Setting Up EssentialsX on Your 1.21 Paper Minecraft Server

Welcome back to our series on setting up a Minecraft community server! This series isn’t just about the technical details of installing plugins; it's about thinking big picture and building a vibrant, engaging server where players will want to spend their time. In our first episode, we set up the server, laying the foundation for everything to come. In the second episode, we added roles and ranks using LuckPerms, giving structure to how players will interact with your server.

Now, it’s time to dive into EssentialsX, a powerful suite of plugins that will provide our players with a wide range of commands and features. But instead of merely listing commands and configurations, we’ll explore real-life examples of how to assign commands thoughtfully based on rank, while setting the stage for player progression. Most importantly, we’re creating the backbone for a community-driven server that keeps players engaged and coming back for more.

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Installing EssentialsX on Minecraft 1.21

As of the time of writing this post, EssentialsX isn't officially out on Minecraft 1.21. However, you can get 1.21 support with the latest development version of the Plugin. Note the version 2.21.0-dev...To get this, you'll need to go directly to the developer website. Click the "Development Build" button if it's not already selected and download EssentialsX, EssentialsX Chat, and EssentialsX Spawn, all of which we'll cover in this post. There are other add-ons, but we won't be covering those.

Download EssentialsX

After downloading the plugins, copy them to your server's plugins folder and (re)start the server. All the folders and configuration files will get created.

Read the Config File

The EssentialsX file lives in the plugins/essentials folder and contains all of the configuration settings. Reading this fill will also give a good overview of everything you can do in the plugin plus some of the addons. There's too much to cover in this post, but you can get a good idea of what everything does by reading it.

EssentialsX: More Than Just Basic Commands

EssentialsX is often the go-to for server administrators because it offers a comprehensive set of commands and features that enhance the Minecraft experience. But it's not just about giving players access to commands; it's about creating an environment that feels rewarding, balanced, and fun. We'll explore how to allocate commands per rank and start planning how players will move up through these ranks.

The full list of EssentialsX commands can be seen here. Below are some examples.

An Overview of EssentialsX Commands

Before diving into specific rank-based configurations, let’s take a moment to understand the different types of commands EssentialsX offers. This plugin is packed with commands that can manage almost every aspect of server gameplay and administration. I won't go through all of them as there are over 150, but let's look at some more common ones and their categories.

Teleportation Commands

Teleportation commands are crucial for navigating large worlds and helping players move around efficiently:

• /tp [player]: Teleports you to another player.
• /tpa [player]: Requests to teleport to another player, who must accept.
• /warp [location]: Teleports you to a predefined location or "warp point."
• /back: Returns you to your previous location.

Why use these: These commands help reduce downtime and keep gameplay flowing smoothly, especially on larger servers where exploration is key. I think in general, there's a big aversion to allowing players to teleport. But when done well, it can enhance gameplay, remove frustrations, and rage quits! It encourages players to take chances and not just stay at home. It also enables you to create areas of the server that players can easily visit to be more part of the community.

Home and Spawn Management

Home and spawn management commands help players set personal home points and allow admins to manage server spawn points:

• /sethome [name]: Sets a personal home location.
• /home [name]: Teleports the player to their home.
• /spawn: Returns the player to the server’s spawn point.
• /setspawn: Sets the global spawn point.

Why use these: These commands obviously create the central location of the server, and if it has community structures and features, it gives players a reason to keep coming back to spawn. It also provide players with a sense of security and ownership, knowing they can easily return to a familiar place and encourages exploration and visiting other players and places.

Kits in EssentialsX: Customizing Player Experience

Kits are one of the most versatile features in EssentialsX, allowing you to create predefined sets of items that players can access with a simple command or through interactive signs. Kits are particularly useful for providing new players with starter gear, rewarding players as they progress through ranks, or creating specialized loadouts for events and challenges.

Creating and Configuring Kits

Kits are configured in the EssentialsX configuration file, where you can define the items included in each kit, the cooldown period between uses, and any permissions required to access the kit. For example, you might create a Starter Kit that provides new players with basic tools and food when they first join the server. The default kits.yml file has several examples. The tools kit might be a good starter kit.

