Minecraft Hybrid Servers

This guide explains how to set up and run a Minecraft hybrid server, which combines mods and plugins. While hybrid servers offer unique gameplay experiences, they also present challenges. We will discuss community perspectives, provide setup instructions, and highlight important considerations.

Introduction

Minecraft players and server owners often seek ways to enhance their gaming experience. Hybrid servers, which combine mods and plugins, are a popular method. However, this approach has sparked debate within the Minecraft community due to concerns about stability and security.

In this guide, we will:

Explain hybrid servers
Discuss community perspectives
Provide step-by-step instructions for setting up a hybrid server

General View

The Minecraft community has mixed opinions on hybrid servers:

Some players and server owners consider them less desirable due to:

Stability concerns
Compatibility issues
Potential security vulnerabilities

These issues stem from the complexity of using both mods and plugins together
However, with the right tools and setup, hybrid servers can offer:

Unique gameplay experiences
Versatile server environments
Combined benefits of mod customization and plugin functionality

Prospective Solutions

To run a stable hybrid Minecraft server:

Use up-to-date server software
ArcLight is recommended:

A Fabric/Forge-based mod loader for Minecraft 1.20.4
Offers a stable and secure environment for both mods and plugins

Avoid using:

Mohist (known security issues)
Magma (Remote Code Execution vulnerability)

Always research thoroughly and exercise caution before using any server software

Installation Process for ArcLight

Prepare your server environment:

Ensure your server runs Minecraft version 1.20.4

We will create Minecraft Vanilla 1.20.4 server
Click on the Create Server button on the Inventory page

On the next modal, set the desired server resources, then choose 1.20.4 as the version and proceed with server creation

Download ArcLight:

Visit the ArcLight GitHub page
Download the latest ArcLight release for Minecraft 1.20.4

Upload ArcLight to your server:

Use Upload button under File Manager tab

Upload the ArcLight JAR file to the server's main directory

Rename the ArcLight File:

Rename server.jar file to any other name
Rename the uploaded ArcLight JAR file to server.jar

Start your server:

Start the server using the Start button

Monitor the server console for any errors
Server will now start successfully

Installing a Plugin on ArcLight (Forge)

We will use EssentialsX as an example, a widely used plugin for managing server commands.

Download EssentialsX plugin:

Visit the EssentialsX GitHub page
Download the latest release for your server version

Upload EssentialsX plugin to your server:

Go to the File Manager tab
Locate the plugins folder in your server's main directory

Upload the EssentialsX JAR file to the plugins folder

Restart your server:

Click the Restart button, to reboot the server

Verify plugin installation:

Click on the Console tab
Test the plugin with commands like /help or /essentials

Installing a Server-Side Mod on ArcLight (Forge)

We will use JourneyMap, a popular map mod, as an example.

Download JourneyMap mod:

Visit JourneyMap on CurseForge
Download the latest version compatible with Minecraft 1.20.4

Upload JourneyMap Mod to Your Server:

Go to the File Manager tab
Locate the mods folder in your server's main directory

Upload the JourneyMap JAR file to the mods folder

Restart your server:

Click the Restart button, to reboot the server

Verify mod installation:

Click on the Console tab
Check Console logs for mod mentions

Installing a Local-Side Mod Using Prism Launcher

Set up a new instance:

Open Prism Launcher
1 & 2 Create a new instance for Minecraft 1.20.4
3 Select Forge as Mod Loader
4 Select the latest version
5 Click the OK button

Add JourneyMap Mod to the instance:

Right click the instance and select Edit button

Click on the Mods tab on the left

Click on the Add file button on the right

Select the downloaded JourneyMap JAR file
Mod will get selected and finally click on the Launch button at the bottom

Verify mod installation:

Join your server to ensure compatibility

Press J to open JourneyMap and verify it is working

Stability and Considerations

Hybrid servers may be unstable due to mod and plugin compatibility issues
ArcLight helps reduce these issues, but be prepared to troubleshoot
Implement regular backups and server monitoring
Keep Minecraft, mod loader, mods, and plugins up-to-date

Disclaimer and Guide Purpose

Hybrid servers offer benefits but come with stability and compatibility concerns
We do not explicitly recommend using hybrid servers
This guide provides setup instructions for our service
Proceed at your own risk and consider implications before running a hybrid server

Additional Resources

Explore these resources for more information on hybrid servers:

If you require further assistance, you can open a support ticket here!

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