Floodgate Plugin vs GeyserMC: What Each Does

The Floodgate plugin and GeyserMC are often installed together, but they solve different parts of Java–Bedrock crossplay.

The short version: GeyserMC lets Bedrock players connect to a Java server; Floodgate lets them join with their Bedrock accounts without needing a paid Java Edition account. Floodgate does not create crossplay by itself—you still need Geyser.

GeyserMC vs Floodgate at a glance

Need	GeyserMC	Floodgate
Let Bedrock connect to a Java server	Yes	No
Translate Bedrock traffic for Java	Yes	No
Let Bedrock accounts join without paid Java accounts	No, not by itself	Yes, when used with Geyser
Listen for Bedrock connections on a UDP port	Yes	No
Handle Bedrock identity and optional account linking	No	Yes

For most private servers with a mix of Java and Bedrock friends, installing both gives the simplest joining experience.

What Floodgate does

Floodgate is an additional authentication and identity component for Geyser. It allows players to use their Bedrock accounts on a Java server without buying or signing in to a separate Java Edition account.

It can also preserve Bedrock-specific player information, support Bedrock skins, and let players link a Bedrock account to a Java account when the server enables linking. Depending on the configuration, Bedrock usernames may use a prefix to avoid conflicts with existing Java usernames.

Floodgate is available for common server and proxy platforms, including Paper/Spigot, Fabric, BungeeCord, and Velocity. On a normal Paper friend server, you would install the Floodgate-Spigot plugin alongside Geyser-Spigot. The official Floodgate setup documentation covers the other deployment types.

Do you need Floodgate?

Use Floodgate when Bedrock friends should be able to join without owning Java Edition. This is usually the easiest choice for a private crossplay server.

You may not need it if every Bedrock player also owns Java Edition and is happy to authenticate with that Java account through Geyser. In either case, keep normal Java authentication enabled; Floodgate is not the same as putting the whole server into offline mode.

What GeyserMC does

GeyserMC is the bridge between Minecraft Bedrock and a Java server. It listens for Bedrock connections and translates their network traffic so the Java server can understand it. Java players connect normally, while mobile, console, and Windows Bedrock players connect through the Bedrock address and port.

Geyser can run as a Paper/Spigot plugin, on a proxy such as Velocity, or as a standalone bridge. For a straightforward friend server, the Paper/Spigot plugin is normally the simplest route.

When you should install both

For a Paper server shared by Java and Bedrock friends, the usual combination is:

• Geyser-Spigot for the Bedrock-to-Java connection;
• Floodgate-Spigot for Bedrock account authentication;
• an available UDP port for Bedrock connections;
• clear joining instructions for both editions.

After installing the plugins, verify that Geyser is using Floodgate authentication, restart the server, and test with one Java player and one Bedrock player before inviting the whole group. Your host may assign the Bedrock port, so use the value shown in its panel rather than assuming a fixed port.

For the full process, follow our GeyserMC setup guide for Java–Bedrock crossplay.

Common problems

If Bedrock cannot connect at all, check Geyser, the Bedrock UDP port, the address shared with players, and current version support. Our GeyserMC port guide covers the address and port checks.

If Bedrock connects but usernames, skins, permissions, or login behave unexpectedly, review Floodgate and any permissions or authentication plugins. Test account linking and username prefixes before opening a public or economy-based server.

If the connection is already failing, work through the Bedrock-to-Java troubleshooting guide.

Conclusion

GeyserMC is the crossplay bridge; Floodgate is the companion authentication layer. Install Geyser when Bedrock needs to reach a Java server, and add Floodgate when Bedrock players should join with their existing Bedrock accounts instead of paid Java accounts.