In this example, players can use the /kit delay command once every 10 seconds to receive a stone sword, shovel, pickaxe, axe, and 10 pieces of bread, as long as they have access to the kit command. Clearly you're going to want to edit the default kits.yml file if you are making kits available to your players.

Advanced Kits for Different Ranks

As players progress through ranks, you can reward them with access to more advanced kits. For instance, a Member Kit might include iron tools and armor, while a VIP Kit could offer diamond gear or special items that aren’t available elsewhere. By tying kits to ranks, you give players tangible rewards that recognize their progress and encourage them to stay active on the server.

This kit might be accessible only to players with the VIP rank, providing them with powerful gear that they can use in their adventures. By setting the delay to -1, a player can only access it once.

Using Kits with Signs

To make kits even more accessible, you can set up EssentialsX signs that allow players to claim kits without typing commands. This is especially useful for new players who might not be familiar with all the available commands or for events where quick access to gear is essential.

To create a sign that grants the Starter Kit, you would use the following format:

Players can then right-click the sign to receive the items included in the kit, making it easy for them to gear up and get started.

Enhancing Player Engagement with Kits

Kits are a powerful tool for enhancing player engagement on your server. By carefully designing and distributing kits, you can cater to different playstyles, reward player progression, and create a more dynamic and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re providing the basics to help new players get started or offering exclusive rewards to your most dedicated members, kits are an essential part of building a vibrant Minecraft community.

For more detailed instructions on configuring and managing kits, check out the EssentialsX Wiki.

Economy Commands

If your server has an economy, EssentialsX includes commands to manage in-game currency, shops, and trades:

• /balance: Shows the player's current balance.
• /pay [player] [amount]: Transfers money to another player.
• /sell [item]: Sells an item for in-game currency.
• /worth: Displays the value of an item in your hand, your entire inventory, or even any named item, like /worth gold

Here we run the /balance command. I'm pretty poor!

I can type /worth inventory to find out how much my entire inventory is worth.

If I only had some diamonds. They're worth $1000 each... /worth diamond

I type the /worth or /worth hand command to find out what the items in my hand are valued at if I sold them to the server.

And the result of /sell which sells what's in my hand. I could sell my entire inventory!

Now I have $7609!

Additionally, EssentialsX allows you to give players an initial starting amount of money when they first join the server. This helps them get started by enabling them to purchase basic items, kits, or services from player-run shops. For example, you might configure the server to give each new player $100 upon joining.

As players progress to higher ranks like Member or VIP, you can reward them with additional money. For instance, when a player reaches the Member rank, they could receive an additional $500, while VIPs might receive $1,000. This extra money could be used to purchase more advanced items, access exclusive kits, or buy rare materials from other players.

As the server owner, you can set the value of any item in the game. That is done in the worth.yml file in the plugins\essentials\ directory. Here's a sample of that that file looks like. The above prices and these are the defaults.

Why use these: These economy commands help facilitate trading and resource management on the server, adding a layer of strategy to gameplay and giving players more goals to work toward as they progress through the ranks.

Moderation Commands

Moderation commands are essential for keeping your server safe and fun for everyone:

• /kick [player] [reason]: Kicks a player from the server.
• /ban [player] [reason]: Permanently bans a player.
• /mute [player]: Mutes a player in chat.
• /vanish: Makes the player invisible.

These commands give your staff the tools they need to maintain order and deal with disruptive behavior effectively.

Chat Management Commands

EssentialsX allows for extensive customization and control over in-game chat:

• /msg [player] [message]: Sends a private message.
• /mutechat: Temporarily silences all players in chat.
• /broadcast [message]: Sends a server-wide announcement in chat.
• /nick [nickname]: Allows players to change their display name.

Chat commands are key to maintaining clear communication and ensuring that all players can enjoy a positive chat experience.

