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The Vanilla server is the official Minecraft server software provided by Mojang. It offers the baseline Minecraft experience without any modifications, plugins, or performance enhancements.

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Overview

Vanilla is the default server type and provides the pure Minecraft experience as intended by Mojang. While it lacks plugin support and performance optimizations found in other server types, it’s ideal for:
  • Testing vanilla game mechanics
  • Small private servers for friends
  • Ensuring complete compatibility with official clients
  • Avoiding any modifications to gameplay
If you need better performance or plugin support, consider using Paper instead, which is fully compatible with vanilla clients while offering significant improvements.

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Configuration

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Basic Setup

Vanilla is the default type, so you can omit the TYPE variable or explicitly set it: 
services:
  minecraft:
    image: itzg/minecraft-server
    environment:
      EULA: "TRUE"
      # TYPE: VANILLA  # Optional - this is the default
      VERSION: "1.20.4"
    ports:
      - "25565:25565"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/data
    restart: unless-stopped

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Explicit Vanilla Type

To explicitly specify vanilla server: 
environment:
  TYPE: VANILLA
  VERSION: "1.20.4"

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Version Selection

The VERSION variable controls which Minecraft version to run:
1

Latest Release (Default)

Omit VERSION or set to LATEST to automatically use the newest Minecraft release:
environment:
  EULA: "TRUE"
  # VERSION not specified = latest
2

Specific Version

Set a specific Minecraft version:
environment:
  VERSION: "1.20.4"
3

Snapshot Versions

Use snapshot versions for testing upcoming features:
environment:
  VERSION: "23w51a"

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Features and Limitations

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What Vanilla Provides

✅ Pure Minecraft Experience
  • Unmodified gameplay mechanics
  • Official Mojang server software
  • Compatible with all vanilla clients
  • Regular updates from Mojang
✅ Simplicity
  • No complex configurations
  • Minimal setup required
  • Predictable behavior

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What Vanilla Lacks

❌ No Plugin Support
  • Cannot use Bukkit/Spigot plugins
  • No permission systems
  • Limited customization options
❌ Limited Performance
  • No optimizations beyond official software
  • Basic chunk loading
  • Standard tick handling
❌ Fewer Admin Tools
  • Basic commands only
  • Limited server management features

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Server Configuration

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Server Properties

Configure server behavior using environment variables that map to server.properties: 
environment:
  EULA: "TRUE"
  TYPE: VANILLA
  VERSION: "1.20.4"
  
  # Server properties
  MOTD: "A Vanilla Minecraft Server"
  DIFFICULTY: normal
  MODE: survival
  MAX_PLAYERS: 20
  VIEW_DISTANCE: 10
  SPAWN_PROTECTION: 16
  ENABLE_COMMAND_BLOCK: "true"
  PVP: "true"
  HARDCORE: "false"

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Memory Allocation

Set Java memory limits for optimal performance: 
environment:
  MEMORY: 4G
  # Or use separate min/max
  INIT_MEMORY: 2G
  MAX_MEMORY: 4G
Allocate at least 2GB for small servers (1-5 players), 4GB for medium servers (5-20 players), and 6GB+ for larger servers.

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World Management

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Using Existing Worlds

Mount an existing world directory: 
volumes:
  - ./data:/data
  - ./my-world:/data/world

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World Generation Settings

environment:
  LEVEL: "my-world"
  SEED: "12345678"
  LEVEL_TYPE: "DEFAULT"  # or FLAT, LARGE_BIOMES, AMPLIFIED
  GENERATE_STRUCTURES: "true"

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Complete Example

Here’s a production-ready vanilla server configuration:
docker-compose.yml
services:
  minecraft:
    image: itzg/minecraft-server
    container_name: minecraft-vanilla
    
    environment:
      # Server Type
      EULA: "TRUE"
      TYPE: VANILLA
      VERSION: "1.20.4"
      
      # Server Settings
      MOTD: "My Vanilla Server"
      DIFFICULTY: hard
      MODE: survival
      MAX_PLAYERS: 20
      VIEW_DISTANCE: 12
      SIMULATION_DISTANCE: 10
      
      # Performance
      MEMORY: 4G
      
      # World Settings
      LEVEL: "world"
      SEED: "minecraft"
      GENERATE_STRUCTURES: "true"
      
      # Server Features
      ENABLE_WHITELIST: "true"
      ENFORCE_WHITELIST: "true"
      PVP: "true"
      SPAWN_ANIMALS: "true"
      SPAWN_MONSTERS: "true"
      SPAWN_NPCS: "true"
      
      # Backup
      ENABLE_AUTOSTOP_TIMEOUT_ESTIMATION: "true"
      MAX_TICK_TIME: 60000
    
    ports:
      - "25565:25565"
    
    volumes:
      - ./data:/data
    
    restart: unless-stopped
    
    stdin_open: true
    tty: true

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Upgrading from Vanilla

If you need more features, you can upgrade to Paper while maintaining compatibility:
1

Stop your server

Stop the vanilla server container:
docker stop minecraft
2

Change server type

Update your compose file:
environment:
  TYPE: PAPER  # Changed from VANILLA
  VERSION: "1.20.4"
3

Restart

Start with Paper:
docker-compose up -d
Paper will convert your vanilla world automatically.
Always backup your world data before changing server types.

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When to Choose Vanilla

Choose Vanilla when:
  • You want the official, unmodified Minecraft experience
  • You’re testing vanilla game mechanics
  • You need guaranteed compatibility with Mojang’s software
  • You’re running a small private server without need for plugins
Consider alternatives when:

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Next Steps

Paper Server

Upgrade to Paper for better performance

Server Configuration

Learn about server.properties options

World Management

Manage worlds and backups

Version Management

Control Minecraft versions

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