1.8 vs 1.12 (For Skyblock)

[VapingPenguin]

Another discussion request. Yet again, heard a lot about both but I don't really ever see a definitive answer.

Is one much better for SkyBlock, or are there pretty equal cost/benefits to both?

 

[Sparko]

If it's not a PvP focused server I honestly don't see the benefit of having 1.8 instead of a newer version.

 

[StrikesDev]

1.8 are the best for minigames like Bed Wars, SkyWars, etc. it contains PvP. 1.12.2 and up for game modes, like Prisons, Factions, but you can still use a plugin to make the pvp animation will still look like 1.8

 

[Mick]

My understanding is that all big servers that offer skyblock choose 1.8.9 as their version for all servers, and then they use viaversion to have everyone from 1.8 to 1.15 able to join.

1.8 is less intensive to run compared to the newer versions (especially 1.15) and has more stability. A large portion of the community is still using the older versions of Minecraft below 1.12, so by not allowing anyone on from older versions you’re stopping a portion of players from logging in your server.

Diz might be able to write a more educated response than I have since he knows more

 

[VapingPenguin]

My understanding is that all big servers that offer skyblock choose 1.8.9 as their version for all servers, and then they use viaversion to have everyone from 1.8 to 1.15 able to join.

1.8 is less intensive to run compared to the newer versions (especially 1.15) and has more stability. A large portion of the community is still using the older versions of Minecraft below 1.12, so by not allowing anyone on from older versions you’re stopping a portion of players from logging in your server.

Diz might be able to write a more educated response than I have since he knows more

Yeah I honestly planned reverting back to 1.8, although it seems more outdated it seems to be a lot more stable with little down side.

 

[Norska]

1.12.2, you can still support 1.8 - 1.15 and still get the same combat as in 1.8 if you want to. 1.8 is extremely outdated for a Skyblock gamemode and in general and there honestly is no reason to use it unless absolutely required for what you're doing. As for performance, it's bad on 1.14.4+ so I'd stay away from that.

As for stability, 1.8 is in no way or form more "stable" than future versions (up to 1.13.2, after that performance is bad as I mentioned above). You can find many threads with actual information about this (on the forum that offers spigot/paper) as there's much bs going around about 1.8 being the best version while it really isn't, always talking from a development/security/performance standpoint.

 

[Sloth]

If you’re going to incorporate the new items found in the newer versions then obviously use 1.12 and if you want you can use ProtocolSupport to allow older versions to join.

If you have no plans to incorporate any of the new items on your server than just stick with 1.8.9. It’s far more stable and widely used.