Pumpkin
Pumpkin: A broad, free server option for cross-play worlds, plugins, and self-hosted deployment. Ranked #1 of 25 in Minecraft Server Software by our editors (9.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for cross-platform Java and Bedrock servers.
At a glance
- Editor score9.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forCross-platform Java and Bedrock servers
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Edition supportBoth
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports Java and Bedrock players in the same world
- Includes plugins, RCON, proxy forwarding, and multiple world formats
- Runs across Windows, macOS, Linux, Docker, and Nix/NixOS
Where it doesn't
- Still in early development and not officially released
- Does not support a mod loader
- May require technical self-hosting and plugin setup
Our verdict on Pumpkin
Pumpkin is an open-source Minecraft server written in Rust for self-hosted deployments. It is designed for operators who want Minecraft Java Edition and Bedrock Edition players to join the same world without requiring Java or an external cross-play proxy. Native executable binaries, TOML-based configuration, RCON administration, and support for multiple world storage formats give it a broad foundation for server management across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Its strongest differentiator is cross-platform and cross-edition coverage. Java and Bedrock support are combined with same-world cross-play, while Velocity and BungeeCord proxy forwarding support multi-server arrangements. The extension model is plugin-based rather than mod-loader-based. Plugins can use native or WebAssembly runtimes and can be developed in multiple programming languages, which gives technical teams more flexibility than a single-language plugin environment. Docker and Nix/NixOS deployment options also fit operators who prefer reproducible or containerized infrastructure.
Pumpkin is best suited to technically comfortable server owners evaluating an open-source platform with a wide feature range. The published product description places it in early development, under development, and not yet officially released, so teams seeking a mature production server should consider an alternative. It also does not provide mod-loader support, which limits its fit for communities built around mod-based gameplay rather than plugins. Choose Pumpkin for Java–Bedrock cross-play, self-hosting control, RCON, proxy integrations, and flexible plugin runtimes; look elsewhere if release readiness or mod-loader compatibility is a primary requirement.
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Pumpkin pricing
Pumpkin fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Edition support | Both |
| Extension model | Plugins |
| Java–Bedrock cross-play | Yes |
| Mod loader support | No |
| Plugin API | Yes |
| RCON support | Yes |
| Server platforms | Multi_platform |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 5 integrations: Velocity, BungeeCord, PatchBukkit, Docker, Nix/NixOS |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | pumpkinmc.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Pumpkin integrations
Pumpkin lists 5 integrations on its own site.
- Velocity
- BungeeCord
- PatchBukkit
- Docker
- Nix/NixOS
Alternatives to Pumpkin
- 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
- CuberiteA free, open-source choice for configurable, self-hosted Java servers.8.5
See all Pumpkin alternatives →
Pumpkin vs the competition
- Pumpkin vs Paper
- Pumpkin vs Arclight
- Pumpkin vs Cuberite
- Pumpkin vs Sponge
- Pumpkin vs Mohist
- Pumpkin vs Fabric
Compare Pumpkin with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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