Best Paper Server Plugins for Minecraft

Why Plugins Matter

Plugins extend your Paper server with permissions, protection, economy, maps, and management tools. Unlike mods, plugins run server-side only — players don't need to install anything. Install them by dropping .jar files into the plugins/ folder and restarting.

EssentialsX

The Swiss army knife plugin. Adds:

• /home, /sethome — personal teleport points
• /spawn, /setspawn — server spawn management
• /tpa — teleport requests between players
• /kit — starter kits for new players
• /warp — named teleport locations
• Chat formatting, nicknames, /msg

Install EssentialsX + EssentialsXChat + EssentialsXSpawn for the complete package. Download from essentialsx.net.

LuckPerms

The standard permissions plugin. Controls who can use which commands:

• Web editor UI for easy permission management
• Groups: Admin, Moderator, Default — assign players to groups
• Per-permission control (e.g., essentials.home for /home access)
• Inheritance — Admins inherit Moderator permissions automatically

Access the web editor with /lp editor in-game.

WorldGuard + WorldEdit

WorldGuard protects regions from griefing, WorldEdit is a building tool:

• Define regions with WorldEdit selections (//wand, //pos1, //pos2)
• Protect regions — prevent breaking/placing blocks
• Deny PvP, TNT, mob damage in specific areas
• WorldEdit for server builds: //set, //replace, //copy, //paste

Dynmap

Generates a live web map of your Minecraft world accessible via browser:

• Real-time player positions on the map
• Full terrain rendering (flat, isometric, 3D views)
• Accessible at http://your-server:8123
• Shows structures, markers, and regions

Resource-intensive during initial render — let it run overnight.

CoreProtect

Block logging and rollback:

• /co lookup — see who placed/broke a block
• /co rollback — undo griefing by a specific player
• Logs chest access, kills, chat, and more
• Essential for any public or semi-public server

Other Recommended Plugins

• Vault — economy API, required by many plugins
• GriefPrevention — player-driven land claims with golden shovels
• DiscordSRV — bridge between Discord and in-game chat
• Spark — performance profiler, diagnose TPS issues
• ViewDistanceTweaks — dynamic view distance based on TPS

Installing Plugins

• Download .jar files from SpigotMC, Modrinth, or Hangar
• Place them in your server's plugins/ folder
• Restart the server (not just /reload)
• Configure in plugins/PluginName/config.yml
• Check console for errors on startup

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