Mini-game servers need a stable core, fast lobbies, reliable matchmaking, and clean arena resets. This guide suggests proven Spigot/Paper plugins and categories that work well for Java mini-game networks. Install them via the HostByte Game Panel (see: “How to install plugins on a Java server”).
Before You Start
- Platform: These are plugins for Spigot/Paper (not Fabric/Forge).
- Versions: Match plugin builds to your Minecraft and API version.
- Dependencies: Many mini-game plugins require Vault, ProtocolLib, or PlaceholderAPI.
- Backup: Create a backup before adding or updating plugins.
Core & Lobby
- EssentialsX (+ EssentialsXChat, EssentialsXSpawn) — Core commands, spawn, chat formatting.
- LuckPerms — Permissions/ranks with web editor.
- Vault — Economy/permissions bridge used by many mini-games.
- WorldEdit + WorldGuard — Build tools and region flags for hubs/arenas.
- Multiverse-Core (or similar) — Separate worlds for hubs and games.
- Citizens (+ Command NPC alternative) — NPCs for game selectors.
- Holographic Displays — Floating text for leaderboards/selectors.
- TAB (or scoreboard plugin) — Nametags, tablist, sidebar scoreboard.
- ServerSelector/menu plugins (e.g., DeluxeMenus) — GUI selectors (requires PlaceholderAPI).
Mini-Game Frameworks & Popular Titles
- BedWars — e.g., ScreamingBedWars or BedWars framework (choose a maintained build).
- SkyWars — e.g., SkyWarsReloaded (check forks for current versions).
- Survival Games / Hunger Games — SG implementations for arenas/kits.
- Duels / KitPvP / Practice — Arena PvP with kits, Elo, queues.
- Spleef / TNTRun / Parkour — Lightweight classics for hubs and events.
- Build Battle — Timed building rounds with voting.
- Murder Mystery / Hide and Seek / Prop Hunt — Social deduction & hide-and-seek game modes.
⚠️ Note: Many mini-game plugins have premium editions. Always verify maintenance status, MC/API support, and license terms before purchase.
Queues, Parties, Matchmaking
- Party/Parties plugin — Create player parties for joining games together.
- Queue/Hub utilities — Per-game queues, server transfer, and join cooldowns.
- Bungee/Velocity support — If running a network, use a maintained proxy and consider BungeeGuard/forwarding security.
Arena Reset & Map Management
- FastAsyncWorldEdit (FAWE) — High-performance region snapshots/resets.
- Chunk/World reset tools — Automated arena rollbacks between rounds.
- Multiverse-Inventories (or alternative) — Separate inventories between hub and games.
Visuals & UX
- PlaceholderAPI — Variables for scoreboards, GUIs, and holograms.
- AnimatedScoreboard / TAB sidebar — Per-game stats and timers.
- TitleManager (or similar) — Titles/actionbars for round messages and countdowns.
Anti-Cheat & Moderation
- Anti-cheat — Choose a actively maintained solution compatible with your version; test thoroughly.
- CoreProtect — For build servers or creative plots to investigate grief.
- Chat moderation — Filter and anti-spam solutions compatible with your chat/formatting stack.
Performance & Ops
- spark — Profile CPU/memory to pinpoint lag spikes during rounds.
- Chunky — Pre-generate maps to reduce join/explore lag.
- ProtocolLib — Required by many mini-game/visual plugins.
- ViaVersion (+ ViaBackwards/ViaRewind) — Client version flexibility (policy-dependent).
Suggested Starter Bundle
EssentialsX (+Chat +Spawn), LuckPerms, Vault, WorldEdit, WorldGuard, Multiverse-Core, Citizens, Holographic Displays, TAB (or scoreboard), DeluxeMenus (or selector GUI), PlaceholderAPI, spark, ProtocolLib (add specific mini-game plugins like BedWars/SkyWars/Duels as needed).
Compatibility Checklist
- Run Paper for performance and plugin compatibility.
- Match each plugin to your MC/API version and Java runtime (many require Java 17+).
- Install listed dependencies (Vault, ProtocolLib, PlaceholderAPI).
- For networks, align proxy and backend versions and forwarding settings.
Common Issues & Fixes
- “Unsupported API version” / errors on boot: Use the build for your exact MC version.
- Commands missing/no permission: Grant nodes via LuckPerms or test as OP.
- Arena doesn’t reset cleanly: Use FAWE snapshots or the plugin’s built-in rollback; avoid manual world edits mid-round.
- Lag during starts/ends: Pre-gen maps; profile with spark; stagger round timers; reduce view/simulation-distance.
Getting Help
- Knowledge Base: See “How to install plugins on a Java server (Spigot/Paper)”.
- Support Ticket: Log in to your HostByte account to open a ticket.
- Discord: Join our community:
- Status Page: Check maintenance/outages: status.hostbyte.net.