Fun and Utility Commands

EssentialsX isn’t all business; it also includes plenty of fun and utility commands to enhance gameplay:

• /hat: Puts the item in your hand on your head as a hat.
• /time [day/night]: Changes the time of day on the server.
• /weather [clear/rain/thunder]: Changes the weather on the server.
• /heal [player]: Fully restores the player’s health.

These commands allow players and admins to add a bit of fun to the server, whether it’s changing the weather for an event or simply wearing a block as a hat.

World and Player Management Commands

EssentialsX also includes powerful commands for managing players and the world itself:

• /gamemode [mode]: Changes your or another player's game mode (Survival, Creative, Adventure, or Spectator). There are abbreviations to these commands, such as /gmc, /gms, /gmsp
• /tpall: Teleports all players to your location, useful for server-wide events.
• /invsee [player]: Allows admins to view and modify another player's inventory.
• /clearinventory [player]: Clears the specified player's inventory.
• /tprandom: sends the user to a random location

These commands give server administrators the power to manage large-scale events, resolve player disputes, and ensure the server is running smoothly.

EssentialsX Signs: Interactive Functionality

EssentialsX also includes powerful signs functionality that allows you to create interactive signs with specific purposes. This feature is particularly useful for creating shops, teleportation points, kits, and more.

For example, you can use shop signs to create infinite shops where players can purchase and sell items using in-game currency. This adds depth to the economy and encourages trading among players. [Buy] and [Sell] signs are essentially infinite inventory where players can buy and sell from the "server" with no server inventory requirements.

This sign would allow players to buy one diamond for $100. You can similarly set up sell signs, where players can sell items to the server or to other players.

Trade signs allow users to fill a sign with either items on money in order to buy and sell items from other players. These signs have an inventory that the owner must replenish so that it doesn't run out of supply. They must also remove the money from the inventory to claim it.

This sign will sell diamonds for $1000 each. There are 5 Diamonds in its inventory, which were put in while it was getting created. The owner can replenish the sign, and remove money by right clicking the sign. A buyer can purchase a diamond for $1000, if they have that amount in their account.

This sign will buy diamonds for $1000. It has $2000 in it, so it can only purchase 2 diamonds before it must be replenished. Likewise, the owner can put diamonds in it by right clicking. The buyer can sell diamonds for money by right clicking.

Kit signs allow players to receive predefined kits of items, such as a Starter kit to help new players get started quickly. To create a kit sign, simply place a sign and format it as follows:

When players right-click the sign, they’ll receive the "Starter" kit defined in your EssentialsX configuration.

Warp and teleportation signs can be used to create a quick-travel system around the world, making it easier for players to visit different locations. To create a warp sign, place a sign and format it like this:

This will teleport players to the "Fountain" warp point when they right-click the sign.

Additionally, healing and repair signs can be placed in strategic areas to allow players to restore their health or repair their gear. For example, a heal sign might be set up as follows:

Players who right-click this sign will have their health fully restored, though it will cost $10000. The amount is optional when setting up the sign.

These signs enhance gameplay by providing players with interactive elements that streamline common tasks, foster economic activity, and add convenience. To set up these signs, ensure that the relevant permissions are enabled in EssentialsX for your players or ranks and format the signs according to EssentialsX’s guidelines. For more detailed instructions, visit the EssentialsX Signs Wiki.

Understanding Ranks and Why We Use Them

Ranks are a fundamental part of any well-structured Minecraft server. They provide a way to reward players for their commitment and contribution, offer progression goals, and help maintain order by assigning different levels of permissions based on trust and experience. By carefully assigning commands and permissions to each rank, you can create a balanced, engaging experience that motivates players to stay and contribute to your community.

Ranks not only enhance the gameplay experience but also help in building a vibrant community where players feel recognized and rewarded for their efforts. The default rank structure we’ll be using includes the following ranks: Default, Member, VIP, Moderator, and Admin. Each rank will have specific commands available to them, and players will progress through these ranks as they become more active and engaged on the server.

