The Best Minecraft Mods for Servers

Running a Minecraft server can feel like herding sheep sometimes, but the right mods can make it smooth, fun, and way less explosive. These are some of the must-have server mods that keep everything organized, secure, and enjoyable for your players!

EssentialsX

EssentialsX is the backbone of most servers, packing in all the basic commands and tools players expect.

• Teleports like /spawn, /home, /tpa

• Starter kits and welcome items

• Private messages and mail

• AFK detection and auto-kick

• Server rules and MOTD display

• Basic economy commands

It can be downloaded here!

LuckPerms

LuckPerms is a powerful and flexible permissions system that keeps your ranks neat and under control.

• Create ranks like Member, VIP, Moderator

• Assign or remove any plugin permission

• Inherit permissions between groups

• Track history of changes

• Manage everything with a clean web editor

• Sync ranks across multiple servers

Look here for their official page!

Dynmap

Dynmap turns your world into a living map your players can explore from their browser.

• Real-time world map view

• Show live player locations

• Mark towns and builds

• Custom map styles and zoom levels

• Works across multiple worlds

• Display claim borders from other plugins

Here is the official Modrinth page!

If you're not looking to set up some basics for your server, here's a list of some of the most fun mods to play with friends! Subjectively, of course, but they're popular for a reason!

Biomes O’ Plenty

Biomes O’ Plenty makes the world feel huge and fresh, adding tons of new places for your players to explore.

• Over 80 new biomes and sub-biomes

• New trees, plants, and blocks

• Custom terrain generation

• Great for exploration-focused servers

Here's the official Curseforge page!

Create

Create is an engineering playground that adds moving machines and contraptions for players to build.

• Mechanical power systems and gear trains

• Conveyor belts, drills, and crushers

• Complex automation possibilities

• Perfect for tech or steampunk-style servers

Here is the official Curseforge mod page!

Ice and Fire: Dragons

Ice and Fire fills your world with epic fantasy, from mighty dragons to mythical beasts (this is my personal favorite!).

• Ride and tame dragons

• Fight cyclopes, sirens, and other creatures

• Craft dragon armor and weapons

• Adds adventure and danger to survival

Here is the official Curseforge mod page!