Pufferfish
Pufferfish: A free, open-source Java server jar for performance-focused Paper-compatible deployments. Ranked #12 of 25 in Minecraft Server Software by our editors (7.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for performance-focused Paper-compatible servers.
At a glance
- Editor score7.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPerformance-focused Paper-compatible servers
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Edition supportJava
- Founded2021
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Asynchronous processing and entity optimizations target server performance.
- Paper and Spigot plugin compatibility supports an established extension model.
- Built-in profiling, Sentry integration, and rendering improvements aid operations.
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires server administration and infrastructure.
- It supports Java servers rather than native Bedrock server software.
- Cross-play requires separate Geyser and Floodgate plugins.
Our verdict on Pufferfish
Pufferfish is an open-source Minecraft server jar based on Paper, intended for large Java servers that need performance-focused processing and plugin compatibility. It is distributed as a downloadable JAR for self-hosted deployment, with Paper and Spigot plugin support. The project is associated with Pufferfish Studios LLC and dates to 2021. Its fit is strongest for mid-market and enterprise teams operating their own Minecraft infrastructure rather than for users seeking a managed hosting service or a native Bedrock server.
Performance is the central reason to consider Pufferfish. The feature set includes asynchronous server processing, entity-performance optimizations, faster map rendering, optimized hopper performance, reduced garbage-collection overhead, and fast raytracing. A built-in profiler provides a way to inspect server behavior, while Sentry integration connects error reporting with an external monitoring service. Together, these capabilities make Pufferfish a focused option for large Paper-compatible deployments where tick performance, rendering, and operational visibility matter.
Its ecosystem fit is practical but plugin-dependent. Paper and Spigot plugins can extend the server, and Java–Bedrock cross-play can be enabled through Geyser and Floodgate. That cross-play path is not native Bedrock support, and the product does not support mod loaders. Teams should choose Pufferfish when they want a free, open-source Paper fork that can be self-hosted and tuned through performance features and plugins. A different option will suit operators who need managed deployment, native Bedrock server software, or a mod-loader-based server.
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Pufferfish pricing
Pufferfish fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Edition support | Java |
| Extension model | Plugins |
| Java–Bedrock cross-play | Yes |
| Mod loader support | No |
| Plugin API | Yes |
| RCON support | Not verified |
| Server platforms | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: Paper plugins, Spigot plugins, Sentry |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Pufferfish integrations
Pufferfish lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- Paper plugins
- Spigot plugins
- Sentry
Alternatives to Pufferfish
- PumpkinA broad, free server option for cross-play worlds, plugins, and self-hosted deployment.9.4
- PaperA free, self-hosted Java server with strong performance work and plugin compatibility.9.2
- ArclightA free, open-source Java server implementation for combining mods and plugins.8.9
See all Pufferfish alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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