Default Rank: The Newcomer's Experience

When a player first joins the server, they start as a Default rank. The commands available to them should make their initial experience smooth and enjoyable, without overwhelming them. For the Default rank, we might include basic commands like:

• /spawn: Allows players to return to the main spawn point, essential for newcomers who might get lost.
• /msg: Enables private messaging, encouraging communication.
• /help: Provides access to a list of available commands, guiding them as they learn the ropes.
• /sethome and /home: Let players set a personal home location, giving them a sense of ownership and a place to return to.

Additionally, when players first join as the Default rank, you can configure EssentialsX to give them a small starting amount of money—let’s say $100. This gives them a head start in exploring the server's economy, allowing them to purchase basic items, kits, or services from player-run shops.

These commands and the initial money ensure that new players can navigate the server, communicate with others, and start to settle into the world without feeling too restricted.

Member Rank: Building Trust

Once a player has spent some time on the server and shown that they're committed to the community, they can be promoted to the Member rank. This rank should offer more flexibility and responsibility. Commands for this rank might include:

• /tpa: Allows players to request teleportation to another player, fostering collaboration.
• /back: Lets players return to their previous location after a teleport or death, adding convenience.
• /kit tools: Provides access to a basic set of tools, giving them a small boost without being overpowered.
• /warp: Enables use of preset warp points, making it easier to explore different areas of the server.

As a reward for reaching the Member rank, you might also give players an additional amount of money, say $500. This can be used to purchase more advanced items, access new kits, or engage in the server’s economy on a deeper level.

By giving Members these additional commands and rewards, you're acknowledging their commitment while also encouraging them to engage more with the server and its community.

VIP Rank: Recognizing Contributions

The VIP rank should feel like a reward for players who have gone above and beyond, whether through donations, event participation, or simply being a positive force on the server. VIPs might gain access to coveted features like:

• /fly: Grants the ability to fly, which can be used for building or exploration.
• /nick: Allows players to set a nickname, adding a personal touch to their identity on the server.
• /kit VIP: Offers an exclusive kit with items that are useful but not game-breaking.
• /hat: A fun command that lets players wear any block as a hat, adding a touch of whimsy.

VIPs can also receive a significant monetary reward, such as $1,000, which can be spent on rare items, special services, or high-value transactions in the server’s economy.

These commands and rewards not only enhance the player's experience but also acknowledge their contributions in a meaningful way.

Moderator Rank: Keeping the Peace

Moderators need access to commands that help them maintain order and assist other players. Some essential commands for this rank might include:

• /kick: Allows moderators to remove disruptive players from the server temporarily.
• /mute: Enables them to silence players who are spamming or being abusive in chat.
• /vanish: Lets moderators go invisible, helping them monitor the server without drawing attention.
• /tp: Grants teleportation to any player, useful for checking on reports or helping players in need.

These commands empower moderators to keep the server running smoothly while supporting the community.

Admin Rank: The Server's Backbone

Admins have the highest level of responsibility and therefore need access to the most powerful commands. Some examples include:

• /ban: Permanently bans a player from the server, a last resort for handling severe issues.
• /gamemode: Allows admins to switch between creative, survival, and other game modes for various tasks.
• /reload: Reloads the server's plugins without requiring a full restart, useful for making quick changes.
• /invsee: Lets admins view and modify a player's inventory, helpful for resolving disputes or removing contraband items.

Admins should use these commands with discretion, ensuring that they uphold the integrity of the server.

Newbie Functionality in EssentialsX: Welcoming New Players

One of the key features of EssentialsX is its ability to create a welcoming and supportive environment for new players through its "Newbie" functionality. This feature allows server administrators to configure special messages and settings that are triggered when a player joins the server for the first time. It’s a great way to ensure that new players feel guided and informed from the moment they enter your world.

Custom Welcome Messages

EssentialsX lets you set up custom welcome messages that are shown to players the first time they join your server. These messages can be configured to include important information, such as server rules, tips on how to get started, or even links to your server’s website or Discord community. The welcome message is an excellent way to make a positive first impression and provide new players with the guidance they need to navigate your server.

