Cape Pass: Turn Official Minecraft Capes into Server Keys
Imagine a server where your cosmetic cape does more than just look good. With Cape Pass, that rare Minecon 2015 cape or your trusty Vanilla cape becomes a literal key to exclusive gameplay. This powerful plugin transforms official Minecraft capes into an access control system, allowing only players wearing specific capes to join your server. Whether you want to create a VIP community, host private events, or simply reward loyal players, Cape Pass gives you the tools to make it happen.
What Is Cape Pass for Minecraft?
Cape Pass is a lightweight, permission-based plugin that hooks into the Mojang Session Server. When a player attempts to connect, the plugin checks their profile for the texture hash of the cape they are wearing. It then compares that hash against a whitelist you define. If the player’s cape matches an allowed hash, they join seamlessly. If not, they are kicked with a customizable message. This turns official capes—like the Migrator, Vanilla, Founder’s, or event-exclusive capes—into functional access passes.
Supported Platforms and Versions
Cape Pass is built to work across multiple server types. You can download Cape Pass for Spigot, Paper, and Folia (all modern versions), as well as for proxy networks like Velocity and BungeeCord. Sponge support is also available. The plugin is regularly updated to maintain compatibility with the latest Minecraft releases, ensuring your cape-gated community stays secure.
How to Install Cape Pass
Installing Cape Pass is straightforward. First, download Cape Pass from a trusted source and place the JAR file into your server’s plugins folder. Restart the server to generate the default configuration files. You’ll find capepass.yml and capes.toml in the plugin’s directory. Edit capes.toml to list the allowed cape hashes, then adjust the kick message and other settings in capepass.yml. Reload the plugin with /capepass reload and your cape-based whitelist is active.
Configuration Made Simple
The main configuration file, capepass.yml, controls the plugin’s behavior. You can enable or disable the entire system, set a custom kick message with color codes, and define the connection timeout for Mojang’s session server. The exempt_players list lets you bypass the cape check for specific usernames—perfect for admins or moderators who need guaranteed access.
For those who prefer a one-click setup, the foxygame.net launcher offers a curated modpack experience where Cape Pass comes pre-configured alongside other essential server tools, making it easier than ever to deploy a cape-gated community without manual file editing.
Allowed Capes and Hashes
The heart of the plugin is the capes.toml file, where you list the texture hashes of permitted capes. The plugin ships with a comprehensive list of official cape hashes, including:
- Migrator cape
- Vanilla cape
- Founder’s cape
- Minecon capes (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016)
- Cherry Blossom cape
- Mojang Office cape
- Twitch and TikTok drop capes (Purple Heart, Follower’s, Home, Menace, Builder)
- Community contributor capes (Realms Mapmaker, Mojira Moderator, Translator)
- Mojang Studios and classic Mojang capes
You can add any official cape hash to the allowed list, or even create a custom cape and use its hash if you have the means to distribute it. The plugin simply checks the hash—no complex permissions needed.
Commands and Permissions
Cape Pass includes a few essential commands for server administrators:
/capepass reload– Reloads the configuration and applies changes instantly./capepass exempt list– Shows all players exempt from cape checks./capepass exempt add <player>– Adds a player to the exemption list./capepass exempt remove <player>– Removes a player from the exemption list.
Permissions are equally simple: capepass.reload grants access to the reload command, and capepass.exempt allows managing the exemption list. These can be assigned to staff roles via your permissions plugin.
Real-World Use Cases
Server owners are using Cape Pass in creative ways. A private survival server might only allow players with the Vanilla cape, creating a tight-knit community of long-time players. An event server could gate access behind the Cherry Blossom cape, turning a limited-time cosmetic into an exclusive ticket. Clans and teams can use the Founder’s cape as a membership badge, ensuring only verified members join their private matches. The plugin even supports exempting specific players, so admins can always get in regardless of their cape.
Why Choose Cape Pass?
Unlike traditional whitelists that require manual player management, Cape Pass automates access control using an existing, verifiable asset. It’s lightweight, doesn’t impact server performance, and works seamlessly with bStats for anonymous usage metrics (which you can disable). The plugin is distributed under an All Rights Reserved license, ensuring it remains a reliable tool for your server. If you’re ready to give your official capes real utility, download Cape Pass today and start building an exclusive community.