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The best plugins for a small Minecraft server

Nine plugins for a complete, safe server: basic commands, permissions, anti-griefing, building, performance and Discord.

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Updated 22 October 2026

Plugins turn a plain Minecraft server into one that does exactly what you want. You don't need many: with these nine plugins you have a complete, safe server for friends, family or a small community. Plugins run on Paper, the default software on our Minecraft servers.

The basics

  • EssentialsX: The basic commands players expect: /home, /spawn, /tpa (teleport request), /msg and a welcome message.
  • LuckPerms: Decide exactly who can do what, in groups such as player, helper and admin. Much safer than making everyone op.

Safety and griefing

  • CoreProtect: Logs who placed or broke each block and rolls damage back with one command. Essential against griefers.
  • GriefPrevention: Players protect their own land with a golden shovel. Others can't break or steal anything there.

Building

  • WorldEdit: Build big in seconds: copy, paste, fill and make shapes. Ideal for admins and creative servers.

Performance

  • Chunky: Generates the world in advance, so the server doesn't stutter when players explore new land.
  • spark: Shows what makes your server slow (TPS, memory, heavy plugins). See also fix lag.

Players and community

  • Geyser + Floodgate: Lets Bedrock players (phone, tablet, console) join your Java server, without a Java account. See our Geyser guide.
  • DiscordSRV: Links your server chat to a Discord channel, so you see who's playing even when you're not online.

How to install a plugin

  1. Download the plugin as a .jar file, preferably from Modrinth or Hangar. Pick the version that matches your Minecraft version.
  2. Upload the file in SparkPanel under Files to the plugins folder.
  3. Restart the server. The console shows the plugin loading.

More detail, with tips for settings: Install Minecraft plugins.

Tips

  • Less is more. Every plugin uses memory. Start with what you really need and add later.
  • Make a backup first under Backups in SparkPanel before adding a new plugin.
  • Only download from well-known sites. A plugin can do anything on your server, so don't use .jar files from unknown sources.
  • With many plugins or more than 10 players, choose a 4 GB plan; see How much RAM does a Minecraft server need?