Best Minecraft Server MOTD Ideas

Your MOTD is the first thing players see in their server list. A good one grabs attention.

How to Set It

Basic: Edit `server.properties` with unicode color codes.

Recommended: Install MiniMOTD plugin for hex colors, gradients, rotating MOTDs, and custom player count messages.

Color Codes

`&b` Aqua, `&a` Green, `&e` Yellow, `&c` Red, `&6` Gold, `&f` White, `&7` Gray, `&l` Bold, `&o` Italic

MOTD Examples

Clean: `&b&lSERVERNAME &8| &fSurvival &7• &fSkyblock &7• &fPvP`

Event: `&6&l⚔ &c&lPVP Tournament Saturday! &6&l⚔`

Seasonal: `&f❄ &b&lWinterCraft &f❄ &7Holiday Event Live!`

Minimalist: `&f&lvanilla.mc &8— &7a simple survival experience`

Network: `&d&l✦ &5&lNexus Network &d&l✦ &8[&f1.8-1.21&8]`

Tips

1. Keep it to two lines max
2. Lead with your server name in bold
3. List top gamemodes
4. Mention Minecraft version compatibility
5. Highlight events or sales
6. Pick 2-3 colors — don't use everything

Custom Server Icon

Create a 64x64 PNG, name it `server-icon.png`, place in server root. Simple logos and bold colors work best at small sizes.

Pair a polished MOTD with a detailed listing on ServerList.cc to stand out.