Changing Your Server Version or Software

Want to go back to a nostalgic version or jump into the newest snapshot? On Fern, it’s remarkably simple, but there is a big "but" attached. Switching versions is as easy as picking a name from a list. Whether you're upgrading from Vanilla to Paper for better performance or trying out a new mod loader, we’ve got you covered.

Choosing the Right Software

Not all Minecraft "engines" are the same. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can choose:

Vanilla: The official, unmodified game. Best for the "pure" experience.
Paper: Our top recommendation. It's built for speed and supports thousands of "Plugins" that don't require players to install anything.
Fabric: A modern, lightweight choice for modding. It updates very fast when new Minecraft versions come out.
Forge: The industry standard for those massive "kitchen-sink" modpacks.

How to Make the Switch

Safety First: Stop your server before you change anything.
In Mission Control, click the Version tab.
Pick your target version from the list. [image - Mission Control > Version | Software Update | Highlighting the 'Target Version' dropdown and the current software version]
Review the Plan: We’ll show you a "Compatibility Report" that warns you if your current plugins or mods might break on the new version.
Hit Confirm and let the server do its thing. [image - Mission Control > Version | Change Confirmation | Showing the warning dialog that appears before a version change]
Start it up and you’re good to go!

[!IMPORTANT] Take a Snapshot First! Upgrading to a newer version is almost always safe, but "downgrading" (e.g., going from 1.20 back to 1.19) will almost certainly corrupt your world data. Always have a backup ready.

Switching Between Engines

Moving from Vanilla to Paper is seamless, your world will look exactly the same. However, switching between Fabric and Forge is a major change. Since they use different modding systems, any modded blocks or items you’ve placed will disappear if you switch between them.

Final Checklist

Watch the Console: If something isn't working after the change, the Console will usually tell you which plugin is failing.
Check Your Gear: Log in and make sure your inventory and builds are still there.
Test Your Plugins: Sometimes a simple version upgrade requires you to also update your plugins to their latest versions.

Stuck on a specific version error? Join our Discord and our community can help you troubleshoot the logs.