Blueprint vs Standalone Pterodactyl - Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between Blueprint and Standalone Pterodactyl is one of the most common decisions server hosts face when setting up their panel. In this guide, I'll break down both options to help you make the right choice for your situation.

What is Pterodactyl?

Pterodactyl is a powerful, open-source game server management panel. It allows you to manage and deploy servers for:

• Minecraft (Java & Bedrock)
• FiveM / RedM (GTA V / RDR2)
• Discord Bots
• Voice Servers (TeamSpeak, Mumble)
• And many more...

Built with modern technologies like Docker, Pterodactyl provides a secure, isolated environment for each server. It's the go-to choice for hosting providers and personal users.

What is Blueprint?

Blueprint is an extension framework built on top of Pterodactyl. Created and maintained by Emma, it simplifies the process of installing themes and modifications (also known as extensions).

Key Features of Blueprint:

• One-command installation - Upload a .blueprint file and run a single install command
• Extension marketplace - Access to a growing library of themes and mods
• Easy updates - Update extensions without manual file management
• Community-driven - Active development and community support

Blueprint vs Standalone: The Comparison

Feature	Blueprint	Standalone
Ease of Installation	Very Easy	Depends on Extension
Extension Variety	Less Big Marketplace	Large Marketplace
Performance	Slight Overhead	Optimal
Customization	Framework Limits	Full Control
Updates	Simplified	Manual Merging
Best For	Beginners, Homelabs	Businesses, Advanced Users

When to Choose Blueprint

Blueprint is the right choice if you:

• Run a homelab - Quick setup without technical complexity
• Are new to Pterodactyl - Learning curve is much gentler
• Want easy theming - Install beautiful themes in seconds
• Value convenience - Spend less time on maintenance

Pros:

• Extremely beginner-friendly
• Large selection of extensions
• Active community support
• Quick installation and updates

Cons:

• Slight performance overhead
• Some advanced customizations aren't possible
• Dependent on Blueprint framework updates

When to Choose Standalone Pterodactyl

Standalone is better suited if you:

• Run a hosting business - Need maximum performance and reliability
• Want full control - Custom modifications without framework limits
• Plan to scale - Optimize every aspect of your panel
• Have technical expertise - Comfortable with manual installations

Pros:

• Best possible performance
• Complete customization freedom
• No framework dependencies
• Direct control over all files

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve
• Manual theme/mod installation
• Updates require more effort

Best Theme for Standalone: Arix

For Standalone Pterodactyl installations, Arix is by far the best theme. It's the most polished, feature-rich theme available for standalone Pterodactyl.

Why Arix?

• Premium, modern design
• Excellent performance
• Regular updates
• Great developer support

→ Get Arix Theme

Best Theme for Blueprint: Nebula

For Blueprint users, Nebula is the top recommendation. Created by Blueprint's own maintainer, it's perfectly optimized for the framework.

Why Nebula?

• Built by Blueprint's creator
• Seamless integration
• Modern UI
• Frequent updates

→ Get Nebula Theme

My Recommendation

Here's my honest take:

Your Situation	My Recommendation
Just starting out	Blueprint
Running a homelab	Blueprint
Small hosting business	Either works
Large hosting company	Standalone
Want maximum performance	Standalone
Want easiest setup	Blueprint

Bottom line: If you're unsure, start with Blueprint. You can always migrate to Standalone later if needed. Blueprint's convenience is hard to beat for most users.

Conclusion

Both Blueprint and Standalone Pterodactyl have their place. Blueprint excels at convenience and ease of use, while Standalone offers maximum performance and flexibility.

Choose Blueprint if you value simplicity. Choose Standalone if you need full control.

Either way, invest in a quality theme - it makes a huge difference in the user experience for both you and your customers.

Need help deciding? Join our Discord community and ask for personalized advice!

Disclaimer

Some links in this post may be referral or affiliate links. Using them helps support my work at no additional cost to you - thank you!