How to Let Players Join From Any Minecraft Version
Use ViaVersion so players on newer (or older) Minecraft versions can join your server.
Updated 1 min read
Normally a player must use the same Minecraft version as the server, or they see "Outdated server" or "Outdated client". The ViaVersion plugins translate between versions so they can join anyway.
Which plugins you need
| Plugin | Lets in players on… |
|---|---|
| ViaVersion | newer versions than the server |
| ViaBackwards | older versions (needs ViaVersion) |
| ViaRewind | 1.8 and older (needs both) |
Install them
ViaVersion is a plugin, so your server needs to run Paper. Install it from Package Manager if you're on Vanilla.
- Open your server and go to Package Manager.
- Click Browse packages and search for ViaVersion. Click Install.
- Do the same for ViaBackwards if you want older clients too.
- Restart the server from Console.
That's all. Players on other versions can now join.
Things to know
- Players on a newer version can only use what the server's version has. New blocks and mobs won't appear.
- Run the server on the newest version your plugins support. It's the version most players are on, and it means less translating.
- Mod loaders don't mix: ViaVersion doesn't let Fabric or Forge clients join a server with different mods.
Tip
To let Bedrock players (phones, consoles, Windows) join a Java server too, see How to Install Geyser and Floodgate.
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