Minecraft Server Rules: Templates and Best Practices

Clear rules are the foundation of a healthy community. Without them, you'll spend all your time on disputes.

Survival/SMP Template

1. Be Respectful — No harassment, hate speech, or personal attacks
2. No Griefing — Don't destroy or modify others' builds
3. No Stealing — Unlocked doesn't mean public
4. No Cheating — No hacked clients, x-ray, auto-clickers, or exploits
5. No Spam/Advertising — No chat spam or other server ads
6. Build Appropriately — No offensive builds, maintain distance from others
7. PvP Consent — PvP only if both players agree (arenas excepted)
8. AFK Limits — Max 30 minutes AFK. Lag-causing machines may be removed
9. Respect Staff — Appeal decisions through tickets, not public chat
10. Common Sense — If it feels wrong, it probably is

PvP/Factions Additions

• No DDoS threats or attacks (permanent ban)
• No doxxing (permanent ban)
• Report bugs, don't exploit them
• Maximum alliance size: 2 factions
• Trash talk is fine, hate speech is not

Enforcement Framework

Tier 1 (Minor): Spam, mild disrespect → Warning → 1h mute → 24h ban → 7d ban

Tier 2 (Moderate): Griefing, stealing → Warning + rollback → 7d ban → 30d/permanent

Tier 3 (Severe): Hacking, DDoS, doxxing → Permanent ban, no warnings

Writing Good Rules

• Be specific ("no spam" → "don't repeat messages more than 3 times")
• Be concise (1-2 sentences each)
• Include consequences
• Update when new situations arise

Where to Display

1. Signs/holograms at spawn
2. /rules command
3. Discord #rules channel
4. ServerList.cc listing description
5. First-join message

Beyond Rules

Rules set the floor, culture sets the tone. Active staff, regular events, a welcoming atmosphere, and player input build communities that moderate themselves.