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Choose the plugin that matches your Minecraft version before you build anything. For a new server on a current Java Edition release, Screaming BedWars is the strongest starting point: its Modrinth listing covers Java versions 26.3, 26.2, 26.1.x and 1.21.3–1.21.11, while its release pages list Bukkit, Paper, Purpur and Spigot support. BedWars1058 remains a sensible choice for an established server on the older versions it officially supports. BedWars2026 is another modern, BedWars1058-derived project to evaluate when you want a current codebase and a documented arena editor.
This guide explains the trade-offs, prepares a Paper server, installs the required components, creates a lobby and arena, and tests a playable match without assuming that commands from one plugin work in another.
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Version compatibility is the first decision, not an afterthought. A plugin can have excellent shops, statistics and arena tools yet fail to load when its supported Minecraft range does not include your server version. Select the Minecraft and server-software combination first, then choose the plugin whose current release explicitly supports it.
Screaming BedWars: the current-version candidate
Screaming BedWars is the best initial option when you are deploying on a recent Java Edition release. The Modrinth project lists compatibility with 26.3, 26.2, 26.1.x and 1.21.3 through 1.21.11, and describes support reaching back to 1.8.8. Release information lists Bukkit, Paper, Purpur and Spigot, with version 0.2.42 listed for 1.21.3–1.21.11. The project displays the LGPL-3.0-only licence.
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- DELUXE COLLECTION — Includes Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition, three Bedrock add-ons, three exclusive Character Creator items, and 700 Minecoins.
- CREATE YOUR WORLD — Build whatever you imagine in an infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough.
- EXPLORE AND CRAFT — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, then craft your way through a sandbox world filled with surprises.
- SURVIVE THE ADVENTURE — Face mysterious foes, travel across exciting landscapes, and venture into perilous dimensions.
- PLAY TOGETHER — Play cross-platform with friends in Bedrock Edition on console, mobile, and PC, or join community servers in Java Edition on PC, Mac, and Linux. Online console multiplayer requires a platform-specific subscription (sold separately).
Those labels are time-sensitive. Confirm the exact Minecraft version, server implementation and plugin build on the project page immediately before downloading. A hosting provider has reported that Screaming BedWars 0.2.44 started on Paper 26.2, but that is a second-party report rather than an independent compatibility test. Do not treat it as a guarantee for your hardware, Java runtime or other plugins.
Pricing is not settled by the available public descriptions. One guide calls the plugin free, while another describes paid extras such as cosmetics and statistics. The LGPL licence concerns the software licence, not necessarily every optional service or add-on. Check the current release page for what is included in the build you intend to run.
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BedWars1058: established, but check the ceiling
BedWars1058 is the long-standing open-source choice associated with the 1058 project. The latest formal SpigotMC release shown in the available record is BedWars1058 – OpenSource 25.2, dated February 9, 2025. A review console log mentions a 25.5-SNAPSHOT build, but no formal release announcement for that snapshot was identified.
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- ULTIMATE COLLECTION — Includes Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition, five Bedrock add-ons, five exclusive Character Creator items, and 1000 Minecoins.
- CREATE YOUR WORLD — Build whatever you imagine in an infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough.
- EXPLORE AND CRAFT — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, then craft your way through a sandbox world filled with surprises.
- SURVIVE THE ADVENTURE — Face mysterious foes, travel across exciting landscapes, and venture into perilous dimensions.
- PLAY TOGETHER — Play cross-platform with friends in Bedrock Edition on console, mobile, and PC, or join community servers in Java Edition on PC, Mac, and Linux. Online console multiplayer requires a platform-specific subscription (sold separately).
SpigotMC’s tested-version listing runs from 1.8 through 1.20. Reviews have reported missing 1.21 support, and a 2026 template page says there is no build beyond 1.21.4. These statements are not equivalent to a maintained compatibility promise. If your server is on 1.21 or newer, obtain a current, official support statement before committing to BedWars1058. It requires Java 11 or newer and runs on Spigot or Paper.
BedWars2026: a newer project derived from 1058
BedWars2026 is described as a modern plugin for Spigot, Paper and Purpur. Its README says it is derived from BedWars1058 by andrei1058 and lists arenas, teams, generators, shops, upgrades, NPCs and player statistics. It is a separate project, so do not assume that BedWars1058 configuration files, commands or arena data can be copied into it without migration instructions.
The README identifies PlaceholderAPI, Citizens and Vault as soft dependencies. That means the core can load without them, but integrations become available only after the corresponding plugins are installed. Verify the project’s build instructions, supported Minecraft versions and licence before using it on a public network.
