Spigot Server

Please Note:


 * If you want to fully optimize your server to minimize lag, a Paper server may be a better fit for you (& is easier to install).
 * If you want a semi-vanilla server with minimal changes to Minecraft and just a few plugins (none of which impact gameplay) then CraftBukkit may be a better fit for you.

There are 3 ways to install Spigot:

 * 1) Download it using the official BuildTools program.
 * 2) *Pro: Provides the most updated server software with the latest bug fixes & improvements (directly from the official source).
 * 3) *Pro: Is used to install both CraftBukkit and Spigot should you decide to give CraftBukkit a try.
 * 4) *Con: Is most difficult method out of the three.
 * 5) *There is a simplified tutorial on the SpigotMC website here and the official tutorial can also be found here. Both tutorials provide instructions for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
 * 6) The second method is to get your Minecraft hosting plan setup (see Setting Up Hosting). Then you will be able to select Spigot and a Minecraft version in the online server panel they provide you.
 * 7) *Pro: Quick & easy
 * 8) *Con: While it will provide all MC versions (I.e. 1.17), the server jar file provided will most likely not include the latest fixes and improvements made by the Spigot developers.
 * 9) Use a third-party website to download the server jar file.
 * 10) *Pro: Quick & easy
 * 11) *Con: While websites like GetBukkit.org are very commonly used to install CraftBukkit, Spigot, etc, be aware that this  is illegal  (because they are redistributing Minecraft code)! For that reason we discourage you from using it!
 * 12) *Con: Furthermore, like #2 it will probably provide server jars that are not up-to-date.
 * 13) *Con: Also, due to being an unofficial provider there is a risk of the files being malicious and may harm your computer or server.

Recommendations:

 * 1) For the path of least resistance I recommend method #2.
 * 2) If you wish to use more recent Minecraft versions and you want to learn as much as you can that'll be useful to you later, use method #1.