Which Minecraft version should your server run?

There is no single best version. Pick by what your players need.

The newest release

Choose the newest if you want new blocks and mobs, and your players are on a current launcher. Paper usually supports a new release within days. Plugins can lag behind, so check yours with the compatibility checker.

A slightly older release

Mods and big modpacks often stay on a version for a year. If you run a pack, use the version it was built for. See modpack hosting.

1.8 for PvP

Some PvP communities stay on 1.8 for its combat. It needs older Java and its own care: 1.8 server hosting.

Let players join on other versions

• ViaVersion lets newer clients join an older server.
• ViaBackwards adds older clients to a newer server.
• Geyser brings in Bedrock players; see Java and Bedrock. Bedrock needs a recent Geyser: what changed in 26.60.

Java you will need

Newer versions need newer Java. The Java version checker tells you which one.

Changing later

You can change the version and keep your world; a copy of the old world is kept in case you go back. Read changing version or software and updating without losing your world.