Before installing a plugin, use the official website to confirm that the plugin supports your server software and Minecraft version.
What is Citizens?
NPC framework used by many quest, lobby, shop and scripting plugins. MSH lists it as a mainstream option in Extra Features , but the official project documentation remains the source of truth for exact builds, dependencies and current compatibility.
| Developer / maintainer | Citizens team |
|---|---|
| Category | Extra Features |
| Pricing | Free + Premium |
| Typical platform | Paper-family servers |
| Primary use | NPC framework used by many quest, lobby, shop and scripting plugins. |
What it is good at
- Persistent server-side NPCs
- Extensive traits/API integrations
- Common dependency for quest, shop and combat-NPC addons
What types of servers should consider it?
- RPG servers, lobbies and scripted experiences
- Servers using addons built specifically for Citizens
Pricing and distribution
A usable free edition exists alongside a paid/premium edition. Compare the official feature list before deciding whether the paid edition is necessary.
What to check before using it
- Citizens is a framework as much as a standalone feature plugin; many advanced behaviors come from addons such as Sentinel.
Also check the plugin's current dependency list, migration notes and supported server versions on the official page before changing a production server.
Practical deployment check: Citizens supplies NPCs and an API; quests, custom shops and dialog systems may require a separate plugin. NPC skins and traits may also behave differently across client/server versions.
Common questions
What does Citizens do?
NPC framework used by many quest, lobby, shop and scripting plugins.
Is Citizens a plugin or a mod?
Citizens is listed here because it is used as a server plugin in its supported plugin environment. Some projects also publish builds for other platforms; use the official download page to choose the correct platform build.
Do players need to install it?
Most server plugins run server-side and do not require players to install the same JAR. Features that rely on resource packs, Bedrock bridges or optional client integrations can still change what the player must download or accept.
How do I install it?
Install a compatible Citizens 2 build and generate configuration. Give only trusted builders NPC edit permissions and create one test NPC before integrating external dialogue or combat traits.
How do I know the plugin loaded?
Use /npc create TestNPC with suitable permissions, verify that the NPC appears and persists after a clean restart, then test any added trait separately.
What if it does not load?
If the NPC disappears or traits fail, check Citizens storage, plugin build, permission nodes, world loading and the specific trait addon. Do not treat NPC existence as proof an external quest plugin works.
For general plugin installation, read How to Install Plugins on a Minecraft Server. To understand the plugin lifecycle and how plugins differ from mods, read How Minecraft Server Plugins Work. If the plugin refuses to load, use Plugin Failed to Load.
Alternatives
References
Plugin versions, pricing and platform support can change. These project pages were used as the primary references for this overview.
Related MSH pages
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