BungeeCord, Waterfall, and Velocity Explained: The Complete 2025 Guide to Minecraft Proxies
Published by Aaron Smith
Introduction: Why Minecraft Proxies Matter in 2025
Minecraft has grown into one of the largest multiplayer platforms in the world, with server networks hosting millions of players daily. To achieve that scale, servers rely on Minecraft proxy hosting software such as BungeeCord, Waterfall, and Velocity.
A proxy allows you to:
- Combine multiple servers into one network.
- Seamlessly transfer players between gamemodes.
- Centralise authentication, ranks, and monetisation.
At EUGameHost, we specialise in Minecraft server hosting optimised for proxy software. Whether you’re running a small community hub or a massive network, our proxy-ready hosting with CosmicGuard DDoS protection ensures your players enjoy smooth performance and uptime.
👉 TL;DR: BungeeCord is outdated, Waterfall is stable, Velocity is the future.
What Is a Minecraft Proxy Server?
A Minecraft proxy server is a piece of software that sits between players and backend servers. Instead of joining each world with a different IP, players connect to the proxy IP, and the proxy handles forwarding.
Benefits of a proxy setup include:
- Scalability – add unlimited gamemodes under one IP.
- Cross-server communication – chat, permissions, and bans sync globally.
- Monetisation – sell global ranks and perks across all servers.
Learn more about our Minecraft server hosting plans to see how easy it is to launch proxy-ready servers.
The History of BungeeCord
BungeeCord was revolutionary when it launched in 2012 by md_5:
- Allowed servers to link multiple gamemodes.
- Powered early giants like Mineplex and The Hive.
- Supported global chat and rank sync.
But in 2025, it has major downsides:
- Poor performance under load.
- Rarely updated.
- Lacks modern networking support.
👉 Today, BungeeCord is considered legacy software.
Waterfall: The Improved BungeeCord
Waterfall is a BungeeCord fork built by the PaperMC team.
Why it’s better:
- Active updates and bug fixes.
- Improved stability.
- High compatibility with BungeeCord plugins.
- Recommended for networks needing legacy plugin support.
EUGameHost provides pre-installed Waterfall proxies on request — making it quick to set up a modern Minecraft network.
Velocity: The Future of Minecraft Proxies
Velocity is the most advanced proxy available in 2025.
Advantages of Velocity over BungeeCord/Waterfall:
- Faster connection handling and lower latency.
- A modern plugin API with more flexibility.
- Built to support future Minecraft updates.
- Stronger security features.
👉 For new networks, we recommend Velocity proxy hosting.
BungeeCord vs Waterfall vs Velocity (Comparison Table)
| Feature | BungeeCord | Waterfall | Velocity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Low | Medium | High |
| Updates | Rare | Active | Very active |
| Plugin Compatibility | High | High | Medium (growing fast) |
| Security | Basic | Better | Best |
| Future-Proofing | Poor | Decent | Excellent |
| Best Use Case | Avoid in 2025 | Legacy plugins | Modern networks |
How Does a Minecraft Proxy Work?
- Player connects to proxy IP.
- Proxy checks its configuration (config.yml).
- Proxy forwards connection to the correct backend server.
- Players can switch worlds instantly without disconnecting.
This allows setups like:
- Lobby + Survival + Skyblock
- Hub + Minigames + Factions
- Creative + SMP + Bedwars
Minimum Server Requirements for a Proxy Network
A proxy server is not a playable instance. You’ll need:
- Proxy Instance (Velocity/Waterfall) → 1 GB RAM.
- Lobby Server (Paper/Spigot) → 2–4 GB RAM.
- Backend Servers (Survival, Skyblock, Minigames) → Scales based on player count.
At EUGameHost, we run on Ryzen 7950X3D processors and NVMe SSDs for the lowest latency in the UK. Check our UK VPS hosting to start scaling your network today.
Setting Up Waterfall (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Download Waterfall
From PaperMC Downloads.
2. Run the Proxy
java -Xms512M -Xmx1G -jar Waterfall.jar
3. Configure config.yml
servers:
lobby:
address: 127.0.0.1:25565
motd: '&aEUGameHost Lobby'
restricted: false
survival:
address: 127.0.0.1:25566
motd: '&bSurvival World'
restricted: false
4. Enable IP Forwarding
In backend spigot.yml:
bungeecord: true
5. Start All Servers
Your network is live.
Advanced Proxy Configuration Tips
- Priorities → Decide fallback server order.
- Forced Hosts → Route custom domains to different servers.
- Fallback Servers → Keep players online if a server crashes.
- Custom MOTDs → Brand your network professionally.
Best Proxy Plugins for Minecraft in 2025
Unlike Spigot, proxy plugins must be Bungee/Waterfall/Velocity compatible.
- LuckPerms – cross-server permissions.
- RedisBungee – multi-proxy scaling.
- ViaVersion / ViaBackwards – version compatibility.
- AdvancedBan – global bans.
- GeyserMC – Bedrock edition support.
Security for Proxy Networks
Without proper security, proxies can expose backend IPs. Always:
- Enable IP forwarding.
- Protect backend ports with a firewall.
- Use CosmicGuard™ DDoS Protection (included with EUGameHost dedicated servers).
Common Errors and Fixes
- “If you see this, your server is offline” → Backend misconfigured.
- “Already connected to proxy” → Player data stuck.
- Config.yml not loading → YAML spacing error.
- Plugins failing → Wrong type (must be proxy-specific).
Monetisation and Proxies
A proxy unlocks advanced monetisation strategies:
- Sell global ranks valid across all gamemodes.
- Enable cross-server cosmetics.
- Build scalable store integrations.
This is why all major networks rely on proxies.
FAQ: BungeeCord, Waterfall, and Velocity (2025)
Q: Is BungeeCord outdated?
Yes. It is rarely updated and lacks modern optimisations. Use Waterfall or Velocity instead.
Q: Which proxy is best for a new Minecraft server?
Velocity is the best choice for performance and future-proofing. Waterfall is better if you need compatibility with older plugins.
Q: Can I install plugins on Waterfall or Velocity?
Yes, but only proxy-compatible plugins. Normal Spigot/Paper plugins must be installed on backend servers.
Q: Do I need multiple servers for a proxy setup?
Yes. At least 3: one proxy instance and two backend servers.
Q: How do I protect backend servers from direct join attempts?
Use IP whitelisting and firewall rules. All connections should pass through the proxy.
Q: Can I use Bedrock players with a proxy?
Yes, with GeyserMC and Floodgate, Bedrock players can join through your proxy network.
Conclusion: Build Your Minecraft Network with EUGameHost
Minecraft proxies are the backbone of modern server networks. Whether you’re building a small community hub or aiming for enterprise-scale hosting, choosing the right proxy matters.
- BungeeCord is outdated.
- Waterfall is stable.
- Velocity is the future.
At EUGameHost, we make it simple:
- Proxy-ready hosting (Velocity/Waterfall pre-installed).
- CosmicGuard™ DDoS protection.
- 10Gbps networking for seamless player transfers.
- UK-based 24/7 support team.