Start with the gamemode core

Practice and KitPvP have different requirements. Practice needs repeatable duels, queues, kit editing and arena resets; an open KitPvP area may only need kits, combat policy and protected spawn. The listed plugins are supporting components, not a complete practice-match engine.

Choose the actual mode

For ranked practice, first source a maintained, version-compatible practice/duel core; PvPManager and CombatLogX only supply combat rules. For free-for-all KitPvP, document how players obtain kits, re-enter combat and recover after death before adding more systems.

Anti-cheat tests

Pick and tune an anti-cheat for your combat version and expected client latency. GrimAC, Matrix and Vulcan are alternatives to evaluate, not a recommendation to run all three. Test legitimate knockback, clicking, teleports and duels before enabling automatic punishment.

Lobby permissions and UI

LuckPerms assigns roles; TAB and PlaceholderAPI provide presentation/integration rather than matchmaking. Verify which placeholders actually come from installed plugins and that a new player cannot access moderator or kit administration commands.

Lobby NPCs

Citizens creates scriptable NPCs; DeluxeMenus creates menu interfaces. Test NPC interactions in the lobby with a non-operator account, including players with no permissions and when a match is already running.

How to choose the stack

Decide between ranked practice and KitPvP first. Confirm a supported mode core and test one complete duel or death/respawn cycle. Only then add lobby UI, anti-cheat and statistics; verify arena reset and inventory isolation.

  1. Download each selected plugin from its official publisher and verify the exact server/version requirements.
  2. Start a disposable staging world; inspect startup logs and dependency warnings before inviting players.
  3. Test the main gameplay loop as a non-operator, including failure and restart cases.
  4. Back up plugin data and world files, document ownership of each feature, then expand the stack one component at a time.
Was this article helpful?
Help us improve this article

Tell us what is missing, unclear, outdated, or incorrect. You can also suggest something we should add.

What could we improve?
Do not include passwords, server IPs, or other private information.0 / 1000