ProxyJoin: The Essential BungeeCord Security Plugin for Minecraft Servers
Running a Minecraft network with BungeeCord opens up endless possibilities for minigames, survival worlds, and creative hubs. But with that flexibility comes a sneaky headache: the dreaded join bug. You have set up your proxy, configured everything correctly, yet players still manage to slip directly into your backend Spigot servers, bypassing the hub and breaking your carefully planned player flow. That is where ProxyJoin steps in, a lightweight plugin that slams the door on unauthorized direct connections and forces every single player through your BungeeCord proxy.
What Is ProxyJoin?
ProxyJoin is a straightforward Spigot/Bukkit plugin designed to eliminate the join bug that plagues many BungeeCord networks. Without it, crafty players or simple misconfigurations can allow someone to connect directly to a backend server using its IP and port, completely skipping your proxy, hub, and any network-wide features you have set up. The plugin monitors incoming connections and immediately kicks anyone whose IP does not match your designated BungeeCord proxy address, displaying a customizable message. It works silently in the background, requiring no changes on the BungeeCord side itself, which makes it a favorite among server admins who want a set-and-forget solution.
The BungeeCord Join Bug Problem
If you have ever managed a multi-server network, you know the scenario. You spend hours building a beautiful hub, linking servers with portals, and setting up global chat. Then a player discovers the direct IP of your survival world and logs straight in, bypassing the hub entirely. Not only does this break immersion, but it can also cause inventory sync issues, permission inconsistencies, and even security risks. The root cause is that Spigot servers by default accept connections from any IP, not just your proxy. While you can use firewall rules or IP whitelisting, those methods are often clunky and error-prone. ProxyJoin solves this at the plugin level with minimal overhead.
How ProxyJoin Solves the Issue
The magic of ProxyJoin lies in its simplicity. Once installed on each backend server, it checks the IP address of every player attempting to join. If that IP does not match the Proxy_IP you set in the configuration, the player is immediately kicked with a message you define. This ensures that the only way to access your game worlds is through the BungeeCord proxy, which acts as the single entry point. The plugin supports Minecraft versions from 1.5.1 all the way up to 1.13, covering a wide range of legacy and modern servers. Because it does not require any BungeeCord plugins or modifications, it integrates seamlessly with existing setups.
For those who like to keep their server toolchain modern and efficient, the foxygame.net launcher provides a flexible way to manage mods and plugins. With its built-in download menu, you can grab utilities like ProxyJoin directly and keep your server folder organized without hunting through endless forum threads.
Installation Guide
Getting ProxyJoin running on your server takes only a few minutes. Follow these steps to lock down your backend worlds:
- Download the plugin: Obtain the latest ProxyJoin JAR file from a trusted Minecraft plugin repository. The file is small and lightweight.
- Place the JAR: Move the JAR into the plugins folder of each Spigot or Bukkit server that sits behind your BungeeCord proxy. Do not put it on the BungeeCord server itself.
- Restart or reload: Restart the server or use the reload command to load the plugin. A new folder named ProxyJoin will appear inside plugins, containing a config.yml file.
- Edit the configuration: Open the config file and set the Proxy_IP to the IP address of your BungeeCord server. Change mode from 'off' to 'on'. Optionally customize the kick message.
- Apply changes: Save the config and reload or restart the server once more. The plugin is now active.
Remember, you need to install ProxyJoin on every backend server individually. If you skip one, that server remains vulnerable to direct connections. The process is identical for each, and you can copy the same configured JAR and config file across all servers to save time.
Configuration Explained
The config file is refreshingly simple. Here is a breakdown of each setting so you can tailor the plugin to your network:
- mode: Accepts 'on' or 'off'. This is the master switch. Keep it off while you set up the proxy IP, then turn it on to activate protection.
- Kick_message: The message displayed to players who try to join directly. You can use Minecraft color codes by typing the section sign (§) followed by a color code, for example §1hello for dark blue text. A common message is "Please connect over the network IP".
- Proxy_IP: The IP address of your BungeeCord proxy. This is the only IP that will be allowed to pass players to the backend server. Enter it exactly as it appears, without port numbers.
After any change to the config, a server reload or restart is necessary. The plugin does not apply changes on the fly, so double-check your values before flipping the mode to on. If you accidentally lock yourself out, you can always temporarily disable the plugin by setting mode to off via console or file editing and then restarting.
Supported Versions and Compatibility
ProxyJoin boasts impressive backward compatibility, supporting Minecraft server versions from 1.5.1 through 1.13. This makes it a valuable tool for networks that run older game versions alongside newer ones, a common scenario when you want to preserve classic minigames or adventure maps. The plugin works with both Spigot and Bukkit derivatives, including Paper and CraftBukkit. Since it operates purely at the connection level, it does not interfere with other plugins like permissions managers, anti-cheat systems, or chat formatters. There are no known conflicts, and the tiny footprint means it will not impact server performance even on low-resource machines.
Conclusion
ProxyJoin is a tiny but mighty plugin that every BungeeCord network admin should have in their toolkit. It plugs a common yet often overlooked security gap, ensuring that your players experience your server the way you intended — through the hub, with all the features and protections you have built. Installation is a breeze, configuration takes seconds, and once active, it runs silently in the background. Whether you are running a massive network with dozens of servers or a small community setup, ProxyJoin gives you peace of mind that no one can sneak in through the back door. Pair it with a reliable launcher like foxygame.net to keep your entire mod and plugin library up to date, and you will spend less time troubleshooting connection oddities and more time enjoying the game with your community.