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Comparison at a glance
| Plugin | Documented version information | Server software | Notable capabilities | Important caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screaming BedWars | Modrinth lists 26.3, 26.2, 26.1.x and 1.21.3–1.21.11; descriptions reach back to 1.8.8. Release 0.2.42 is listed for 1.21.3–1.21.11. | Bukkit, Paper, Purpur and Spigot releases are listed. | Designed as the newer option for current versions. | Confirm the exact build and what is free or optional; public claims about popularity and pricing are not verified. |
| BedWars1058 | Formal SpigotMC release shown: 25.2, February 9, 2025. Tested-version listing covers 1.8–1.20; 1.21 support is disputed. | Spigot or Paper; Java 11 or newer. | Mature, open-source BedWars implementation with a large installed base. | Do not select it for a new 1.21+ server until the current project page confirms support. |
| BedWars2026 | Use the project README and release information for the current range. | Spigot, Paper and Purpur. | Arenas, teams, generators, shops, upgrades, NPCs and player statistics; optional integrations through PlaceholderAPI, Citizens and Vault. | It is derived from BedWars1058 but is not automatically configuration-compatible. |
Plan the server before installing plugins
Pick the Minecraft version and implementation
For a minigame server, Paper is the practical default. Guides commonly recommend it over vanilla Spigot because of optimization, reduced lag and faster chunk loading, while also listing Purpur as an alternative. Choose one implementation and keep it consistent with the BedWars build; do not mix a Paper plugin file with a Forge server.
Use the Java version required by the exact Paper build. BedWars1058 requires Java 11 or newer. A Paper 26.2 hosting template is documented with Java 25 and 4 GB allocated memory, but that is an example template rather than a universal requirement. Check Paper’s own requirement for your selected release and allocate memory according to player count, view distance, worlds and other plugins.
Prepare an isolated test instance
Make a copy of the server directory or create a separate test server before touching a production world. Keep the same Minecraft version, Java runtime and plugin builds you will use in production. Stop the server before replacing JAR files, and retain a backup of world, arena worlds, plugin data directories and configuration files.
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Install supporting plugins only when needed
- Multiverse-Core: keeps each arena in its own world, making resets and backups easier.
- WorldEdit: speeds up arena construction and map pasting.
- Citizens: supplies NPC shop characters when the BedWars plugin integrates with it.
- PlaceholderAPI: exposes placeholders for scoreboards, menus and statistics when supported.
- Vault: provides a common permissions or economy bridge for plugins that declare it as an integration.
- ClearLagg or StackMob: optional tools for servers that genuinely need entity or item cleanup. Tune them carefully; aggressive cleanup can remove gameplay entities.
Install only versions marked compatible with your Paper, Purpur or Spigot build. A plugin that appears in the plugins directory but reports an error during startup is not installed successfully.
Install Paper and the BedWars plugin
- Create the server directory. Place the Paper server JAR and the Java runtime selected for that Paper release in a dedicated directory with enough disk space for the main world, arena worlds, logs and backups.
- Accept the EULA. Start the server once, read the generated
eula.txt, seteula=trueonly if you agree to Mojang’s terms, and start it again. Let Paper finish generating its files before adding gameplay plugins. - Confirm a clean baseline. Join the server, run
/version, and record the Paper build, Minecraft version and Java version. Fix baseline startup errors before installing BedWars. - Install the chosen plugin. Download the build that explicitly matches your Minecraft version and server implementation, copy its JAR into
plugins/, and restart the server. Prefer a full restart over a reload; reloads can leave listeners, worlds or dependencies in an inconsistent state. - Read the startup log. Look for the plugin’s enabled message, dependency warnings and database or configuration errors. If it disables itself, stop and resolve the stated version or dependency problem rather than continuing to configure arenas.
- Add dependencies. Install Multiverse-Core, WorldEdit, Citizens, PlaceholderAPI or Vault only when the chosen plugin’s documentation calls for them. Restart and verify that each dependency enables before testing its integration.
- Lock down permissions. Give arena-editing commands only to trusted administrators. Keep ordinary players away from commands that can create, delete or enable arenas.
Configure a lobby and arena with BedWars2026
The following command sequence is documented for BedWars2026. Screaming BedWars and BedWars1058 may use different command names, argument order or menu flow, so substitute their current documentation rather than blindly copying these commands.
Set the lobby
- Stand at the exact location where players should appear and run
/bw admin setlobby. - Test by leaving and rejoining. Check that the spawn is inside the intended world, above solid ground and away from hazards.
Create and open an arena
- Create a named arena with
/bw admin arena create <name>. Use a short, unique name such asdesert_solo_01; avoid spaces and names that could collide with existing data. - Open its editor with
/bw admin arena edit <name>. - Use the editor GUI to define teams, team spawns, beds and resource generators. Record which team color corresponds to each island so later shop, scoreboard and respawn tests are unambiguous.
- Build or paste the map with WorldEdit if you use it. Remove accidental operator blocks, command blocks and hidden chests before inviting players.
- Configure generator intervals and item types in the editor or the plugin’s documented settings. Start conservatively, then adjust after observing a complete match; excessively fast iron, gold or emerald generation can make defenses irrelevant.
- Set shop and upgrade NPCs if the plugin supports them. With Citizens-based setups, confirm that NPCs persist after a restart and that a player without administrator permissions can open the intended menu but cannot edit it.
