5 Best Minecraft Versions, Ranked

Minecraft is a widely popular game with numerous versions available, making it difficult to choose the best one for your needs.

This article breaks down the top 5 Minecraft versions based on compatibility with Bukkit and Spigot, active player base, and plugin availability.

No. 5 – Minecraft 1.14

5. Minecraft 1.14
5. Minecraft 1.14

Minecraft 1.14 is at the fifth spot due to its compatibility with Bukkit and Spigot, decent amount of plugins, and active player base. However, this version is quite laggy and not optimized for servers. It’s best suited for survival mode with data packs instead of plugins.

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No. 4 – Minecraft 1.15

4. Minecraft 1.15
4. Minecraft 1.15

Minecraft 1.15 is similar to 1.14 but slightly more optimized. The TNT explosions cause less lag compared to 1.14. However, it still isn’t the best choice for servers with numerous plugins. Like 1.14, this version is recommended for survival mode with data packs instead of plugins.

No. 3 – Minecraft 1.7

3. Minecraft 1.7
3. Minecraft 1.7

Minecraft 1.7 is an excellent choice for PvP experiences. This version has one of the best combat updates and a decent number of plugins. It’s perfect for PvP-oriented servers like HCF or UHC. However, the following for 1.7 isn’t as big as the next two versions.

No. 2 – Minecraft 1.8

2. Minecraft 1.8
2. Minecraft 1.8

Minecraft 1.8 is lightweight, has many plugins, and an active player base, making it a great choice for servers. Using the ViaVersion plugin, you can support versions up to 1.15, allowing more players to join. This version is ideal for servers focusing on games and functionality rather than survival aspects.

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No. 1 – Minecraft 1.12

1. Minecraft 1.12
1. Minecraft 1.12

Minecraft 1.12 takes the top spot because of its compatibility with a wide range of versions from 1.8 to 1.15, using ViaBackwards or ViaVersion plugins. It has a lightweight design and supports numerous plugins, including those from 1.8 that are compatible with 1.12. Many large servers prefer 1.12 for its flexibility and plugin compatibility.

The Verdict

To choose the best Minecraft version for your needs, consider the following:

  • For a survival experience, use Minecraft 1.14 or 1.15 with data packs.
  • For a server focusing on games and functionality, use Minecraft 1.8 or 1.12.
  • For a PvP-oriented server, use Minecraft 1.7.

Remember that these recommendations are based on the author’s opinion, and you can choose whichever version suits your preferences. The aim of this article is to provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision about the best Minecraft version for your needs.

Author

  • Matthew Flores

    Matthew Flores plays games for a living... what a life! He began with World of Warcraft when he was just a young man; nowadays, he has evolved to play every genre—grand strategies, RPGs, shooters, MMOs, and everything else! With this being his passion, he dreams of sharing his 1000s of hours of knowledge and expertise with others by creating YourGlobalGamer.

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