Updated 24 October 2026. Numbers are read from the live ArtemisPvP server data the wiki is built from.
A factions server you can join on newer versions
ArtemisPvP at play.artemispvp.com is built to be played on 1.8.9, but you do not need an old client to join. Newer Java clients up to 26.2 connect too, so you can look around on the version you already have and decide later whether to switch.
How one server takes many versions
The server speaks one version and translates for the others. Players on 1.8.9 connect directly; players on newer releases connect through ViaVersion, which converts between the versions as they play. You do not install anything for this - it all happens on the server. What ViaVersion is, in general, is answered on the server FAQ.
Which version should you use
| Just looking around | Whatever you have. Anything from 1.8.9 to 26.2 on Java joins |
|---|---|
| Serious PvP | 1.8.9 - the combat, the gear and the cannoning are balanced around it |
| Cannoning | 1.8.9, for the same reason |
| Bedrock | Java and Bedrock players can both join. Ask in the Discord for the connection details |
Why 1.8.9 at all
Many factions and PvP servers are still balanced for 1.8.9 combat. Newer versions changed how swinging and hitting work, which changes fights. ArtemisPvP is balanced for 1.8.9 so that fights, enchants and cannons behave the way they were designed. The longer story of 1.8.9 PvP is on the 1.8.9 PvP server page, and getting 1.8 PvP on a newer client is covered in the 1.8.9 PvP FAQ.
What is the same on every version
Everything custom runs on the server, so every version sees the same 207 enchants, the same 11 armor sets, the same 14 events and the same world. A player on 1.8.9 and a player on a newer client can share a faction of up to 30 members, raid the same bases and fight on the same KOTH hill.
What is the newest Minecraft version that can join ArtemisPvP?
Java clients up to 26.2 can join. The server is built to be played on 1.8.9.
Do I have to switch to 1.8.9 to play ArtemisPvP?
No. Newer clients up to 26.2 connect too. Switch to 1.8.9 when you start taking PvP or cannoning seriously - that is the version they are balanced around.
Do enchants work the same on newer versions on ArtemisPvP?
Yes. The 207 enchants run on the server, so every version from 1.8.9 to 26.2 gets the same enchants.
Can a 1.8.9 player and a 26.2 player be in one faction on ArtemisPvP?
Yes. Every version plays in the same world, and a faction holds up to 30 members whatever versions they use.
Does ArtemisPvP use ViaVersion?
Yes. Newer clients up to 26.2 connect through ViaVersion; 1.8.9 clients connect directly.
Should I play ArtemisPvP on 1.8.9 for cannoning?
Yes. Cannoning on ArtemisPvP is balanced around 1.8.9.
Is the oldest version that can join ArtemisPvP 1.8.9?
The server is built for 1.8.9 and takes Java clients from 1.8.9 up to 26.2.
More server guides
ArtemisPvP is an independent server and is not affiliated with CosmicPvP, Cosmic Reborn, Mojang Studios or Microsoft.