What Is AdvancedMotd?
Every Minecraft server owner knows that first impressions matter. When a player scrolls through the multiplayer server list, the message of the day (MOTD) is often the only thing that grabs attention before they click to join. AdvancedMotd is a powerful Bukkit/Spigot plugin that completely transforms how your server’s MOTD works, allowing dynamic, randomized, and personalized messages that make your server stand out in a crowded list.
At its core, AdvancedMotd lets you change the MOTD in real time without restarting the server. You can define a whole list of MOTDs, and the plugin will randomly pick one each time the server list is refreshed. Even better, it supports variables that display the viewer’s own player name, the current online count, and available slots. This small touch of personalization can dramatically increase click-through rates and make your community feel more welcoming.
Key Features That Make AdvancedMotd Shine
The plugin goes far beyond the vanilla MOTD limitations. Here are the standout features that server admins love:
- Multiple MOTD Rotation: Add as many custom MOTDs as you want. The plugin randomly selects one each time the server list is fetched, keeping the display fresh for returning players.
- Player Name Variable (%p): The MOTD can include the name of the player viewing the server list. For example, “Welcome back, Steve!” creates a direct, personal connection.
- Real-Time Editing: Use in-game commands to add, remove, or list MOTDs without ever touching a config file while the server runs.
- Full Color and Formatting Support: All standard Minecraft color codes (using &) work, plus extra formatting like underline (&u), strikethrough (&s), and italic (&i). A random color variable (%rdm) adds playful variety.
- Online Player and Slot Variables: Display %players to show how many people are online, and %slots to reveal the server’s maximum capacity. This can create urgency or highlight a bustling community.
- IP-Based Name Recognition: When enabled, the plugin saves IP addresses to assign player names, so the MOTD can greet returning visitors even if they haven’t joined yet.
Installation and Setup
Getting AdvancedMotd running on your server is straightforward. Follow these steps for a manual installation:
- Download the latest released version of AdvancedMotd (a single .jar file).
- Drag the AdvancedMotd.jar file into your server’s plugins folder.
- Reload or restart your server. The plugin will generate a default configuration folder.
After installation, navigate to the plugins/AdvancedMotd/config.yml file. Here you can customize every aspect. The syntax uses the familiar & color codes: &c for red, &a for green, and so on. For example, &4AdvancedMotd &cby &6MrFlieder produces a rich, multi-colored line. You can also add the player name placeholder %p, which will be replaced with the viewer’s username. If the IP isn’t recognized, the plugin falls back to the default player name you set in the config.
If you prefer a more streamlined approach, this mod can be easily installed via the foxygame.net launcher — a convenient, flexible, and modern Minecraft launcher where you can download mods right from the menu. It simplifies mod management and ensures you always have the latest version without digging through file directories.
Configuration Options at a Glance
The config.yml offers several important settings:
- save ip-addresses: true or false – enables IP-based name recognition.
- player name variable: '%p' – the placeholder that gets replaced with the player’s name.
- default player name: Minecraftler – the fallback name when no IP match is found.
- motd-list: A YAML list of MOTD strings. You can add as many as you like, each on a new line with a dash.
Commands and Permissions
Once the plugin is active, you can manage MOTDs directly from the server console or in-game with the following commands:
/advancedmotd,/amodt, or/motd– Base command./motd list– Shows all currently set MOTDs with their index numbers./motd add <MOTD>– Adds a new MOTD to the rotation. Remember to use & for colors./motd remove <number>– Deletes the MOTD at the specified index.
The only permission node is advancedmotd.command, which controls access to these commands. Give it to admins or moderators who need to update the server list message on the fly.
Formatting Like a Pro
AdvancedMotd supports all standard Minecraft color codes, plus a few extras that let you create truly eye-catching designs. Use &u for underlined text, &s for strikethrough, and &i for italic. The %rdm variable applies a random color to the following text, making each MOTD display slightly unpredictable. Combine these with the player variable to craft messages such as:
&6&k|||&r&3&i Welcome, &u&b%p&r&e :) &6&k|||
This line starts with obfuscated gold bars, then resets, writes “Welcome, ” in aqua italic, underlines the player name in blue, and finishes with a yellow smiley and more obfuscated bars. The result is a lively, animated-looking MOTD that grabs attention instantly.
Why AdvancedMotd Is a Must-Have Plugin
A static MOTD is forgettable. AdvancedMotd turns that tiny piece of server-list real estate into a dynamic, personalized invitation. By rotating messages, you can promote events, welcome specific players, or simply show off your server’s personality. The ability to display online counts and player names builds trust and curiosity, often leading to higher join rates. The plugin is lightweight, easy to configure, and works seamlessly alongside any other server mods.
For any server owner looking to polish their public image, AdvancedMotd is an effortless upgrade. It requires no coding knowledge, runs on standard Bukkit/Spigot servers, and gives you full creative control over the first thing potential players see. Give your server the greeting it deserves, and watch your community grow.