Here’s an example of how you might set up a welcome message in the EssentialsX configuration file:

newbies:
 # Should we announce to the server when someone logs in for the first time?
 # If so, use this format, replacing {DISPLAYNAME} with the player name.
 announce-format: 'Welcome {DISPLAYNAME} to the server!'
 
 # When we announce to the server, should we also privately message the player?
 # The following config options control what message will be sent.
 spawnpoint: newbie_spawn
 # Choose whether to send the message as a chat or a welcome book.
 # Uncomment the next line to send a welcome book instead of a message.
 # spawnpoint-book: 'welcome_book'
 
 # Here you define the actual message sent to the player
 first-join-message:
 - '&dWelcome to our Minecraft server, {DISPLAYNAME}!'
 - '&7Use /help to get started, and don’t forget to set your home with /sethome!'
 - '&6Join our community on Discord: discord.gg/jangro'

In this example, the server sends a custom welcome message to each new player, guiding them on what to do next and how to connect with the community.

Setting a Custom Spawn Point for New Players

Another feature of the Newbie functionality is the ability to set a custom spawn point for new players. This allows you to direct new players to a specific location when they first join, such as a tutorial area, a welcome center, or a beautifully designed spawn zone with all the information they need to get started.

You can set the newbie spawn point using a simple command:

/setspawn newbie

This command will set the current location as the spawn point for all new players, ensuring they arrive at the perfect spot when they join your server.

Providing a Starting Kit

To help new players get off to a good start, you can configure EssentialsX to automatically provide them with a starter kit when they join. This kit might include basic tools, food, and other essential items that will help them survive and thrive in their first days on the server.

Here’s an example of how you can set up a starter kit for new players:

kits:
 starter:
 delay: 86400
 items:
 - 272 1 # Stone Sword
 - 273 1 # Stone Shovel
 - 274 1 # Stone Pickaxe
 - 275 1 # Stone Axe
 - 297 10 # Bread

You can then configure EssentialsX to give this kit automatically to new players using the following configuration:

newbies:
 kit: starter

This ensures that every new player receives the starter kit upon joining, giving them the tools they need to explore and enjoy your server.

The Newbie functionality in EssentialsX is designed to make the first experience on your server as smooth and enjoyable as possible. By setting up custom welcome messages, a dedicated spawn point, and providing a starter kit, you help new players feel welcomed and supported from the very beginning. This not only improves their first impression but also increases the likelihood that they’ll stick around and become active members of your server’s community.ensuring they have everything they need to thrive on your server.

EssentialsX Chat: Crafting the Conversation

EssentialsX Chat is a powerful tool for customizing the chat experience on your server. By using it in conjunction with LuckPerms, you can create unique prefixes, suffixes, and colors for each rank. For example, you could give VIPs a gold-colored name and prefix, while Moderators might have a distinct [MOD] tag. This not only makes chat more visually appealing but also helps players quickly identify each other's ranks.

EssentialsX Spawn: Setting the Stage

EssentialsX Spawn allows you to set a global spawn point that players can return to using the /spawn command. This is especially useful for events, new player orientation, or simply giving your server a central hub. Consider making your spawn area visually impressive and informative, with signs or NPCs that guide new players and provide useful information about the server.

Looking Ahead: Planning Rank Progression

While we'll dive deeper into the specifics of rank progression in a future post, it's worth starting to think about how players will move up through these ranks. Will it be based on playtime, achievements, or contributions to the community? Perhaps a combination of these? Setting clear, achievable goals for each rank will help keep players motivated and engaged.

Wrapping Up

EssentialsX offers a wealth of features that can enhance your Minecraft server, but it's up to you to use them thoughtfully. By carefully assigning commands to each rank and planning out player progression, you can create a server environment that's balanced, rewarding, and fun for everyone. To explore the full range of commands available in EssentialsX, check out the EssentialsX Wiki. Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll delve into the specifics of how players can move up through the ranks and what rewards they'll unlock along the way.