ServerlistMOTD X: Dynamic MOTD for Your Minecraft Server
First impressions matter, and in the world of Minecraft, that impression is often made before a player ever steps foot in your world. The Message of the Day (MOTD) displayed in the server list is your digital storefront, a brief moment to capture attention or lose a potential regular. ServerlistMOTD X: Dynamic MOTD for Your Minecraft Server elevates this simple text line into a sophisticated, reactive communication system. This isn't just about changing a string of text; it's about creating a dynamic, personalized welcome experience that adapts to each individual who views your server, all while providing granular control over how your server appears to the wider Minecraft community.
This plugin is designed for server administrators who want to move beyond static, boring server descriptions. It offers a suite of tools to tailor the server list message based on player status, manage displayed online counts, and integrate deeply with other plugins. Whether you are running a small community server or a large network, this tool provides the flexibility to craft a professional and engaging presence. Let's delve into the core features that make this plugin an essential addition to any server's toolkit.
Core Features: Personalized Greetings and Information
The primary strength of ServerlistMOTD X lies in its ability to differentiate between players and present them with contextually relevant information. This transforms the server list from a static billboard into a dynamic communication channel.
NewbieMOTD and RegularMOTD: Tailoring the Welcome
One of the most powerful features is the ability to show different messages to new and returning players. With NewbieMOTD, you can greet first-time visitors with a special message, perhaps a warm welcome or a hint at what your server offers. For example, a message like "Welcome, traveler! Discover our friendly community" can be set to appear only for those who have never connected before.
For returning players, the RegularMOTD kicks in, allowing for a more personalized touch. You can use the %player% placeholder to greet them by name, such as "Welcome back, %player%!" The plugin cleverly tracks players by both IP address and username, ensuring accurate recognition without any extra steps from the player.
To keep things fresh for even your most loyal visitors, the RandomMOTD feature can be enabled. This allows you to define a list of multiple MOTD messages in the configuration file. Each time the server list is refreshed, a random message from this pool is displayed, adding a layer of variety that can be both engaging and entertaining.
BanMOTD and WhitelistMOTD: Clear Communication on Status
Communication is key, even for players who are banned. The BanMOTD feature ensures that banned players are not left guessing. It can display the reason for the ban and the expiration date directly in the server list. This feature supports standard Bukkit/Spigot ban systems, as well as popular plugins like BanManager and MaxBans, ensuring broad compatibility.
Similarly, if your server has a whitelist enabled, the WhitelistMOTD will automatically inform players in the server list that the server is whitelisted. This removes the need for manual configuration changes every time you toggle the whitelist, saving you time and preventing player confusion.
Advanced Display Control: Slots, Hover Text, and Version Info
Beyond the MOTD text itself, ServerlistMOTD X offers extensive control over the other elements visible in the server list, allowing you to manage player perception and provide additional information.
HoverText and Slot Manipulation
When a player hovers their cursor over the server entry, a tooltip is displayed. This tooltip, known as HoverText, can be fully customized. You can use it to display server rules, current in-game weather, or even the name of a random online player. This is a fantastic way to convey important information without cluttering the main MOTD.
The displayed player count and slot number are also highly configurable. You can choose to show a fixed, fictional number of slots, hide them entirely, or use dynamic modes. SlotsPlusOne adds a specified number to the current online player count, creating the illusion of a nearly full server, which can sometimes encourage others to join. OnlineMultiplier takes a different approach by multiplying the actual online count by a set factor, then adjusting the slots based on minimum and maximum limits you define. These tools help you manage the perceived popularity of your server in a natural and believable way.
VersionText and OutdatedClientText
Instead of showing a numerical slot count, you might want to display a custom message. The VersionText feature allows you to replace the numbers with any text you desire, complete with color formatting. For example, you could display "&4&lMAINTENANCE" to clearly signal server downtime.
