Hydraulic MC – Join Bedrock to Java Modded Minecraft Server
Hydraulic is a new server-side mod by the GeyserMC team and CubeCraft Games, designed to help Bedrock players join modded Java servers. I stumbled across it on GitHub (https://github.com/GeyserMC/Hydraulic) and had to try it. Still in early development as of 2025, it’s a work in progress, but I’ve tested simple mods like Advanced Netherite, and it’s promising! Hydraulic works with GeyserMC to bring some modded features to Bedrock players. I was amazed to see my Bedrock friends join my Java server with extra tools and blocks.
My Top Tips for Bedrock and Java Crossplay
| Feature | Description | Tool Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crossplay Base | Bedrock players join Java servers | GeyserMC | Works well for vanilla servers |
| Modded Support | Adds simple mods for Bedrock players | Hydraulic | Early development, some limits |
| Server Types | Spigot, Paper, Fabric, etc. | GeyserMC + Hydraulic | Check compatibility |
| Player Platforms | Windows, iOS, Android, consoles | GeyserMC | Consoles may need extra setup |
| Mod Example | Advanced Netherite for new tools, armor | Hydraulic | Simple mods work best for now |
How to Set Up a Modded Java Server for Bedrock Players
1: Set Up a Java Minecraft Server
I started by creating a Java server, and it’s the first step for you too! You’ll need a server like Spigot or Paper, which support plugins and mods. I picked Paper because it’s fast and works great with GeyserMC. First, download the latest PaperMC server file from papermc.io—make sure it matches Minecraft’s current version, like 1.21.5 in 2025. Next, create a folder on your computer, name it “Minecraft Server,” and put the .jar file there. I opened a text editor and made a “start.bat” file with this line: java -Xmx2G -Xms1G -jar paper-1.21.5.jar nogui. Save it, then double-click to run it. The server generates files like “eula.txt”—open it, change “false” to “true,” and save. Run the .bat file again to start your server! I tested it by launching Java Minecraft, clicking “Multiplayer,” and adding “localhost” as the address. It worked! You’ll need a decent PC and internet—2GB RAM minimum.
2: Install GeyserMC on Your Server
Next, I added GeyserMC to bridge Bedrock and Java. It’s super easy! Go to geysermc.org and download the Geyser-Spigot.jar for Paper or Spigot servers. I stopped my server by typing “stop” in the console (that black window that pops up). Then, I made a “plugins” folder in my server directory and dragged the .jar file there. I also grabbed ViaVersion from viaversion.com to help with version compatibility—super helpful! Restart the server by running the .bat file again. Check the console for a GeyserMC message saying it’s active. I opened Minecraft Bedrock on my phone, went to “Servers,” and added “localhost” with port 19132. It connected! For friends on consoles or other devices, use your computer’s IP (find it with “ipconfig” in Command Prompt on Windows).
Step 3: Add Hydraulic for Modded Support
Now for the fun part—Hydraulic! I found it on GitHub (https://github.com/GeyserMC/Hydraulic). This mod lets Bedrock players see some modded content. Since it’s server-side, I stopped my server again. I cloned the repo using “git clone in Command Prompt (you’ll need Git installed—get it at git-scm.com). Then, I ran “git submodule update –init –recursive” in the Hydraulic folder to grab extra files. I used “./gradlew build” to create a .jar file, found in the “build/libs” folder. I copied that .jar to my server’s “plugins” folder alongside GeyserMC. Restart the server, and Hydraulic loaded! I tested a simple mod, Advanced Netherite, by downloading it from curseforge.com and adding it to the “mods” folder (create one if needed). Java players saw new armor, and Bedrock players joined, seeing some effects! It’s early, so not all mods work perfectly—stick to simple ones.
4: Test Simple Mods Like Advanced Netherite
I couldn’t wait to try mods! Advanced Netherite is a great start—it adds stronger tools and armor using netherite. I downloaded it from curseforge.com, picking the version for Minecraft 1.21.5. After stopping my server, I placed the .jar in the “mods” folder. I also needed a mod loader like Fabric or Forge— I chose Forge, downloaded from forge.net, and updated my server to use the Forge .jar (rename it and update your start.bat to match). Restart the server, and Java players saw new items! For Bedrock, Hydraulic helped show some features, like upgraded armor stats, but not everything translates perfectly yet. I crafted a netherite sword in Java, and my Bedrock friend on Xbox joined via my server IP and port 19132. They saw me use it!
5: Invite Bedrock Friends and Troubleshoot
Finally, I invited friends to play! I shared my server IP (find it with “ipconfig” or ask your router) and port 19132 for Bedrock players. In Minecraft Bedrock, they went to “Servers,” clicked “Add Server,” and entered the IP and port. I played on Java, crafting modded items, while they joined from phones and consoles. It worked, but sometimes Bedrock players missed mod visuals—Hydraulic’s still developing! If it fails, check the console for errors. I ensured port 19132 was open on my router (search “port forwarding” for your model). Also, confirm GeyserMC and Hydraulic are active in the console. Searches like “Bedrock Java modded server fix 2025” helped me. I restarted the server if glitches popped up. We had a blast—my Xbox pal loved seeing my modded sword! Keep backups of your server folder in case of crashes. This step made my day—crossplay success!
Challenges and Limits I Faced
I’ll be honest—Hydraulic isn’t perfect yet. As of 2025, it’s in early development, so complex mods with new blocks or creatures often don’t show right for Bedrock players. I tried a mod with custom mobs, and my Bedrock friends just saw vanilla stuff. Simple mods like Advanced Netherite worked better, boosting tools and armor. I also hit snags with console connections—PlayStation can be tricky without extra tweaks. Check GeyserMC’s wiki for limits (wiki.geysermc.org). Still, I’m hopeful!
My Final Thoughts
Bringing Bedrock players to modded Java servers with Hydraulic is a dream come true! I’ve loved using GeyserMC and Hydraulic to unite my friends across platforms. From setting up the server to testing Advanced Netherite, the journey was fun, even with hiccups.
