Before installing a plugin, use the official website to confirm that the plugin supports your server software and Minecraft version.
If your server uses online-mode=true, you normally do not need a password-style authentication plugin. An offline-mode server (Cracked Server) does not use the normal Java account authentication flow, so another person can attempt to join using someone else's username unless you add your own identity controls. MSH strongly recommends buying Minecraft and using legitimate, authorized clients/launchers. Unofficial or cracked software can expose users to modified executables, unwanted software, malware or credential theft, and unauthorized copies may violate Minecraft's license terms.
What is LimboAuth?
Velocity authentication system that keeps unauthenticated players inside a lightweight virtual limbo server. MSH lists it as a mainstream option in Authentication , but the official project documentation remains the source of truth for exact builds, dependencies and current compatibility.
| Developer / maintainer | Elytrium |
|---|---|
| Category | Authentication |
| Pricing | Free |
| Typical platform | Velocity |
| Primary use | Velocity authentication system that keeps unauthenticated players inside a lightweight virtual limbo server. |
What it is good at
- Velocity-based authentication flow
- Virtual limbo server rather than a full backend while players log in
- Database, Floodgate and optional 2FA-related features
What types of servers should consider it?
- Velocity networks running offline/hybrid authentication
- Networks that want to isolate unauthenticated players before sending them to backend servers
Pricing and distribution
The plugin is distributed as a free option. Check the official page for the current download source and license.
Authentication configuration is security-sensitive. Keep backend servers inaccessible directly from the public internet, test login with a separate account, and follow the plugin’s own docs before changing live authentication.
What to check before using it
- This is a proxy/network architecture tool, not a drop-in replacement for a Bukkit auth plugin on a single Paper server.
- If Velocity itself runs online-mode and authenticates normal premium Java players, an offline authentication layer is not automatically required.
Also check the plugin's current dependency list, migration notes and supported server versions on the official page before changing a production server.
Common questions
What does LimboAuth do?
Velocity authentication system that keeps unauthenticated players inside a lightweight virtual limbo server.
Do I need an authentication plugin when online-mode=true?
Usually no. With online-mode=true, the normal Java server/proxy authentication flow verifies Minecraft accounts. Authentication plugins are mainly relevant to offline-mode servers (Cracked Servers) or special hybrid/network architectures.
Is LimboAuth a plugin or a mod?
LimboAuth 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?
LimboAuth is designed for the Velocity proxy. Download the build for your proxy, install it in the Velocity proxy plugins/ directory and restart the proxy. Follow LimboAuth’s own database, authentication and compatibility instructions; do not install this proxy plugin on a Paper backend.
How do I know the plugin loaded?
Use /velocity plugins on the proxy (requires velocity.command.plugins) and review the Velocity startup log. A backend Paper /plugins command does not show Velocity plugins.
What if it does not load?
Read the first relevant error in logs/latest.log. Common causes include the wrong server/Minecraft version, missing dependencies, the wrong platform build, duplicate JARs, unsupported Java or a broken configuration. Use the MSH Plugin Failed to Load fix for a structured diagnosis.
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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