---
title: Mods vs. Plugins
description: Not sure what the difference is between mods and plugins? This guide breaks it down so you can choose the right setup for your server.
source: "https://nodecraft.com/support/games/minecraft/setup/mods-vs-plugins"
image: "https://dynamic-assets.nodecraft.com/signedurl/w7vokBAexMnVlnMZ1Q/image.jpg?modifications=W3sibmFtZSI6ImdhbWVfYmciLCJpbWFnZV91cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Ntcy1hLm5vZGVjcmFmdC5jb20vZi8xMzM5MzIvMjAwMHg1NTAvZGNiMGFkNjkzOC9jYXZlcy1hbmQtY2xpZmZzLXB0LTItMS0yLTAucG5nL20vIn0seyJuYW1lIjoiZ2FtZV9sb2dvIiwiaW1hZ2VfdXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9jbXMtYS5ub2RlY3JhZnQuY29tL2YvMTMzOTMyLzM3NXgxNTAvM2MxZGIyYmFiNS9taW5lY3JhZnQucG5nL20vIn0seyJuYW1lIjoiY3RhX3RleHQiLCJ0ZXh0IjoiQ3JlYXRlIHlvdXIgb3duIHNlcnZlciEifSx7Im5hbWUiOiJ0ZXh0IiwidGV4dCI6Ik1vZHMgdnMuIFBsdWdpbnMifV0&s=f88e0021506d9a78f951daa3737bc77a0b68f1ff4b36eaf17bbd3d202d599605"
published: "2025-06-27T01:37:59.913Z"
updated: "2025-06-27T01:37:59.882Z"
---

# Mods vs. Plugins

Not sure what the difference is between mods and plugins? This guide breaks it down so you can choose the right setup for your server.

## Mods:

**Minecraft mods** change the game by adding or modifying core elements of the game. This can be but not limited to adding entirely new animals, in-game items and even world generation. Mods are installed directly to your game. If you are playing on a modded server, mods need to be installed on your computer and the server you are joining in most cases.

## Plugins:

**Minecraft plugins** add extra functionality into the game but only when you are on a server as there are no client-side plugins. Some things that you can add to your server with plugins would be the ability to create home points for players, setup warps, add an in-game economy and that is just the surface of what plugins are able to do all while maintaining an easy to join experience

## Need Help?

If you have questions or run into any issues, our support team is here to help! Reach out using the support widget on our website or visit our[ ](https://nodecraft.com/support)[support center](https://nodecraft.com/support) for further assistance.