Each Minecraft version plays differently: combat, available blocks and mobs, plugins and modpacks. Here is how 1.12 and 1.16 compare, and which servers accept them.
Criterion
Minecraft 1.12
Minecraft 1.16
Combat
Attack cooldown (since 1.9) and shield
Attack cooldown and shield
Content
Before the Update Aquatic: concrete, parrots, elytra
Nether Update: netherite, new Nether biomes, piglins
Plugins and mods
Classic modpacks (Forge): tech, magic
Many classic modpacks (Forge, Fabric)
Performance
Light
Medium
Choose 1.12 if…
… you like the great classic modpacks or long-running Factions servers.
Choose 1.16 if…
… you want a proven modpack or a survival server on a stable version.
Top Minecraft 1.12 servers
#1FirstSky1.9-26.2 · FirstSky est un serveur Minecraft francophone SkyBlock et OneBlock, accessible en Java et Bedrock8votes this month
#2LodgeCraft1.8 - 1.21 · LodgeCraft, serveur Minecraft Survie FR : progression, économie, quêtes, guildes, donjons et contenu personnalisé.3votes this month
What is the difference between Minecraft 1.12 and 1.16?
1.12 : combat : attack cooldown (since 1.9) and shield ; content : before the Update Aquatic: concrete, parrots, elytra ; plugins and mods : classic modpacks (Forge): tech, magic ; performance : light. 1.16 : combat : attack cooldown and shield ; content : nether Update: netherite, new Nether biomes, piglins ; plugins and mods : many classic modpacks (Forge, Fabric) ; performance : medium.
Should I play 1.12 or 1.16?
Choose 1.12 if you like the great classic modpacks or long-running Factions servers. Choose 1.16 if you want a proven modpack or a survival server on a stable version.
Can I join a 1.12 server with 1.16?
Only if the server accepts several versions (ViaVersion plugin). 2 listed server(s) accept both 1.12 and 1.16.