DirtyLeaderboards
Creating immersive server environments often requires dynamic visual elements that go beyond standard chat messages or simple scoreboards. DirtyLeaderboards stands out as the ultimate solution for server administrators who want to display modern, animated rankings directly in the game world. Unlike traditional plugins that rely on static signs or holograms, this innovative tool utilizes vanilla BlockDisplay and TextDisplay entities to create fluid, sliding rows that capture player attention instantly.
How It Works: Entity-Based Animation
The core magic of this plugin lies in its use of native Minecraft entities introduced in recent updates. Every row you see on the board is a carefully positioned BlockDisplay or TextDisplay entity. The plugin updates these positions every single tick, resulting in smooth slide-in and slide-out animations that feel incredibly organic. You can configure up to ten rows per display, each featuring real player heads using the <head:uuid> component and custom item or particle icons via <sprite:atlas:path>.
Servers can run multiple independent displays simultaneously. Each display operates on its own timer, cycling through a configured list of leaderboards one at a time. Whether you want to showcase kill counts in the lobby or playtime statistics in the spawn hub, you can start, stop, skip, or move each display individually without affecting others.
Compatibility and Requirements
Before you download DirtyLeaderboards, it is crucial to understand the technical requirements. This plugin leverages specific vanilla features added in version 1.21.9, specifically the sprite and head text components. Consequently, it requires a server running Paper 1.21.9 or newer. It will not function correctly on Spigot or older versions; attempting to run it on unsupported software will result in undefined spaces where icons should appear. Ensuring your server environment matches these specifications is the first step toward a flawless installation.
Key Features and Data Sources
The flexibility of DirtyLeaderboards for Minecraft comes from its support of three distinct data sources, allowing you to track almost any metric imaginable:
- Statistic Source: Pulls data directly from vanilla Bukkit statistics such as player kills, deaths, or total playtime. These values are immutable by the plugin itself, ensuring integrity for competitive metrics.
- Custom Source: Ideal for economy points, custom quest progress, or server-specific currencies. This source integrates seamlessly with Skript, allowing you to modify values via custom syntax.
- PlaceholderAPI Source: Fetches data from any installed PlaceholderAPI expansion. To prevent lag on large servers, offline player resolution is handled in small batches per tick based on your configuration.
Styling options are extensive. You can customize colors for titles and values, apply rank-specific coloring, and format numbers or time durations to suit your server's theme. Animated icons, such as a ticking clock for playtime leaderboards, add an extra layer of polish.
Seamless Installation via Launchers
Getting this plugin running on your server has never been easier, especially if you utilize modern management tools. For instance, the foxygame.net launcher simplifies the entire process by offering a curated add-on catalog where you can find DirtyLeaderboards with just a few clicks. Instead of manually hunting down jar files and worrying about version compatibility, the launcher handles the one-click install and ensures that auto-updates keep your plugin synchronized with the latest Minecraft builds. This integration removes the typical friction associated with server maintenance.
Commands and Configuration
Managing your displays is straightforward through a robust command set. The base command is /dirtyleaderboards, though aliases like /dlb, /leaderboards, and /lb are available for convenience. If you only have one display configured, you can omit the display name in most commands.
Essential commands include:
/dlb reload: Instantly reloadsconfig.yml,leaderboards.yml, andmessages.ymlwithout restarting the server./dlb move <display>: Teleports a specific display to your current location and facing direction, making placement intuitive./dlb skip <display>: Forces the display to immediately rotate to the next leaderboard in the queue.
Configuration is split into three clear files. The config.yml handles global settings like caching and formatting. The leaderboards.yml defines the actual boards, including their source, title, icon, and duration. Finally, messages.yml uses MiniMessage to let you customize every notification the plugin sends.
Advanced Integration for Developers
For server owners utilizing Skript, the plugin offers deep integration. You can start or stop displays, check if a board is running, or even manipulate scores for custom leaderboards directly within your scripts. Furthermore, developers can listen for the LeaderboardRotateEvent to trigger other actions when a board switches. If you have PlaceholderAPI installed, you gain access to placeholders like %dirtyleaderboards_top_kills_1_name% to display top players elsewhere on your server.
Conclusion
If you are looking to elevate your server's visual appeal, learning how to install and configure this tool is a worthwhile investment. By combining high-performance entity rendering with deep customization options, DirtyLeaderboards provides a professional-grade solution for showcasing player achievements. Just remember to verify your server is running Paper 1.21.9 or higher to unlock the full potential of its animated features. With live reload capabilities and extensive API support, it remains a top choice for modern Minecraft networks.