There are 2 open-source alternatives to Forge in this directory. The most popular is Docker-minecraft-server with 13.5k GitHub stars, followed by Paper(11.7k stars). All are open source, free to use, and many can be self-hosted.
| # | Tool | Stars | Language | License |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Docker-minecraft-server A Docker image that provides an automatically updating Minecraft Server for Java Edition, downloading the selected version at startup. | 13.5k | Shell | Apache License 2.0 |
| 2 | Paper Paper is a high-performance, widely used Minecraft server that extends and optimizes the default gameplay experience by addressing performance issues and fixing gameplay and mechanics inconsistencies found in vanilla Minecraft servers. | 11.7k | Java | Other |
A Docker image that provides an automatically updating Minecraft Server for Java Edition, downloading the selected version at startup.
Paper is a high-performance, widely used Minecraft server that extends and optimizes the default gameplay experience by addressing performance issues and fixing gameplay and mechanics inconsistencies found in vanilla Minecraft servers.
The top three are Docker-minecraft-server(13.5k stars), Paper(11.7k stars). All are open source and free to use.
Yes. Every tool listed here is open source and free to use in your own projects. Many can be self-hosted on your own infrastructure, which means no subscription fees and full control over your data.
Many of the alternatives listed are self-hostable. Each tool's page lists hosting details, system requirements, and licensing terms.
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