How to Install ViaVersion on a Minecraft Server

To install ViaVersion, download the latest release from Modrinth or Hangar, put the JAR in your Paper or Purpur server's plugins folder and restart. Players on newer Minecraft versions can then join your older server. Add ViaBackwards too if players on older versions must join a newer server, and ViaRewind on top for 1.7 and 1.8 clients. On TheGameHosting you can add it from the Plugins tab in the panel.

ViaVersion translates the network protocol between versions. It does not add new blocks or items to an older server: players on a newer client see the world as the server's version builds it, with newer content mapped to something that exists.

ViaVersion, ViaBackwards and ViaRewind: which you need

The ViaVersion project page lists support from 1.8.x up to the newest releases, and platforms including Paper, Folia, Velocity, Sponge and Fabric. The project also asks you to use the same build channel (release or beta) for all three plugins.

How to install ViaVersion on your server

1. Go to Backups and create a backup, then stop the server from the Console.
2. Make sure the server runs Paper or Purpur. If it runs vanilla, switch it to Paper in Version first.
3. Open the Plugins tab and install ViaVersion. You can also download it from Modrinth or Hangar and upload the JAR to plugins in Files.
4. If older clients must join, install ViaBackwards the same way. For 1.7 and 1.8 clients, add ViaRewind too.
5. Start the server. The Console shows ViaVersion loading and detecting your server's version.
6. Run viaversion list in the Console to see which protocol versions connected players are using.
7. Ask a friend on a different version to join and walk around spawn to check that blocks and items show correctly.

If you have never added a plugin before, our guide on how to install plugins on a Paper server explains the Plugins tab and manual uploads.

Installing ViaVersion on a proxy or on Fabric

• Velocity network: ViaVersion has a Velocity build. You can put it on the proxy so it translates for every backend, or on each backend server. Pick one place and keep it consistent.
• Fabric server: use ViaFabric, or ViaFabricPlus, which are listed on the ViaVersion page. They go in mods.
• Forge or NeoForge: modded servers usually require players to have the same version and mods, so ViaVersion rarely helps there.

Common ViaVersion problems and fixes

1. "Outdated server" still appears: the plugin did not load. Check the Console for errors, often a Java version below 17. See how to change the Java version on a Minecraft server.
2. "Outdated client" for friends on old versions: you only installed ViaVersion. Add ViaBackwards (and ViaRewind for 1.7/1.8).
3. Plugins break with Via installed: some plugins that read packets need their own update. Update them, and update ViaVersion to the latest build.
4. Players on a brand-new Minecraft release cannot join: Via usually updates about a day after a release, according to the project page. Wait for the new build, then update.
5. Odd blocks or missing items for some players: expected. A newer client sees newer blocks mapped to old ones, and an older client sees replacements for blocks it does not have.
6. Combat feels different for 1.8 players: ViaRewind lets them join, but the server still uses its own combat rules.

Should you update the server instead?

ViaVersion is a bridge, not a replacement for keeping your server current. If most of your players are on the new version, updating the server is usually better, then use ViaBackwards for the few who stay behind. Our guide on how to update a Minecraft server covers backups and plugin checks. If you are still deciding which server software to run, read Paper, Purpur or Fabric.

Run ViaVersion on TheGameHosting

On TheGameHosting your server runs 24/7 in Dallas or Amsterdam on AMD 9950X or 7950X3D CPUs, with DDoS protection on every plan. Paper is one click in the Version Changer, ViaVersion is in the Plugins tab, Files gives you every config in the browser and Backups saves your world before you change anything. There is no charge per player, so friends on every version can join.

Plans start at $1.90 USD per month on Minecraft server hosting. Compare RAM sizes on the game server plans page and use FULL2026 for 15% off for life. Choose a plan on Pricing and your server is ready in about 60 seconds.

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