AutoUBL: The Essential UHC Ban List Plugin for Minecraft Servers
Running a competitive Ultra Hardcore (UHC) server means staying on top of rule-breakers. The /r/ultrahardcore community maintains a universal ban list to keep known offenders out, and manually managing those bans can be a headache. That is where AutoUBL steps in. This lightweight CraftBukkit plugin automates the entire process, fetching the latest UBL entries and applying them to your server without you lifting a finger.
What Exactly Does AutoUBL Do?
AutoUBL is designed to be simple, efficient, and secure. On every server startup, it downloads the official /r/ultrahardcore Universal Ban List from the community Google Spreadsheet and immediately enforces those bans. If a player on the list tries to join, they are blocked and shown the relevant UBL information. The plugin works out-of-the-box, meaning you can drop it into your plugins folder, restart, and your UHC server is instantly protected.
Beyond the basic functionality, AutoUBL gives you full control. You can exempt specific players who might have been unfairly listed or who you trust on your server. The ban list can be updated on a schedule, manually refreshed with a command, or even pointed to a custom URL if you prefer an alternative provider. All of this happens without interfering with your existing ban system—anyone you ban manually stays banned, and the plugin coexists peacefully with other ban management tools.
Key Features at a Glance
- Automatic download and application of the /r/ultrahardcore UBL on server startup.
- Simple commands for adding and removing player exemptions.
- Configurable automatic updates at regular intervals.
- Direct reading from the official UHC Ban List Google Spreadsheet by default.
- Custom ban list URL support for switching providers.
- Built-in security measures to prevent denial-of-service attacks from the ban list connection.
- Manual update and configuration reload commands—no server restart needed.
- Displays UBL details to banned players when they attempt to join.
- Fully compatible with server bans and other ban plugins.
Commands and Permissions
AutoUBL keeps command usage straightforward. All actions are accessed through the /ubl base command, with detailed help shown when you type a command without its required parameters. The permissions are designed for operators by default, but can be adjusted in your permissions plugin.
Here is a quick breakdown of the available commands:
- /ubl exempt [player] — Adds a player to the exempt list, allowing them to join even if they are on the UBL. Permission: autoubl.commands.exemption
- /ubl unexempt [player] — Removes a player from the exempt list, restoring normal UBL checks. Permission: autoubl.commands.exemption
- /ubl update — Forces an immediate download and update of the ban list from the configured URL. Permission: autoubl.commands.update
- /ubl reload — Reloads all settings from config.yml and refreshes the ban list. Permission: autoubl.commands.reload
These commands give server staff the flexibility to handle edge cases instantly, without digging through files or restarting the server.
Configuration Made Easy
After the first run, AutoUBL generates a config.yml file inside the plugins/AutoUBL folder. The YAML format is the same as your server’s bukkit.yml, so editing it feels familiar. The default settings are sensible for most servers, but you can tweak them to fit your needs. Key options include the ban list URL, maximum bandwidth for downloading (in kB/sec), connection timeout, retry attempts, and the auto-check interval in minutes. Set the interval to 0 if you only want updates on startup.
For those who prefer a modern approach to plugin management, this plugin 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. That means less time fiddling with FTP and more time actually playing or moderating your UHC matches.
Security and Reliability
AutoUBL takes the safety of your server seriously. The bandwidth and timeout settings allow you to throttle the connection to the ban list server, reducing the risk of a malicious provider overwhelming your network. If the remote list cannot be fetched after the configured number of retries, the plugin falls back to a locally stored backup, ensuring your server remains protected even during network hiccups. Always use a trusted source if you change the ban list URL, because whoever controls that list can apply or lift bans on your server.
Compatibility and Requirements
This plugin requires Java 7 or higher. If you encounter an “Unsupported major.minor version 51.0” error, your server is running an outdated Java version. Contact your hosting provider to upgrade to Java 7 (or newer), and Mac OS X users need the full JDK 7 package rather than just the JRE. The source code is publicly available on GitHub under the repository XHawk87/AutoUBL for anyone interested in auditing or contributing.
Why Every UHC Server Needs AutoUBL
Maintaining a fair and enjoyable UHC environment demands constant vigilance against known cheaters and toxic players. Manually checking and updating a ban list is time-consuming and error-prone. AutoUBL eliminates that chore entirely, letting you focus on hosting great games. With its effortless setup, powerful commands, and robust security features, it is the go-to solution for any server that takes the /r/ultrahardcore rules seriously. Install it once, configure it to your liking, and let it quietly keep your community clean.