ChunksLoader

Managing chunk loading on a Minecraft server can be a constant headache. Redstone contraptions break, mob farms stop producing, and your carefully built nether hub grinds to a halt the moment you walk away. ChunksLoader solves this problem elegantly by giving server operators a simple, beacon-based tool to keep areas permanently active. Whether you run a small survival world or a large multiplayer network, this plugin ensures your critical chunks stay loaded without messy command blocks or complex ticking areas.

What Makes ChunksLoader Stand Out?

Unlike vanilla methods that require players to remain nearby or use glitchy exploits, ChunksLoader provides a clean, intentional way to manage chunk loading. The plugin is built for Spigot and Paper servers, supporting Minecraft versions up to 1.21.9. It integrates seamlessly with popular web map plugins like Dynmap and BlueMap, giving you visual feedback on which chunks are active. The core item is a special beacon that, once placed, forces surrounding chunks to stay loaded. Operators can grant this item to trusted players, and a straightforward GUI lets anyone toggle their loaders on or off without breaking blocks.

Key Features

• Beacon-Based Loader Item: Operators can give players a custom beacon that keeps chunks loaded when placed. The loader radius is configurable, so you can balance performance with coverage.
• Overlap Protection: The plugin prevents loaders from being placed in regions already covered by another loader, avoiding redundant chunk loading and server lag.
• Interactive Control Menu: Right-click a placed loader to open a GUI where you can toggle it on or off without destroying the block. Perfect for temporary farms or event areas.
• Chunk Map Preview: The /chunksloader map command displays a colored overview of nearby chunks, showing active loaders, inactive ones, spawn chunks, and unloaded areas. This visual tool is invaluable for debugging and planning.
• Persistent Storage: All loader data is saved to a chunkloaders.yml file, so your loaders survive server restarts and crashes.
• Dynmap and BlueMap Integration: When these web map plugins are installed, ChunksLoader automatically adds marker layers showing loader coverage, ownership, radius, and status. Players can view this information directly on their live maps.

Commands and Permissions

ChunksLoader keeps things simple with two main commands and two permission nodes. This minimal approach reduces the learning curve for both admins and players.

• /chunksloader give [player] – Gives a loader item to yourself or a specified player. Requires the chunksloader.give permission (default: operators).
• /chunksloader map – Opens a chunk map preview centered on the executing player. Requires the chunksloader.use permission (default: everyone).

If you run the base command without arguments, the plugin displays available subcommands in chat, making it easy for new users to get started.

Configuration and Customization

The plugin’s config.yml file exposes two primary settings: loader-radius and map-radius. The loader radius determines how many chunks around the placed beacon stay active (default is 1, meaning a 3x3 chunk area). The map radius controls the size of the visual preview when using /chunksloader map. After editing the config, simply reload the server or restart it for changes to take effect. This lightweight configuration ensures you can tailor the plugin to your server’s performance needs without digging through complex files.

Map Integrations: Dynmap and BlueMap

One of the standout features of ChunksLoader is its optional integration with popular web map plugins. If you already use Dynmap, the plugin creates a dedicated marker layer that displays each loader’s coverage area. Hovering over a marker shows details like coordinates, chunk count, status, and owner. For BlueMap users, a toggleable marker set is added to every rendered world, and it stays synchronized with loader changes in real time. These integrations are completely optional; the plugin functions fully without them, but they add a layer of transparency that server communities love.

If you are looking to download ChunksLoader, you can find it on major plugin repositories. The plugin is distributed as a shaded JAR file, meaning all dependencies are bundled inside, so you don’t need to install any additional libraries. Simply place the JAR into your server’s plugins folder and restart. For those who prefer a streamlined experience, the foxygame.net launcher includes ChunksLoader in its curated add-on catalog, allowing you to install it with a single click and automatically keep it updated across supported Minecraft versions. This makes it especially convenient for server owners who manage multiple worlds and want to avoid manual file transfers.

How to Install ChunksLoader for Minecraft

Installing ChunksLoader for Minecraft is straightforward, whether you’re running a Paper or Spigot server. Follow these steps:

1. Stop your server to prevent file conflicts.
2. Download the latest ChunksLoader JAR file from your preferred source. The file name follows the pattern ChunksLoader-<minecraft-version>-<release-tag>.jar.
3. Place the JAR into your server’s plugins directory.
4. Start the server. The plugin will generate a default config.yml and a chunkloaders.yml data file.
5. Edit the config if you want to adjust the loader radius or map preview size, then reload or restart.
6. Grant the chunksloader.give permission to trusted players or staff, and they can begin using the loader item.

If you’re using the foxygame.net launcher, the process is even simpler: browse the add-on catalog, find ChunksLoader, and click install. The launcher handles version compatibility automatically, so you never have to worry about downloading the wrong build for your server.

Building from Source

For advanced users who want to compile the plugin themselves, the project uses Gradle. The repository includes a Base64-encoded Gradle wrapper JAR that restores itself when you run ./gradlew build. This produces a shaded JAR in both build/libs/ and the assets/ directory. A helper script, ./scripts/build-all-assets.sh, reads supported Minecraft versions from supported-versions.txt and builds JARs for every listed version, making it easy to prepare release assets.

Why Your Server Needs ChunksLoader

Chunk loading is essential for any server that relies on automated farms, redstone machinery, or persistent transportation networks. Without it, players return to find their iron golem farms empty or their item sorters jammed. ChunksLoader gives you fine-grained control over which areas stay active, reducing the need for afk bots or chunk loading exploits. The visual map preview and web map integrations make management transparent, while the simple permission system keeps power in the hands of trusted players. Whether you’re running a technical survival server or a creative build world, this plugin is a reliable, lightweight solution that just works.