Plugins are like superpowers for your Minecraft server. They add cool features, improve performance, and make your server stand out. Whether you want to create epic game modes like Manhunt, reduce lag, or add funny death messages, there’s a plugin for everything. I remember when I first added plugins to my server it went from a basic survival world to a thriving community with ranks, custom commands, and mini-games.
1. Manhunt Extra
Manhunt Extra is a game-changer if you love the Minecraft Manhunt game mode, inspired by YouTubers like Dream. This plugin, available at Modrinth, adds exciting features like headstarts for the speedrunner and a distance counter on the hunter’s compass. When I first installed it on my server, my friends and I had a blast playing Manhunt with these extra tweaks—it made the game feel fairer and more intense!
To use Manhunt Extra, download the .jar file from Modrinth and place it in your server’s plugins folder. Restart your server, and you’re ready to go. You can set up the game with simple commands, like giving the speedrunner a headstart or setting a time limit for the hunt. The distance counter is my favorite feature because it helps hunters know how close they are to the speedrunner. It’s perfect for servers with 5-20 players and works on versions like 1.20.4. If you want to create a thrilling Manhunt experience, this plugin is a must-have. Just make sure your server runs Paper or Spigot, as it doesn’t work on vanilla Minecraft.
2. InvSee++
InvSee++ is one of the most useful admin tools I’ve ever used. It lets you view and edit other players’ inventories in real-time, which is perfect for catching cheaters or helping players who lost items. I once had a player on my server who claimed their diamond sword disappeared, and InvSee++ helped me check their inventory and fix the issue quickly.
To install InvSee++, download it from a trusted source like SpigotMC.org or dev.bukkit.org and add the .jar file to your plugins folder. After restarting your server, you can use commands like /invsee <player> to check someone’s inventory. The plugin also lets you modify items, like removing hacked gear or adding lost items back. It’s super lightweight, so it won’t slow down your server, and it works on most Minecraft versions, including 1.20.4. If you’re running a public server, this plugin is essential for keeping things fair. Just be careful to only give the command permissions to trusted admins, as it’s a powerful tool.
3. TAB
TAB is an all-in-one plugin that makes your server look professional by customizing the player list (the tab menu you see when you press Tab). I added TAB to my server last year, and it completely changed how organized and cool the player list looked, with custom ranks, colors, and even animations.
You can download TAB from Modrinth or SpigotMC.org. Once you add it to your plugins folder and restart your server, you can configure it using the config.yml file. For example, you can set up prefixes like “[Admin]” or “[VIP]” next to player names or show their health in the tab list. It also supports sorting players by rank, which is great for large servers. TAB is lightweight and works on versions like 1.20.4, making it a great choice for any server. If you want your server to feel polished and welcoming, TAB is the way to go.
4. VeinMiner (Datapack)
VeinMiner is a fantastic plugin for survival servers because it lets players mine entire veins of ore with one swing. When I added VeinMiner to my server, my players loved how much faster they could gather resources, especially during big mining sessions.
To install VeinMiner, grab the .jar file from SpigotMC.org or dev.bukkit.org and place it in your plugins folder. After restarting, players can enable VeinMiner by sneaking while mining (or use a command like /veinminer toggle). You can configure which blocks it works on, like coal, iron, or diamond ore, and even set durability costs for tools. It’s compatible with most Minecraft versions, including 1.20.4, and works well with other plugins. VeinMiner is perfect for keeping players engaged, as it makes mining less tedious. Just make sure to balance it so it doesn’t make your server too easy!
5. Funny Deaths
Funny Deaths is a hilarious plugin that adds custom death messages to your server, making every defeat a laugh-out-loud moment. Available at Modrinth, this plugin is perfect for keeping players entertained. I added it to my server, and now instead of “Player was slain by Zombie,” we get messages like “Player tripped over a Zombie and faceplanted!”
To install, download the .jar file from Modrinth and add it to your plugins folder. Restart your server, and the plugin automatically starts adding funny messages. You can customize the messages in the config file to match your server’s vibe. It’s super lightweight and works on versions like 1.20.4, so it won’t cause lag. Funny Deaths is great for casual servers or ones with younger players, as it adds a lighthearted touch. My players love sharing their goofy death messages in chat, and it’s become a highlight of our server.
6. Advanced Server List
Advanced Server List makes your server stand out in the Minecraft multiplayer menu by letting you customize the MOTD (Message of the Day) and server icon. When I first used this plugin, I created a colorful MOTD with our server’s rules and a cool pixel art icon—it made us look way more professional.
Download Advanced Server List from SpigotMC.org or dev.bukkit.org and add it to your plugins folder. After restarting, you can edit the config.yml file to set up dynamic MOTDs that change each time a player refreshes the server list. You can also add hover text or clickable links. It’s compatible with 1.20.4 and works with most server types. This plugin is a must for public servers, as a catchy MOTD can attract more players from the US or English-speaking countries.
