15 Essential Plugins Every Survival Multiplayer (SMP) Server Needs

Core Management and Protection

Running a successful Survival Multiplayer (SMP) server requires a balance between freedom and control. These plugins provide the foundation for a stable, secure community.

1. EssentialsX

The industry standard for server administration. It provides over 100 commands, including homes, warps, kits, and economy features.

2. LuckPerms

The most advanced permissions plugin available. It allows you to create ranks, manage staff roles, and control exactly what commands players can execute.

3. CoreProtect

Essential for grief prevention. It logs every block change and chest interaction, allowing you to roll back damage caused by griefers in seconds.

4. WorldGuard

Works alongside WorldEdit to define protected regions. Use it to prevent building in spawn, create public arenas, or protect player-owned shops.

5. Vault

A necessary bridge plugin that allows your economy, chat, and permissions plugins to communicate effectively.

Community and Gameplay Enhancements

6. GriefPrevention

Allows players to claim their own land using a golden shovel, giving them peace of mind that their builds are safe from unwanted interference.

7. DiscordSRV

Connects your in-game chat to Discord. It allows staff to monitor the server from their phones and enables players to chat across platforms.

8. ClearLag

Helps maintain performance by periodically removing dropped items and managing mob spawns, which is vital for keeping TPS high.

9. TAB

Provides a professional look by customising the player list, header, and footer with rank prefixes and server information.

10. ViaVersion

Allows players on newer Minecraft versions to join your server, even if your server is running an older version of the game.

Economy and Utility

11. EssentialsX Economy

Adds a robust currency system to your server, enabling shops, player-to-player trading, and rewards.

12. ChestShop

Allows players to create their own physical shops using chests and signs, fostering a player-driven economy.

13. WorldEdit

The ultimate tool for terraforming and building. It allows administrators to make large-scale edits to the world quickly.

14. Dynmap

Generates a real-time, Google Maps-style web interface of your server's world, helping players navigate and explore.

15. PlaceholderAPI

Allows other plugins to display dynamic information, such as player stats, balance, or rank, in messages and signs.

Installing Plugins on AwakeNode

On AwakeNode

Managing your plugins is simple via our control panel. Navigate to the Plugin Installer in your server dashboard to search for, install, and update these plugins with a single click.

On other hosts / manually

If you are using a different host, you must manually download the .jar files from SpigotMC or Modrinth. Use your server's File Manager or an SFTP client to upload these files to the /plugins folder, then restart your server to load them.