To reduce confusion and support tickets, the OutdatedClientText feature can be used to display a message telling players which Minecraft version they need to use to connect. This proactive communication helps manage player expectations and reduces the influx of questions in your community Discord or forums.
Security and Customization: RestrictedMode and Formatting
ServerlistMOTD X also provides tools for privacy and a high degree of aesthetic customization, ensuring your server stands out for the right reasons.
RestrictedMode: Invisible to Unauthorized Players
For private events or maintenance periods, the RestrictedMode is invaluable. When activated, the server will appear offline to all players who do not have the necessary permissions. Players with OP status or the specific permission node will see the normal MOTD and can connect as usual. This allows you to host closed events or perform technical work without unwanted interruptions or revealing server activity to the public.
Color Codes and HEX Support
Visual appeal is crucial for standing out in a crowded server list. The plugin supports all classic Bukkit color codes (&0-&f) and formatting codes (&l, &o, &k, &n). For Minecraft versions 1.16 and above, full HEX color support is available. You can specify a single HEX color using the &#RRGGBB format, or create stunning gradients using the &#RRGGBB&#RRGGBB syntax. This allows for smooth, multi-color transitions that can make your server name and message truly pop, setting it apart from hundreds of others.
Integration, Commands, and Installation
The plugin is designed to work seamlessly with other tools and is straightforward to manage once installed. Understanding the commands, permissions, and installation process is key to unlocking its full potential.
Variables and PlaceholderAPI
Dynamic content is at the heart of this plugin. For NewbieMOTD, variables like %time%, %weather%, %line% (for a new line), and %randomplayer% are available. RegularMOTD adds %player% and, if Vault is installed, %money%. BanMOTD is enriched with %reason%, %expdate%, and %exptime% variables, with customizable date and time formats. Full integration with PlaceholderAPI is supported, meaning you can use placeholders from any other plugin that supports it, making your messages truly dynamic and interconnected with your server's ecosystem.
Commands and Permissions
Managing the plugin is intuitive. The main command is /serverlist, with aliases /sl and /smotd, which brings up the help menu. Key administrative commands include:
/serverlist reload- Reloads the configuration file (Permission:serverlist.reload)./serverlist restrictedmode- Toggles RestrictedMode, kicking all players (Permission:serverlist.restrictedmode)./serverlist randommotd- Toggles RandomMOTD on or off (Permission:serverlist.randommotd)./serverlist banmotd- Toggles BanMOTD on or off (Permission:serverlist.banmotd)./serverlist versiontext- Manages VersionText (Permission:serverlist.versiontext).
Specific permissions allow players to join during RestrictedMode (serverlist.restrictedmode.join) or to avoid being kicked when the mode is toggled (serverlist.restrictedmode.nokick). For BungeeCord networks, the /bmotd command is used with the bmotd permission.
Installation and Compatibility
To get started, you will need to download ServerlistMOTD X: Dynamic MOTD for Your Minecraft Server from a trusted source like its official GitHub repository. The plugin requires ProtocolLib to function correctly for all slot-related features, and PlaceholderAPI is recommended for expanded variable support. It is compatible with a wide range of Bukkit/Spigot versions, from older builds to the latest releases. The installation process is standard: place the downloaded JAR file into your server's plugins folder and restart the server. Once restarted, you can begin editing the configuration file to set up your desired messages and behaviors. The plugin also uses bStats for anonymous usage statistics, which helps the developer improve the product.
In conclusion, ServerlistMOTD X: Dynamic MOTD for Your Minecraft Server is far more than a simple cosmetic tweak. It is a comprehensive communication and management tool that empowers administrators to craft a professional, informative, and engaging server list presence. From personalized greetings and clear status updates to sophisticated slot management and stunning visual effects, the plugin offers a level of control that can significantly enhance a server's appeal and player experience. By leveraging its dynamic features and deep integrations, you can ensure that your server makes a lasting and positive impression, turning curious browsers into loyal community members.