7. Spunky LagFix
Spunky LagFix is a lifesaver for keeping your server running smoothly, especially if you have lots of players or entities. Available at Modrinth, this plugin reduces lag by cleaning up items, limiting entities, and optimizing redstone. When I added it to my server, the difference was night and day—no more lag spikes during big events!
To install, download the .jar file from Modrinth and place it in your plugins folder. Restart your server, and Spunky LagFix starts working right away. You can tweak settings in the config.yml file, like how often it clears dropped items or limits mobs per chunk. It’s compatible with 1.20.4 and works on Paper or Spigot servers. If you’re struggling with performance, this plugin is a must. It’s user-friendly and has saved me from countless player complaints about lag.
8. WorldGuard
WorldGuard is the ultimate plugin for protecting your server from griefers and unwanted changes. I’ve used WorldGuard for years, and it’s saved my server’s spawn area from being destroyed more times than I can count. It lets you create protected regions and tweak gameplay settings, like disabling TNT or preventing mob spawning.
World Guard/su_spoiler]Download WorldGuard from Modrinth or SpigotMC.org and add it to your plugins folder. After restarting, use commands like /rg define <name> to create protected areas. You can also set flags to control what players can do, like build or break blocks. It’s compatible with 1.20.4 and works with other plugins like WorldEdit. WorldGuard is essential for any public server, especially if you want to keep your builds safe.
9. EssentialsX
EssentialsX is like the Swiss Army knife of Minecraft plugins, adding tons of basic commands and features that every server needs. When I first installed EssentialsX, it made managing my server so much easier with commands like /home, /warp, and /tpa.
Grab EssentialsX from SpigotMC.org or dev.bukkit.org and add it to your plugins folder. After restarting, you’ll get access to hundreds of commands and features, like kits, warps, and economy systems. You can customize everything in the config file, like setting up spawn points or enabling chat formatting. It’s compatible with 1.20.4 and works with most other plugins. EssentialsX is a must for any server, whether it’s survival, creative, or mini-games.
10. LuckPerms
LuckPerms is the best plugin for managing player permissions and ranks. I started using LuckPerms a couple of years ago, and it made organizing my server’s ranks—like “Member,” “VIP,” and “Admin”—so much easier.
LuckPerms/su_spoiler]Download LuckPerms from SpigotMC.org or dev.bukkit.org and add it to your plugins folder. After restarting, use commands like /lp group <name> create to set up ranks and assign permissions. The web editor is a great feature for managing permissions visually. It’s compatible with 1.20.4 and works with most plugins. LuckPerms is essential for any server with multiple players, as it keeps everything organized and fair.
Quick Reference Table
| Plugin Name | What It Does | Where to Download |
|---|---|---|
| Manhunt Extra | Adds headstarts and compass features for Manhunt | Modrinth |
| InvSee++ | View and edit player inventories | SpigotMC.org, dev.bukkit.org |
| TAB | Customizes the player list with ranks and colors | Modrinth |
| VeinMiner | Mines entire ore veins with one swing | SpigotMC.org, dev.bukkit.org |
| Funny Deaths | Adds funny custom death messages | Modrinth |
| Advanced Server List | Customizes MOTD and server icon | SpigotMC.org, dev.bukkit.org |
| Spunky LagFix | Reduces lag by optimizing entities and redstone | Modrinth |
| WorldGuard | Protects regions and tweaks gameplay settings | Modrinth |
| EssentialsX | Adds essential commands like /home and /warp | SpigotMC.org, dev.bukkit.org |
| LuckPerms | Manages player permissions and ranks | SpigotMC.org, dev.bukkit.org |
Tips for Using Plugins
Here are some tips from my experience to get the most out of these plugins:
- Check Compatibility: Make sure each plugin works with your server version (e.g., 1.20.4) to avoid crashes.
- Backup Your Server: Always back up before adding new plugins in case something goes wrong.
- Read Documentation: Most plugins have guides on their SpigotMC or Modrinth pages—read them for setup tips.
- Test Plugins: Try plugins on a test server first to ensure they work well together.
Summary
These top 10 Minecraft plugins—Manhunt Extra, InvSee++, TAB, VeinMiner, Funny Deaths, Advanced Server List, Spunky LagFix, WorldGuard, EssentialsX, and LuckPerms—will take your server to the next level in 2025. I’ve had so much fun experimenting with these on my own server, and they’ve helped me create a community that players love. Whether you’re running a survival server, a mini-game hub, or a Manhunt arena, these plugins will make your server more fun, organized, and lag-free.
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