Complete Guide to Player Management and Permissions in Minecraft Java

Learn how to effectively manage players and set up a comprehensive permissions system using LuckPerms on your Minecraft Java server.
permissions
management
luckperms
minecraft

Introduction

This guide covers setting up and managing a comprehensive permissions system using LuckPerms, creating staff hierarchies, and implementing effective player management on your Minecraft Java server.

Prerequisites

  • A running Minecraft Java server (Paper/Spigot recommended)
  • Server access with operator permissions
  • Latest version of LuckPerms
  • Basic understanding of server file management

Setting Up LuckPerms

Initial Installation

  1. Download LuckPerms for your server type
  2. Place the .jar file in your plugins folder
  3. Restart the server
  4. Initial config files will generate in /plugins/LuckPerms/

Basic Configuration

# /plugins/LuckPerms/config.yml
server:
  primary: true
storage-method: h2
split-storage:
  enabled: false
temporary-add-behaviour: accumulate

Storage Options

  1. H2 Database (Default)

    • Good for single servers
    • Easy to backup
    • No additional setup required

  2. MySQL

    • Better for networks
    • Add these settings to config.yml:
    storage-method: mysql
data:
  address: localhost:3306
  database: minecraft
  username: root
  password: password

Creating Permission Groups

Default Group Setup

  1. Create the default group:
/lp creategroup default
/lp group default setweight 1
  1. Set basic permissions:
/lp group default permission set minecraft.command.me true
/lp group default permission set minecraft.command.msg true

Staff Hierarchy Example

  1. Helper Group
/lp creategroup helper
/lp group helper setweight 10
/lp group helper parent add default
/lp group helper permission set minecraft.command.kick true
/lp group helper permission set minecraft.command.mute true
  1. Moderator Group
/lp creategroup moderator
/lp group moderator setweight 20
/lp group moderator parent add helper
/lp group moderator permission set minecraft.command.ban true
/lp group moderator permission set minecraft.command.teleport true
  1. Administrator Group
/lp creategroup admin
/lp group admin setweight 100
/lp group admin parent add moderator
/lp group admin permission set minecraft.command.op true
/lp group admin permission set minecraft.command.gamemode true

Permission Structure

Managing Players

Assigning Groups

  1. Add player to group:
/lp user <player> parent add <group>
  1. Remove from group:
/lp user <player> parent remove <group>
  1. Temporary group assignment:
/lp user <player> parent addtemp <group> 7d

Individual Permissions

  1. Grant specific permission:
/lp user <player> permission set <permission> true
  1. Temporary permission:
/lp user <player> permission settemp <permission> true 2h
  1. Check player's permissions:
/lp user <player> info

Prefix & Suffix Management

Setting Group Prefixes

/lp group admin meta setprefix "&c[Admin] "
/lp group moderator meta setprefix "&2[Mod] "
/lp group helper meta setprefix "&e[Helper] "

Individual Prefixes

/lp user <player> meta setprefix "<prefix>"

Color codes use the & symbol followed by the color code (e.g., &c for red)

Context System

World-Specific Permissions

/lp group builder permission set worldedit.* true world=creative

Server-Specific Permissions

/lp group vip permission set essentials.fly true server=lobby

Permission Inheritance

Understanding Inheritance

  1. Groups can inherit from multiple parents
  2. Permissions cascade down through inheritance
  3. Weight determines prefix/suffix priority

Example Structure

Admin
└── Moderator
    └── Helper
        └── Default

Best Practices

Security

  1. Limit access to high-level permissions
  2. Use temporary permissions when possible
  3. Regularly audit permission assignments
  4. Keep OP status restricted

Organization

  1. Document all custom permissions
  2. Use consistent naming conventions
  3. Regular permission audits
  4. Maintain clear hierarchy

Performance

  1. Minimize permission checks
  2. Use group inheritance
  3. Regular database maintenance
  4. Monitor permission plugin impact

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

  1. Permissions Not Working

    • Check inheritance
    • Verify context
    • Review negated permissions
    • Check plugin conflicts

  2. Database Issues

    • Backup regularly
    • Check connection settings
    • Monitor storage space
    • Update schemas

  3. Prefix/Suffix Problems

    • Check weight values
    • Verify format strings
    • Review inheritance
    • Check chat plugin compatibility

Useful Commands

Management Commands

/lp editor - Open web editor
/lp search <permission> - Search for permissions
/lp info - View all groups
/lp verbose on - Debug permission checks

Backup Commands

/lp export <file> - Export data
/lp import <file> - Import data

Integration with Other Plugins

Essential Plugins

  1. Vault

    • Economy integration
    • Chat formatting
    • Permission checks

  2. PlaceholderAPI

    %luckperms_prefix%
%luckperms_suffix%
%luckperms_group%

  3. TAB

    • Scoreboard integration
    • Name tag formatting
    • Group display

Conclusion

A well-organized permission system is crucial for server management. By following this guide, you can create a structured and efficient permission system that scales with your server's needs.

Additional Resources