ReallyFakePlayers
An empty server can feel lifeless, discouraging new visitors from staying. ReallyFakePlayers solves this by injecting a configurable crowd of simulated players into your Minecraft world. These fake players appear in the player list, join and leave with customizable messages, and even welcome real newcomers, creating the illusion of a thriving community. Whether you run a small survival server or a large network, this plugin helps you build momentum and attract genuine players.
What Makes ReallyFakePlayers Stand Out
Unlike simple bot scripts, ReallyFakePlayers is designed to mimic authentic player behavior. Each fake player uses a unique UUID system, ensuring they work seamlessly even when online-mode=true. They can be assigned permissions and groups through Vault, and their spawn locations are fully configurable. The plugin supports PaperMC and its forks like Purpur, making it compatible with modern server setups running Minecraft versions 1.21.1 through 1.21.4.
Key Features at a Glance
- Add or remove fake players by number or specific name.
- Fake players appear in the server list with realistic ping values.
- Customizable join and leave messages that mimic real player activity.
- Optional Vault integration for permissions and group-based spawn points.
- Lightweight and efficient — supports hundreds of fake players without significant lag.
- Compatible with PaperMC, Purpur, and other Paper forks.
How to Install ReallyFakePlayers
Getting started is straightforward, but there is one critical dependency. Follow these steps to download ReallyFakePlayers and set it up correctly.
Step 1: Install MiniPlaceholders
ReallyFakePlayers requires MiniPlaceholders by 4drian3d to function. Without it, the plugin will not boot. Download the appropriate build for your server version — for Minecraft 1.21.1 to 1.21.4, use Build #3. Place the MiniPlaceholders jar in your server's plugins folder and restart the server to generate its default configuration.
Step 2: Add ReallyFakePlayers to Your Server
Once MiniPlaceholders is active, download ReallyFakePlayers for Minecraft from its official source and drop the jar into the same plugins folder. Restart the server. You may see five warnings in the console related to the Java 21 update — these are harmless and will be resolved soon. The plugin will create a name-list.yml file containing a pool of fake player names, which you can edit to match your server's theme.
Step 3: Configure and Reload
Open the config.yml to adjust settings like join-ip, join-port, and spawn coordinates. If fake players disconnect with a "Connection refused" error, ensure the IP and port match your server's actual address. Use /rfp reload to apply changes without a full restart.
Commands and Permissions
ReallyFakePlayers offers a simple command set, all under the rfp.admin permission node. Here are the essentials:
/rfp add <number/name>— Instantly adds the specified number of fake players or a single named fake player./rfp remove <number/name>— Removes fake players by count or name./rfp remove all— Clears all fake players from the server./rfp setspawn— Sets the spawn point for fake players to your current location./rfp list— Displays all currently online fake players./rfp checkupdates— Checks for new plugin versions.
Additionally, the rfp.interaction permission bypasses interaction blocks, allowing fake players to engage with the world more naturally if you choose to extend functionality.
Advanced Setup: Vault and FASpawn Integration
For server owners who want fake players to appear in specific groups or spawn at designated locations, ReallyFakePlayers supports Vault and the FASpawn plugin. This combination lets you assign fake players to groups like "vip" and give them unique spawn points, enhancing the illusion of a diverse player base.
To set this up, install Vault and FASpawn, then create a "fakeplayer" group in LuckPerms that extends from default. Enable Vault integration in the ReallyFakePlayers config and add the group name to the list. Use /rfp reload, then teleport to the desired spawn location and run /setgroupfirstspawn fakeplayer, /setgroupspawn fakeplayer, and /setgrouprespawn fakeplayer. For VIP fake players, create a "fakevip" group extending from vip and repeat the process.
Optimizing Your Fake Player Experience
While the plugin can technically handle more than 300 fake players, it is recommended to stay below that number for optimal performance. The name-list.yml file is your creative playground — populate it with thematic names that fit your server's lore. Fake players will join and leave periodically, and you can customize their welcome messages to greet real players, making the server feel alive and social.
If you manage your server through a launcher like foxygame.net, you can streamline the entire process. The foxygame.net launcher includes ReallyFakePlayers in its curated add-on catalog, allowing you to install and update the plugin with a single click while ensuring version compatibility with your PaperMC setup.
Why Choose ReallyFakePlayers for Your Minecraft Server
An empty server is a missed opportunity. ReallyFakePlayers for Minecraft provides a low-effort, high-impact solution to boost perceived activity. It is actively maintained, open-source under the EUPL-1.2 license, and supported by a dedicated Discord community where you can report bugs or suggest features. Whether you are launching a new server or reviving an old one, this plugin gives you the social proof needed to attract and retain real players.
To get started, simply download ReallyFakePlayers and its dependency MiniPlaceholders, follow the installation guide above, and watch your server list fill up with activity. With a few commands, you can transform a quiet world into a bustling hub that invites exploration and genuine connections.