Released 2023-12-07
Minecraft 1.20.4: Java 17
1.20.4 is the last version before Minecraft's jump to Java 21, which makes it a natural stopping point for anyone whose hosting is pinned to Java 17.
Java version required
17or newer
Older Java will refuse to start. Much newer Java usually works, but the server software is what decides that, not Minecraft.
Availability
Paper is available for 1.20.4
It accepts Bukkit / Spigot / Paper plugins.
Will what I downloaded work?
Mods and plugins are different things that both arrive as a .jar file. Putting the wrong one in usually produces no error at all — the server starts, and the content simply is not there.
running on Paper
No. Forge produces mods and Paper runs plugins — they are different systems that happen to share a file extension. Nothing will load, and nothing will warn you.
What to watch for on this version
By 1.20.4 the Forge ecosystem had largely migrated to NeoForge — most actively maintained mods publish NeoForge builds for this version and treat Forge as legacy. If you are assembling a pack here, expect NeoForge to be the path of least resistance.
Where this sits in the Java timeline
- Java 81.7 through 1.16.5
- Java 161.17 and 1.17.1
- Java 171.18 through 1.20.4
- Java 211.20.5 and everything after