Minecraft Server Guides
Setup tutorials, plugin walkthroughs, performance tuning and troubleshooting — written by the TickHosting team.
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.
How to Make a Minecraft Server: The Complete Beginner Guide
Want your own Minecraft world that your friends can join whenever they like? Here is every method for setting up a Minecraft server, from a five-minute local test to a real 24/7 hosted server.
How to Make a Minecraft Server for Free
You do not need to spend a cent to get a real Minecraft server up and running. Here is a breakdown of every free method, and the tradeoffs of each.
How to Make a Minecraft Server With Friends
Playing Minecraft with friends is more fun on a dedicated server than a quick LAN game. Here is how to set one up so everyone can hop in whenever they like.
How to Create a Minecraft Java Server
Java Edition is where Minecraft mods and most classic multiplayer servers live. Here is exactly how to set one up, from downloading the jar to your first login.