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Installing Plugins

Plugins extend your Minecraft server with new features, commands, and gameplay mechanics.

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Best Practices

Before installing any plugins:
  1. Backup your server - Before adding or updating plugins
  2. Test first - Try plugins on a test server when possible
  3. Only use trusted sources - SpigotMC, Modrinth, Hangar
  4. Read documentation - Each plugin has unique setup requirements
  5. Keep plugins updated - Update regularly for bug fixes and security
  6. Minimize plugins - Only use what you need for better performance

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Requirements

Plugins work with Bukkit-based server software:
  • ✅ Paper (recommended)
  • ✅ Spigot
  • ✅ Purpur
  • ❌ Vanilla (no plugin support)
  • ❌ Forge/Fabric (use mods instead)

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Finding Plugins

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Trusted Sources

SiteURLDescription
SpigotMCspigotmc.orgLargest plugin repository
Modrinthmodrinth.comModern plugin hosting
Hangarhangar.papermc.ioPaper’s official repository
Bukkitdev.bukkit.orgLegacy plugin site
Only download plugins from trusted sources. Malicious plugins can damage your server or steal data.

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Installing Plugins

The easiest way to install plugins:
  1. Open your server in the panel
  2. Click the More tab
  3. Browse or search for plugins
  4. Click Install on the plugin you want
  5. Restart your server

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Method 2: File Manager

  1. Download the plugin .jar file to your computer
  2. Open Files in the panel
  3. Navigate to the plugins folder
  4. Click Upload
  5. Select the .jar file
  6. Restart your server

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Method 3: SFTP

  1. Connect to your server via SFTP
  2. Navigate to /plugins
  3. Upload the .jar file
  4. Restart your server

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Verifying Installation

After restart:
  1. Check console for plugin load messages
  2. Run /plugins in-game to see loaded plugins
  3. Green = enabled, Red = disabled/error

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Essential Plugins

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Administration

PluginDescription
EssentialsXCore commands, homes, warps, kits
LuckPermsAdvanced permissions management
VaultEconomy/permissions API
WorldEditIn-game map editing
WorldGuardRegion protection

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Protection & Security

PluginDescription
CoreProtectBlock logging and rollback
GriefPreventionClaim-based protection
AuthMeLogin security (offline servers)

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Chat & Communication

PluginDescription
DiscordSRVDiscord integration
Essentials ChatChat formatting
VentureChatAdvanced chat channels

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Economy

PluginDescription
VaultEconomy API (required by others)
EssentialsX EconomyBasic economy
ShopGUI+GUI-based shops
ChestShopPlayer shops

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Quality of Life

PluginDescription
Multiverse-CoreMultiple worlds
FAWEFast async WorldEdit
PlaceholderAPIVariable placeholders
TABCustom tablist

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Plugin Configuration

Most plugins create config files in /plugins/PluginName/:
  1. Stop your server
  2. Navigate to /plugins/PluginName
  3. Edit config.yml or similar
  4. Start your server

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YAML Tips

# Correct formatting
setting:
  option: value
  list:
    - item1
    - item2

# Use spaces, not tabs!
# Be careful with indentation

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Updating Plugins

  1. Download the new version
  2. Delete the old .jar from /plugins
  3. Upload the new .jar
  4. Restart server
  5. Check console for update messages
Some plugins auto-update. Check their documentation.

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Troubleshooting

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Plugin Won’t Load

Check version compatibility:
  • Plugin must support your Minecraft version
  • Plugin must support your server type (Spigot/Paper)
Check dependencies:
  • Some plugins require other plugins
  • Read the plugin’s requirements
Check console: 
[ERROR] Could not load 'plugins/PluginName.jar'
Look for specific error messages.

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Plugin Conflicts

Symptoms:
  • Commands not working
  • Errors in console
  • Unexpected behavior
Solutions:
  1. Identify conflicting plugins
  2. Check for duplicate functionality
  3. Update all plugins
  4. Contact plugin developers

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Commands Not Working

  1. Check permissions with /lp user <name> permission check <permission>
  2. Verify plugin is loaded: /plugins
  3. Check command syntax in plugin documentation

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Configuration Errors

[ERROR] Invalid config.yml
  1. Use a YAML validator
  2. Check for tab characters (use spaces)
  3. Verify quotes and colons
  4. Restore from backup if needed

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Best Practices

  1. Test first - Try plugins on a test server
  2. Backup regularly - Before adding/updating plugins
  3. Read documentation - Each plugin has unique setup
  4. Keep updated - Update plugins for bug fixes
  5. Minimize plugins - Only use what you need
  6. Check compatibility - Verify version support

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Plugin Permissions

Most plugins integrate with permission systems like LuckPerms: 
/lp group default permission set plugin.command true
Common permission formats:
  • pluginname.* - All permissions
  • pluginname.command - Specific command
  • pluginname.feature.use - Specific feature

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Next Steps