Minecraft 1.20.5+ requires Java 21. Older versions run on Java 17. But if you have the choice, which one performs better? And what about compatibility?
Java Version Requirements
| Minecraft Version | Minimum Java | Recommended Java |
|---|---|---|
| 1.16.5 and older | Java 8 | Java 8 or 11 |
| 1.17 to 1.17.1 | Java 16 | Java 17 |
| 1.18 to 1.20.4 | Java 17 | Java 21 |
| 1.20.5 to 1.21+ | Java 21 | Java 21 |
Performance Comparison
Java 21 includes improvements over Java 17:
Garbage Collection
- ZGC improvements: Sub-millisecond pause times in Java 21
- G1GC improvements: Better region management, faster mixed collections
- Shenandoah: Continued improvements in low-pause collection
JIT Compiler
- Better inlining: More aggressive optimization of hot code paths
- Improved escape analysis: Less object allocation on heap
- Vector API (incubator): Potential for SIMD operations
Real-World TPS Impact
Upgrading from Java 17 to Java 21 typically shows:
- 3% to 8% reduction in MSPT
- Fewer GC pause spikes
- Slightly better memory efficiency
- Faster server startup
Compatibility
Paper/Purpur (1.20.5+)
- Requires Java 21
- No choice needed: you must use Java 21
Forge (older versions)
- Forge for 1.18 to 1.20.4 targets Java 17
- Java 21 works but some mods may have issues
- Test thoroughly before switching
Fabric
- Fabric is generally Java version agnostic
- Most modern Fabric mods work on Java 21
- Older mods for 1.18 to 1.19 may need Java 17
Which Java Distribution
Not all Java distributions are equal:
| Distribution | Best For |
|---|---|
| Adoptium (Temurin) | General use, most popular |
| Amazon Corretto | AWS-hosted servers |
| GraalVM CE | Maximum performance |
| Azul Zulu | Enterprise with support |
| Microsoft OpenJDK | Azure-hosted servers |
All are free and OpenJDK-based. Adoptium (Temurin) is the safest default choice.
How to Check Your Java Version
java -version
How to Switch Java Versions
Linux
# Install Java 21
sudo apt install openjdk-21-jdk
# Or use Adoptium
wget https://adoptium.net/...
tar xzf OpenJDK21...
export JAVA_HOME=/path/to/jdk-21
Update your start script
/path/to/java-21/bin/java -Xms6G -Xmx6G -jar server.jar nogui
The Bottom Line
If your server runs Minecraft 1.20.5+, you need Java 21. No choice. For older versions, Java 21 still works better than Java 17 in most cases. Test compatibility with your specific mods before switching on production servers.
Run on the latest Java. View Minecraft Hosting Plans
Legal Notice
Legal Notice & Disclaimer: This article constitutes an independent, factual comparative review and critical analysis for educational purposes only. Space-Node is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any hosting provider mentioned herein. All brand names, logos, and trademarks referenced are the registered intellectual property of their respective owners and are used solely for identification and factual reference.
Fair Use & Review Rights: This review is protected commentary, comparison, and criticism. It is based on publicly available information, official pages where available, published documentation, and general hosting engineering analysis. Where hands-on testing is not explicitly stated in the article, no private benchmark or internal infrastructure access is implied. This constitutes lawful comparative review and criticism protected under fair use doctrine.
Factual Accuracy: Specific plan claims are based on public information available at the time of writing. Specifications, pricing, and service features can change, so readers should verify current details on the provider's official website before purchasing. We make no false or defamatory statements; criticism is limited to documented facts, clearly labeled opinion, or general hosting guidance.
No Consumer Confusion: This article makes clear that Space-Node offers distinct, independently-developed hosting infrastructure. We explicitly differentiate our services, pricing, and technical specifications. No reader could reasonably be confused about service provider identity.
Right to Comparative Advertising: Space-Node reserves the right to publish factual comparative information about competing services. This is a recognized right in consumer protection law and advertising standards. Accurate comparative reviews cannot constitute trademark violation, defamation, or unfair competition.
Limitation of Liability: Space-Node makes no warranty regarding third-party services reviewed. Readers are responsible for verifying information independently before purchasing. Space-Node disclaims liability for third-party service changes, outages, or policy modifications.
Space-Node Services: For Space-Node's own managed hosting solutions, visit Minecraft hosting or VPS hosting.