (the legacy combat-era versions), also drop ViaRewind in. ViaRewind depends on ViaBackwards, so both must be present.

4. Start the server. ViaVersion will load its add-ons automatically and you should see them listed in the startup log.

Verifying it works

• Run /viaver list while a player is connected to see which client version they are on and whether it was translated.
• Have the old-client player join. If they get kicked, check the console for a protocol error and confirm all three jars are the same build family.
• Keep all three plugins updated together — mixing builds is the most common cause of join failures.

Remember: no plugin can make a client support features its own version never had. Older players simply won't see newer blocks, mobs, or mechanics.