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Changing the Java Server Version Manually

This guide is for when you want to use a specific version that isn't available in the panel, or you want to use a custom build.

It's important to distinguish whether you want to Upgrade (move to a newer version) or Downgrade (move to an older version), because they're handled differently.

ATTENTION
  • UPGRADE (e.g. 1.20 -> 1.21): Safe. You DO NOT NEED to delete the world folder or plugins (unless those plugins don't support the new version).
  • DOWNGRADE (e.g. 1.21 -> 1.20): Dangerous. You MUST DELETE the world, world_nether, and world_the_end folders because a newer-version map will become corrupt if opened in an older version.

Step 1: Back Up Server Data​

Whatever the goal (Upgrade/Downgrade), backing up is mandatory.

  1. Turn off the server (Stop).
  2. Use SFTP or the File Manager.
  3. Download/Archive the important folders (world, plugins, server.properties).

Step 2: Preparing the Server Files​

Do these steps according to your needs:

OPTION A: If You're UPGRADING (Moving to a Newer Version)​

You only need to delete the server's core file. Player data and the map are safe.

  1. Open the Files menu.
  2. Find the file named server.jar.
  3. Delete that file.
  4. (Optional) Delete the cache, versions, or libraries folders if present, to make sure the system files are truly fresh.

OPTION B: If You're DOWNGRADING (Moving to an Older Version)​

You need to do a clean reset, especially for the map.

  1. Open the Files menu.
  2. Check all files and folders (Select All).
  3. Click Delete.
    • Note: If you want to keep your plugin configs, you can leave the plugins folder, but there's still a risk of plugin errors.

Step 3: Download Server.jar (PaperMC)​

Now find the new server "engine" you want. Example: We'll use Paper 1.21.1.

  1. Visit the official PaperMC site.
  2. Select version 1.21.1 (or another version according to your needs).
  3. Download the latest build (for example: paper-1.21.1-133.jar).
  4. Save it on your computer.

Step 4: Upload and Rename​

  1. Go back to Files in the Raznar panel.
  2. Upload the .jar file you just downloaded.
  3. Right-click the file -> Select Rename.
  4. Change the name to: server.jar.
IMPORTANT

The file name MUST be changed to server.jar (all lowercase) so the panel can detect and launch it.

Step 5: Start the Server​

  1. Go to the Console menu.
  2. Click Start.
  3. Wait for the libraries download process to finish.
  4. If this is an upgrade, the server will automatically convert the old world to the new version.

Congratulations! Your server is now running on the new version.