Run an older Minecraft version

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Every Minecraft release is in the version list, back to the early ones, and the right Java runs each of them.

Pick the version

Server Software in the header: choose the software, then the version. 1.12.2 for RLCraft-era packs, 1.16.5 for the last big Forge generation, 1.8.9 for PvP. Java 8 is selected for those automatically; nothing to install.

Let newer clients join

Players on the current version cannot join an older server by default. On Paper, Purpur and Spigot, install ViaVersion from Resources, Plugins: clients on newer versions join an older server. ViaBackwards does the reverse (older clients on a newer server), ViaRewind reaches back to 1.8.

Good to know

  • Old versions are slower on big heaps. Keep 1.12.2 and older at 4 to 6 GB. See Allocate RAM.
  • Worlds only move forward. A 1.16 world opens on 1.20; a 1.20 world does not open on 1.16. Back up before any version change. See Change version.
  • Snapshots and pre-releases are listed for vanilla; they are not for a world you care about.
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