ConfigurableMessages: Custom Server Messages & Scoreboard
Running a Minecraft server is about more than just keeping the world online. The way your server communicates with players shapes the entire experience. Stock join and quit messages, a plain TabList, and the absence of a useful sidebar can make even the most carefully built world feel generic. That is exactly where ConfigurableMessages: Custom Server Messages & Scoreboard steps in. This plugin, crafted by Sicka_gp, transforms routine server notifications into a flexible toolkit for immersion and personalization. It gives you control over everything from welcome texts to a dynamic scoreboard that pulls live stats from your server ecosystem.
What makes this plugin stand out is its balance of simplicity and depth. You do not need to write a single line of Java code. Everything is managed through clean text-based configuration files, making it accessible to server owners who want professional results without a developer on the team. Whether you are running a small community server or a large network, the plugin adapts to your needs.
Core Features That Go Beyond the Basics
ConfigurableMessages: Custom Server Messages & Scoreboard packs dozens of functions into one lightweight add-on. Instead of juggling multiple plugins, you get a centralized solution for communication and display. Here is what it covers:
- Custom Join, Quit, and Kick Messages: Assign unique texts for each permission group. Use color codes and variables like {NAME}, {DISPLAYNAME}, {WORLD}, and {REASON} to make every notification feel personal.
- Dynamic Sidebar (Scoreboard): Display online count, player balance, ping, and other metrics in a live-updating panel. The sidebar title can rotate on a schedule, and you can disable it entirely in specific worlds.
- TabList with Prefixes and Colors: Style player nicknames and prefixes in the player list, distributed automatically based on permission groups.
- Three-Layer MOTD System: Manage the message shown in chat, the server description in the server list, and the tooltip that appears when hovering over the player count.
- Automated Message Broadcasts: Set an interval and prefix for regular announcements in chat, perfect for reminding players of rules or promoting events.
- Countdown Timer: The /countdown command starts a timer that appears on the sidebar with sound effects, ideal for PvP tournaments or scheduled restarts.
- Simple Chat Filter: Block profanity and advertisement IPs using a configurable list of banned expressions.
- Welcome Kits for Newcomers: Grant starting items on first join and display a unique welcome message to help new players get oriented.
Integration with Your Server Ecosystem
The true power of this plugin lies in its compatibility. ConfigurableMessages: Custom Server Messages & Scoreboard for Minecraft connects seamlessly with Vault for economy, mcMMO for skills, PvPStats for combat records, SimpleClans and Factions for clan data, and Heroes for RPG classes. When these plugins are present, the sidebar and message variables automatically populate with real data. For example, %bal shows a player's current balance from your economy system, and kill-death stats can be pulled straight from PvPStats. This turns the plugin into a central hub that ties your entire server together into one cohesive interface.
Supported Platforms and Installation
The plugin is designed for Bukkit and Spigot servers, which means it works across a wide range of Minecraft versions. It relies on ProtocolLib for some of its advanced display features, so make sure that dependency is installed as well. The installation process is straightforward and follows the standard procedure for server plugins.
To get started, download ConfigurableMessages: Custom Server Messages & Scoreboard as a jar file and drop it into the plugins folder of your server. After the first launch and a subsequent stop, the plugin generates its configuration structure inside plugins/ConfigurableMessages. The main config.yml holds all the key settings, while badwords.yml manages the chat filter. Open these files in any text editor and tailor them to your server's theme. If you are using a modern launcher that supports direct mod and plugin management, you can skip the manual file copying altogether and install it right from the menu.
Once you have edited the configuration, apply the changes with the /cm conf reload command. The plugin also checks for updates automatically by default, but you can disable this by setting AutoUpdate to false if you prefer manual control.
Configuring Messages and Permission Groups
The Messages section in config.yml governs all connection notifications. The global option EnableJoinQuitKickMSG activates the override of default server messages. When UseDefaultMessage is set to false, the plugin looks for group-specific settings. This allows you to give admins a bold prefix and colored nickname in the TabList while keeping regular players in a more subdued style.
Here is an example of what an Admin group configuration might look like:
JoinMessage: '{DISPLAYNAME} &ejoin the game!'
QuitMessage: '{DISPLAYNAME} &equit the game!'
KickMessage: '{DISPLAYNAME} &ehas been kicked out of the game for {REASON}'
TabColor: '&9'
TabPrefix: '&4[A]'
The {DISPLAYNAME} variable substitutes the player's colored nickname, while {REASON} pulls the kick reason. You can mix any colors using the ampersand symbol to create vivid and informative alerts. Similar settings apply to the full server message (FullServer) and whitelist notifications (WhitelistMessage).
Unlocking the Dynamic Sidebar
The sidebar is one of the most requested features, and for good reason. Enable it with Sidebar: Enable: true and set the update interval in ticks. The DynamicTitleUpdateInterval parameter controls how often the title changes if you use multiple variants. Each permission group can have its own set of rows with variables, such as:
'&aOnline;%online_players'
'&aBalance;%bal'
'&aPing;%ping'
The sidebar title supports dynamic placeholders {1} through {10}, allowing you to display the time, world name, biome, and other data right in the header. If you need to hide the panel in certain worlds, add them to the DisabledWorlds list. Players can also toggle the sidebar themselves using /side show and /side hide, provided they have the cm.sidebar permission.
MOTD, Broadcasts, and Countdowns
The plugin handles MOTD on three levels. ChatMotd displays a message when a player enters chat, ServerListMotd changes the server description in the multiplayer list, and PlayerListMotd shows information when hovering over the player count. Each supports dynamic variables like {ONLINE}, {MAX_ONLINE}, {SERVER_IP}, and even {ONLINE_PLAYERS} for listing nicknames. PersonalMOTD takes it further by greeting each player by name, pulled from the plugin's database.
Automated broadcasts are configured with an interval in seconds and a prefix, making them perfect for rule reminders or event announcements. The /countdown command adds a visual timer to the sidebar with sound cues, which is a great asset for PvP events or planned restarts.
Variables and Compatibility
The extensive variable system is what sets this plugin apart. For join and quit messages, you have {NAME}, {DISPLAYNAME}, {WORLD}, {BIOME}, {ONLINE}, {MAX_ONLINE}, {SERVER_NAME}, {COUNTRY}, {REASON}, {LAST_SEEN}, and {NEW_LINE}. MOTD and broadcast messages add {ONLINE_PLAYERS}, {GAME_TIME}, {TIME}, and {SERVER_IP}. The sidebar uses numeric placeholders {1} through {10} as well as percentage variables like %online_players, %bal, and %ping.
This flexibility lets you build a unique information interface without writing code. With integrations for Vault, mcMMO, Heroes, PvpStats, Factions, SimpleClans, and ProtocolLib, the plugin becomes the central node of your server's customization, connecting disparate systems into one unified experience.
Commands and Permissions
Managing the plugin is simple. The main command is /cm, which gives access to configuration reloads and other administrative functions. The /countdown command starts the timer, and /side toggles the sidebar visibility for players. Permissions are granular, allowing you to control who can use which feature. For those wondering how to install, the process is as simple as placing the jar in the plugins folder, restarting the server, and editing the generated config files.
In conclusion, ConfigurableMessages: Custom Server Messages & Scoreboard is a must-have for any server owner who wants to elevate the player experience. It replaces multiple plugins with one cohesive tool, saves time on configuration, and delivers a polished, professional feel to your server. Whether you are running a survival world, a minigame hub, or a roleplay community, this plugin gives you the power to communicate with style.