distributary
Distributary is a Fabric proxy that routes incoming Minecraft connections to different backend servers by reading the address a client typed.
What it does
Distributary sits in front of several Minecraft servers as a reverse proxy. When a client connects, the mod reads the server address the player used, which is carried in the handshake packet, and matches it against a configured list. A match forwards the connection to the backend server that is linked to that address, so one public port can serve several destinations.
Connections whose addresses match no entry are left alone, so players who connect directly to the current server are not redirected. Because routing relies on the handshake, operators can separate hubs, minigame servers and test instances behind a single entry point, with the proxy deciding where each connection goes.
Distributary is server-side only, so players join through the proxy without installing anything. It is published for Fabric alone, with files for 26 release versions 1.14.4 – 1.21.11 and snapshot builds available, and the latest file, v1.1.6-mc1.21.11, targets 1.21.11. The code is open source under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 only.
Key features
Handshake-based routing
The mod reads the server address sent during the handshake and picks a backend server from it.
Configurable address list
Each address listed in the configuration is mapped to a specific backend Minecraft server.
Direct connection fallback
Connections made to the current server directly, without a matching address, are not redirected.
Single public port
Several backend servers can be reached through one exposed port, with the proxy deciding the destination.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
1.21.x12 of 12 versions with builds
1.20.x7 of 7 versions with builds
1.19.x1 of 1 version with builds
1.18.x1 of 1 version with builds
1.17.x1 of 1 version with builds
1.16.x2 of 2 versions with builds
1.15.x1 of 1 version with builds
1.14.x1 of 1 version with builds
This mod also publishes snapshot builds. Snapshots are not shown in the matrix.
Use cases
Hub and minigame networks
A network can offer a lobby and several game servers under different addresses behind one public port.
Test and staging instances
A separate test server can sit behind an address that players reach only on purpose, while the main server stays unchanged.
Who it’s for: Server owners running more than one Minecraft server who want to expose them through a shared entry point. Players need no changes.
Questions
Does Distributary have to be installed on player clients?
Which loader does Distributary need?
More from fallen-breath
What the author says
A Minecraft reversed proxy that distribute connections to backend servers based on the host info in the handshake packet In brief, this mod can recognize the server address used by the client when connecting to the server and use it as a routing identifier. When the address matches a given list, this mod will forward…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/distributary
- Owner
- fallen-breath
- Published
- 2024-06-21
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2025-12-14
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15