Can Bedrock players join a Forge, Vanilla or modded server?
Geyser's Paper plugin won't run on Schokr's Forge or Vanilla templates, and Bedrock clients can't load Java mods. Here's what does work.
Updated · 2 min read
Not in a useful way. Geyser's plugin build needs a Spigot-based server such as Paper, and Bedrock clients cannot install Java mods, so they could not join a server that requires them. For crossplay, run your server on the Paper template.
Why Forge does not work
- Client mods: a Forge modpack adds blocks, items and mechanics that every client must also have installed. Bedrock clients cannot run Java mods, so even if Geyser translated the connection, Bedrock players would be missing everything the modpack adds.
- No Forge plugin build: the Geyser jar for Paper is a Bukkit plugin; it does not load on Forge.
Geyser does offer builds for some other mod loaders, but those are meant for servers with server-side-only mods, not full content modpacks. If your Forge pack adds new blocks or items, Bedrock players will not be able to play it properly.
Why Vanilla does not work
The Vanilla template runs Mojang's server jar, which has no plugin support, so there is nowhere to install the Geyser plugin. Switch to Paper instead. Paper runs vanilla worlds and plays like vanilla for almost everything, while supporting plugins.
Moving a Vanilla world to Paper
- Take a backup or snapshot of your server.
- Note your
level-nameinserver.properties(usuallyworld). - Create a new server from the Paper template, or switch this server to Paper, on the same Minecraft version.
- Upload or keep your
worldfolder. Paper splits the Nether and End intoworld_netherandworld_the_endand migrates them automatically on first start. - Start the server, then install Geyser and Floodgate.
What about Sponge?
Schokr has a Sponge template, but Geyser's maintained server-side builds for single servers target Spigot/Paper. Use Paper for the smoothest setup.
Alternatives to mods for crossplay
Many things people use mods for can be done with Paper plugins that work for both editions:
| Mod feature | Plugin alternative |
|---|---|
| Minimap or waypoints | Web map plugins viewed in a browser |
| Extra content and items | Custom item plugins with a Bedrock resource pack through Geyser |
| Quality of life (homes, warps, backpacks) | Essentials-style and utility plugins |
| Performance mods | Paper's built-in optimizations |
Custom items need a Bedrock pack and Geyser mappings to look right on Bedrock. See resource packs for Bedrock players.
Running both
If your group wants a modpack and a crossplay world, you can run two servers: a Forge server for Java players and a Paper server with Geyser for everyone. Schokr's free package gives each team up to 4 server slots sharing 6 GB memory, 1.5 CPU cores and 10 GB disk, so a modest modpack server and a small Paper server can fit together, although large modpacks need most of the memory on their own.