This is the public-facing version of the stack: enough detail for curious players and builders, without requiring server console access.
1 Core server
| Layer | What it does | Why AOW uses it |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1.21.8 | Runs the Java server and plugin API. | Modern performance, Bukkit/Paper events, Adventure text, and a strong plugin ecosystem. |
| Java runtime | Runs the Paper process. | Server docs reference Temurin/OpenJDK and a tuned JVM heap. |
| systemd | Keeps the Minecraft service managed on the VPS. | Starts on boot and gives staff a predictable service workflow. |
| Backups | Preserve server and world data. | Protects the SMP from accidental loss. |
2 Crossplay chain
Java player -> TCP 25565 -> Paper
Bedrock user -> UDP 19132 -> Geyser -> ViaVersion -> Paper
Auth layer -> Floodgate -> Bedrock identity without Java purchaseAccepts Bedrock traffic and translates it into Java protocol behavior.
Lets Bedrock players authenticate with their Microsoft/Xbox account while the server stays secure.
Keeps protocol versions aligned between clients, Geyser, and Paper.
3 Gameplay foundation
| System | Plugin(s) | Player-facing result |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | EssentialsX + EssentialsXSpawn | Homes, spawn, warps, teleports, pay, balance, AFK, mail. |
| Economy API | Vault | Lets money-aware plugins share one balance system. |
| Market | GlobalMarketplace | /ah auction house across editions. |
| Physical shops | QuickShop-Hikari | Chest shops that make towns and markets useful. |
| Claims | GriefPrevention | Golden-shovel land protection and trust commands. |
| Rollback | CoreProtect | Staff can investigate and undo grief. |
| Skills | AuraSkills | 15 skills, stats, skill trees, and leaderboards. |
4 World and map
Expanded terrain and biome variety while keeping the world vanilla-readable.
Upgraded villages, outposts, and world structures for exploration routes.
Serves the live browser map at map.aowmc.com.
Adds trees, bushes, flowers, and boulders to newly generated chunks.
Grows ore veins in a capped, balanced way.
Places ruined towers, campsites, shrines, and wishing wells with vanilla loot.
5 Custom plugin rules
The AoW custom plugins follow a tight design rule: add useful server-side flavor without forcing client-side mods. The flagship custom system is Mythic Champions — any mob can spawn as a titled, named Champion across 8 tiers with archetype titles, affixes, signature attacks, a living world, and tier-scaled loot.
- Paper API only.
- Adventure components for modern text.
- PersistentDataContainer for item/player metadata where needed.
- Vanilla items and blocks only.
- ADD-only behavior: enrich vanilla without stripping it away.
- Config-toggleable features so staff can tune each system.
- Bedrock-safe behavior that works after Geyser translation.