Install Plugins on Your Server

Prerequisites

Before installing plugins, ensure your server meets these requirements:

• Server Type: Your server must be running Bukkit, Spigot, Paper, or a similar plugin-compatible server type
• Server Version: Plugins must be compatible with your server's Minecraft version
• File Access: You need access to your server's file manager or FTP

Understanding Server Types

Not all Minecraft servers support plugins:

• Vanilla: Does NOT support plugins (Mojang's official server)
• Bukkit/Spigot: Supports plugins (most common)
• Paper: Supports plugins (optimized Spigot fork)
• Forge: Uses mods, not plugins
• Fabric: Uses mods, not plugins

If you're unsure which type you're using, check with your hosting provider or look for a plugins folder in your server directory.

Step 1: Find Compatible Plugins

1. Visit plugin repositories like:

   • SpigotMC
   • BukkitDev
   • Modrinth

2. Check plugin compatibility:

   • Server type (Bukkit/Spigot/Paper)
   • Minecraft version
   • Dependencies (other plugins required)

3. Download the plugin .jar file

Step 2: Access Your Server Files

1. Log in to your Pterodactyl panel
2. Navigate to your Minecraft server
3. Open the File Manager or connect via FTP
4. Locate your server's root directory

Step 3: Create the Plugins Folder

If a plugins folder doesn't exist:

1. Create a new folder named plugins (case-sensitive)
2. Ensure it's in the server's root directory (same level as server.properties)

Step 4: Upload the Plugin

1. Navigate to the plugins folder
2. Upload the downloaded .jar file
3. Ensure the file has the .jar extension

Step 5: Restart Your Server

1. Return to your panel
2. Stop your server
3. Wait for it to fully stop
4. Start the server again
5. Monitor the console for plugin loading messages

Step 6: Verify Installation

After the server starts, check:

1. Console Messages: Look for plugin loading confirmation:

   [PluginName] version X.X.X enabled!
   

2. Plugins Folder: A configuration folder should appear in plugins/PluginName/

3. In-Game: Use /plugins command to see loaded plugins

Configuring Plugins

Most plugins create a configuration file on first load:

1. Navigate to plugins/PluginName/
2. Open config.yml or similar configuration file
3. Edit settings as needed
4. Use /pluginname reload or restart the server

Managing Plugins

Enable/Disable Plugins

Temporary Disable:

• Remove the .jar file from the plugins folder
• Restart the server

Permanent Remove:

• Delete the .jar file
• Delete the plugin's configuration folder (optional)
• Restart the server

Update Plugins

1. Download the new version
2. Stop your server
3. Delete the old .jar file
4. Upload the new .jar file
5. Start the server
6. Check for configuration changes in the plugin's documentation

Plugin Commands

Most plugins add commands. Check the plugin's documentation for:

• Command syntax
• Required permissions
• Available features

Common Plugin Categories

Essential Plugins

• WorldEdit: Advanced world editing tools
• EssentialsX: Core server management features
• LuckPerms: Advanced permission management
• Vault: Economy and permission API

Protection Plugins

• GriefPrevention: Land protection
• WorldGuard: Region protection
• CoreProtect: Block logging and rollback

Economy Plugins

• Vault: Economy API
• EssentialsX Economy: Basic economy system
• Shopkeepers: NPC shop system

Gameplay Plugins

• McMMO: RPG skill system
• Jobs: Job system
• Dynmap: Web-based map viewer

Troubleshooting

Plugin Not Loading

1. Check Compatibility: Verify plugin matches your server type and version
2. Check Console: Look for error messages in the server console
3. File Format: Ensure the file is a .jar file, not .zip or extracted
4. Dependencies: Install any required dependencies first
5. Server Type: Confirm your server supports plugins

Plugin Causing Crashes

1. Remove Plugin: Delete the problematic plugin
2. Check Logs: Review logs/latest.log for error details
3. Version Mismatch: Ensure plugin version matches server version
4. Conflicts: Check for conflicts with other plugins
5. Update: Try updating the plugin or server

Plugin Not Working

1. Configuration: Check the plugin's config file
2. Permissions: Verify you have the required permissions
3. Dependencies: Ensure all dependencies are installed
4. Commands: Check the correct command syntax
5. Reload: Try /reload or restart the server

Best Practices

• Backup First: Always backup your server before installing new plugins
• Test in Development: Test plugins on a test server first
• Read Documentation: Check plugin documentation for setup instructions
• Keep Updated: Regularly update plugins for security and features
• Monitor Performance: Watch for performance impacts
• Limit Plugins: Too many plugins can slow down your server
• Use Trusted Sources: Only download from reputable sources

Security Considerations