- Enable the finished arena with
/bw admin arena enable <name>.
Design checks that prevent broken matches
World and boundary checks
- Place each team spawn on a safe, reachable block with enough room for several players.
- Surround the playable area with a void or barrier arrangement that behaves consistently after a reset.
- Check that islands do not overlap protected regions from another world-management plugin.
- Ensure the arena world is included in your backup schedule and can be restored independently of the lobby.
Bed and respawn checks
- Break a team bed in a controlled test and verify that the correct team loses respawns.
- Eliminate a player before and after the bed is destroyed; confirm the plugin’s spectator or return-to-lobby behavior.
- Test simultaneous bed destruction and player elimination, because race conditions often appear only when several events happen in the same tick.
Economy and shop checks
- Collect every generator resource and buy at least one block, weapon, armor item and utility item.
- Purchase and use an upgrade, then reconnect to verify that its state is stored correctly.
- Attempt a purchase with insufficient resources and verify that the item and currency remain unchanged.
- Check that dropped items, projectiles and temporary blocks are cleared when the arena resets.
Run a proper pre-launch test
- Use at least two accounts, and preferably one account per planned team, to exercise team assignment and spectator behavior.
- Join from the lobby, enter the arena, and confirm that every player receives the correct kit, team color and scoreboard.
- Break beds, die in different ways, bridge between islands, use shops and upgrades, and finish the match normally.
- Leave during the match and reconnect. Verify whether the plugin restores the player, sends them to spectator mode or returns them to the lobby as documented.
- Restart Paper while no match is running. Confirm that the lobby, arena list, NPCs, statistics and enabled state return without manual repair.
- Inspect
logs/latest.logfor stack traces, repeated warnings, slow-event messages or database failures. A match that appears playable can still be writing errors continuously. - Repeat the test with ordinary player permissions. Administrators often hide broken permissions because their elevated access bypasses the problem.
Troubleshoot the most common failures
| Symptom | Likely cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The plugin is listed as disabled. | Wrong Minecraft version, wrong server implementation, missing dependency or incompatible Java runtime. | Read the first error in latest.log, confirm /version, install the required dependency, and replace the JAR with a build that explicitly supports your server. |
| Commands return “unknown command.” | You copied commands from another BedWars project or the plugin failed to enable. | Check the enabled message and use the chosen plugin’s command reference. BedWars2026’s /bw admin paths are not proof that Screaming BedWars or BedWars1058 uses the same syntax. |
| Arena creation succeeds but the GUI is empty. | The arena was created in the wrong world, the editor was not opened, or a dependency or permission is missing. | Run the documented edit command as an administrator, verify the current world, and test with the minimum required dependencies installed. |
| NPC shops vanish after restart. | Citizens is absent, disabled, or saving to a different world; the BedWars integration is not active. | Verify Citizens’ startup status, confirm the NPC world is backed up, and follow the chosen plugin’s integration setup rather than recreating NPCs manually each time. |
| Players fall through or respawn in the wrong place. | Incorrect team spawn, bed location, world coordinates or reset schematic. | Reopen the arena editor, retest each team separately, and restore the map from a known-good backup before enabling the arena again. |
| Severe lag appears when several arenas run. | Too many loaded worlds, excessive entity counts, high view distance or poorly tuned cleanup tools. | Measure before changing settings, lower view distance where appropriate, unload unused worlds, and tune optional anti-lag plugins so they do not remove gameplay entities. |
Operational practices for a public server
Keep versions reproducible
Record the Minecraft version, Paper or Purpur build, Java version, BedWars JAR filename and every dependency version in a simple change log. Do not replace a working plugin immediately with an unannounced snapshot. Test updates on the isolated instance, play a complete match, restart, and then promote the build.
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Back up what actually matters
Back up the lobby world, every arena world, plugin data directories, configuration files and any database used for statistics. Keep at least one copy offline or outside the server host. Before updating a plugin that changes arena formats, take a fresh backup and test restoration rather than assuming the update is reversible.
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Separate editing from playing
Disable or hide arenas while editing them. A partially configured generator or bed can create corrupted matches for real players. Enable an arena only after the multi-account test passes and the server log remains clean through a full restart.
Publish the limits to players
Tell players which Minecraft version to use, how reconnects are handled and whether statistics or cosmetics are enabled. If you change plugin versions, announce maintenance and preserve the old configuration until the new build has been verified.
How to make the final choice
- Choose Screaming BedWars when your priority is a current Minecraft release and the project page confirms your exact version and Paper, Purpur or Spigot build.
- Choose BedWars1058 when you deliberately run an older supported version, need its established workflow, and have confirmed the current release rather than relying on an old tutorial.
- Evaluate BedWars2026 when you want the BedWars1058 lineage with documented modern features and are prepared to follow its own README, dependencies and migration rules.
Whichever option you select, the reliable path is the same: pin the Minecraft and Java versions, install Paper, add only compatible dependencies, configure one arena, complete a multi-account match, inspect the logs, and back up the working state before expanding.
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