Getting Started
Welcome to King of the Ladder! This plugin brings a continuous ladder-climbing competition to your Minecraft server, featuring automatic arena detection, crown scoring, per-arena records, and extensive customization.
This guide walks you through installation, generated files, essential permissions, and the recommended setup path.
Prerequisites
Section titled “Prerequisites”Before installing the plugin, ensure your server environment meets the following requirements:
- Java Version: Java 25 or newer is required.
- Minecraft Version: Use a current Paper-compatible server. The current project build targets Paper 1.21.11 and the project advertises Minecraft 26.2.
- Permissions Plugin Optional : A plugin like LuckPerms to manage staff access.
- PlaceholderAPI Optional : Required only when KOTL placeholders will be used in external scoreboards, holograms, menus, or chat.
Installation
Section titled “Installation”Setting up KOTL is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:
- Download the latest King of the Ladder build from an official distribution page.
- Place the
king-of-the-ladder-x.x.x.jarfile into your server’splugins/directory. - Install PlaceholderAPI first if you plan to use KOTL placeholders.
- Restart the server to generate the default configuration files.
- Verify the installation by running
/kotlin-game or from the console.
First-Run Configuration
Section titled “First-Run Configuration”After the first restart, a new folder is created at /plugins/KOTL/.
| File | Purpose |
|---|---|
config.yml | Core gameplay, database, scheduler, king cooldown, chat, command, and player settings. |
messages.yml | In-game messages, setup feedback, help menus, and command output. |
scoreboard.yml | In-arena scoreboard title, lines, and placeholders. |
bossbar.yml | Boss bar enable state, text, overlay, and color. |
items.yml | The configurable game area selector item. |
mysql.yml | MySQL connection settings when database: mysql is used. |
arenas.yml | Automatically saved arena locations, toggles, and records. |
data/stats.yml | Local player statistics when flat-file storage is active. |
menu/setup-menu.yml | Arena setup menu items and validation feedback. |
menu/stats-menu.yml | Player statistics, arena records, and leaderboard interface. |
Basic Command Structure
Section titled “Basic Command Structure”| Command | Permission | Description |
|---|---|---|
/kotl create <arena_id> | kotl.arena.create | Creates a new arena with a unique ID. |
/kotl edit <arena_id> | kotl.arena.edit | Opens the setup menu for an existing arena. |
/kotl list | kotl.arena.list | Lists ready, disabled, and incomplete arenas. |
/kotl help | kotl.command.help | Shows player commands and any admin commands available to the sender. |
/kotl stats [player] | None | Opens statistics for yourself or a cached online or offline player. |
KOTL does not require a normal join command. Players enter an enabled, registered arena automatically when they walk into its configured game area and leave automatically when they move outside it.
Next Steps
Section titled “Next Steps”- Arena Setup Guide: Create and register your first game area.
- Placeholders: Connect KOTL data to PlaceholderAPI-compatible plugins.
- Developer API: Build integrations with KOTL events.