Change server startup variables
Use the Startup tab to change a game server’s version, JAR/build, memory and other startup variables safely, and understand when a change triggers a reinstall.
The Startup tab controls how your server launches: the version or build it runs, the main JAR/file, and any egg-specific variables (like which Minecraft server software to download). Changing these is how you upgrade Minecraft versions, switch server type, or tune the boot command — all without touching the command line.
Where to find it
- Open the server from your dashboard at control.victuscloud.com.
- Click the Startup tab.
- You will see the read-only startup command at the top and a set of editable variables below it.
Common variables (Minecraft example)
| Variable | What it controls | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Server JAR file | The file the server launches | server.jar |
| Minecraft / build version | Which game version and build to download on install | 1.21.1 / latest |
| Server type (on some eggs) | Paper, Purpur, Spigot, Fabric, Forge, Vanilla, Velocity, etc. | paper |
| Max memory | Heap given to the JVM (bounded by your plan) | 4096 |
Change a value safely
- Stop the server first — do not edit startup variables while it is running.
- Take a Backup from the Backups tab (especially before a version change).
- Edit the variable(s) on the Startup tab; changes save as you edit.
- Start the server and watch the Console — the correct JAR/version downloads on boot if you changed it.
- Confirm in the console banner that the expected version/software loaded.
Minecraft worlds usually upgrade forward but rarely downgrade cleanly. Plugins/mods are version-specific — after a major version bump, update them too or the server may crash on start. Always back up first, and test big jumps carefully.
Switching server type or JAR often makes the server re-download its files on next boot (an install cycle). The server enters the "installing" state briefly — that is expected. Do not interrupt it; wait for it to finish before starting play.
You can lower memory in a variable, but you cannot exceed what your plan provides. Setting a max-memory value higher than your allocation will not give you more RAM and may cause the server to fail to start.