Best Minecraft Server Plugins in 2025
MaximPlugins are an important part of a Minecraft server and if you aren't able to develop them yourself, you might have to use publicly available ones. After running several servers and testing countless plugins, here's my personal selection of some very cool and innovative plugins in 2025.
Visual & Fancy Plugins (No Resource Pack Needed)
These plugins add crazy visual effects without requiring players to download anything extra.
FancyPhysics - Adds realistic physics effects like tree falling animations, damage particles, and visual crafting. Works from 1.19.4 to 1.21.x. The source code is available if you want to customize it.
ProdigyCape - The best cape plugin I've found. Players love flexing capes, and this plugin makes it possible to add custom ones (don't sell them though, because thats against the EULA :c).
EntitySize - Change the size of any entity or player with smooth transitions. Great for custom mobs or special effects.
HologramLib (LIBRARY) - A packet-based hologram API for developers (no pre-made commands). Supports Paper / Purpur / Folia on 1.19.4–1.21.x and requires PacketEvents. Features text, item & block holograms, MiniMessage/emoji, per-player visibility, and paginated leaderboards. Source code.
Essential Server Plugins Everyone Needs
These are the plugins that can form the foundation of any good server.
LuckPerms - Still the best permissions system after all these years. Manages ranks and permissions efficiently.
FastAsyncWorldEdit - WorldEdit but faster and more reliable. Essential for any server with building.
Chunky - Pre-generates chunks to prevent lag when players explore new areas. A must for survival servers.
Worth the Investment: Premium Plugins
Some plugins are worth paying for if you're serious about your server.
BetterChatBubbles - Adds chat bubbles above players' heads. Makes conversations feel more natural and immersive.
AdvancedGUI - Create amazing interactive GUIs with a web editor. The learning curve is worth it for the results.
Server Software Choices
The foundation your server runs on matters as much as the plugins.
Paper - The standard for most servers. Better performance than vanilla Spigot.
Purpur - Paper with extra customization options.
Folia - For massive servers that need multithreading. Overkill for smaller setups.
Leaf - Something in between Paper and Folia
FAQ
Do I need to pay for plugins to have a good server?
Not at all. Many of the best plugins are completely free.
How many plugins should I use?
Quality over quantity. Too many plugins can cause lag and conflicts.
What server software is best for beginners?
Paper is the safest choice. Good performance and runs pretty stable.
What is the best hologram library?
HologramLib is one of the most advanced and modern hologram libraries (completely unbiased I swear 🧢). It is frequently updated, well-documented, easy to use, and offers a wide range of features.
What's the best free plugin for visual effects?
FancyPhysics is hard to beat (also unbiased frfr). It adds multiple effects without requiring a resource pack.