Screenshot 1 of 1. MinecraftHub-generated editorial cover for SmartSpawner, a voxel diorama around the lime MinecraftHub block
What SmartSpawner works with.
| Platform | Java Edition |
|---|---|
| Loaders | Folia, Paper, Purpur |
| Minecraft versions | 1.20, 1.20.6, 1.21.11, 26.1.2, 26.2, 26.3 |
SmartSpawner is a spawner plugin for Folia, Paper and Purpur that replaces real mob spawning with virtual drops and XP. Each spawner opens a GUI where players collect loot, so no entities exist to tick. It runs on the server only, and players join as they normally would.
Server software and versions
- Folia, Paper and Purpur: Minecraft 1.20 to 26.3. The newest build needs no dependencies.
How the spawners work
Mob drops and XP are calculated virtually. No mobs appear, so there is no AI processing and no pathfinding. The mechanic is inspired by the spawner system on DonutSMP, and it suits survival, skyblock, prison and factions setups.
- Spawner GUI with quick controls, clear metrics and handling of drops and experience.
- Stacking by right-click, or precise control through a dedicated GUI.
- Holograms above each spawner showing mob type, stack count and status.
- Hoppers drain virtual storage into adjacent containers for automated farms.
- Mineable spawners with optional Silk Touch requirement and custom drop chances.
- Admin panel to teleport to any spawner, inspect data, edit stack sizes or remove spawners.
Installation
- 1.Download the plugin file from Modrinth.
- 2.Place it in the plugins folder of a Folia, Paper or Purpur server, as covered in our plugin install guide.
- 3.Restart the server and adjust the generated configuration.
The newest release needs no dependencies. Bedrock players get native form menus instead of chest GUIs through Floodgate, with no extra configuration.
Configuration and compatibility
Messages, GUI layouts and loot tables are all editable, with individually tunable drop tables and prices for every mob type. Spawner data is stored in SQLite or in MySQL/MariaDB, and MySQL mode syncs data across servers on a network. The plugin auto-detects more than 20 plugins, including Vault, CoinsEngine, EconomyShopGUI, ShopGUI+, Towny, Lands, SuperiorSkyblock2, WorldGuard and BentoBox.
Questions about SmartSpawner.
4 questions
How do I install SmartSpawner?
Put the plugin file in the plugins folder of a Folia, Paper or Purpur server and restart. Players do not install anything. The newest release lists no required dependencies, so a fresh server can run it as is, then tune the generated configuration files.
Does SmartSpawner work on Folia?
Yes. Folia has its own builds covering Minecraft 1.20 to 26.3, alongside Paper and Purpur. The newest release for all three is 1.8.3, and none of them require another plugin.
Does SmartSpawner support Bedrock players?
Yes, through Floodgate. When it is installed, Bedrock players see form menus instead of chest GUIs, and the plugin needs no extra configuration for this.
Does SmartSpawner reduce lag from mob spawners?
The plugin calculates drops and XP virtually, so no mobs spawn, and no AI or pathfinding runs for spawner output. Stacking spawners is also offered as a way to cut load.
