Plugin to keep players coming back?

I run a small public Minecraft survival server that used to have quite a few players online at a time but lately it's been down to just a few (2-5). I'd like to add something that makes players want to come back. Some sort of progression or competition.

I currently have mcMMO, essentials eco, and chest shops running, but that doesn't interest some of the more veteran players. I looked at the uPlanes plugins but it's just too gimmicky.

If you guys know of anything that's fairly simple yet addicting, I would love to hear about it.

 

Hey TheOnlyShad0w.

Well, there are multiple ways in which you can keep those players coming back.
One thing that you must keep in mind is that its not all about plugins.

Some effective methods are:

1. Mini Games - Probably the biggest and best method to keep players coming back. (Try BlockHunt, Spleef or Survival Games.)
2. Giveaways/Drop Parties - I'd do a few occasionally, but try not to give out too much.
3. Player Ranks - Players like to work towards things, and try to achieve stuff. Keep these ranks separate from staff ranks.
4. Competitions - You could try hosting some competitions, such as building competitions or other ones.
5. A good starter kit - This will vary based on the type of server you are running, kits should be packed with essentials, giving out too much is not recommended
6. Welcoming new players - Players are more likely to stay if they feel welcomed.
7. Uptime - If your server is offline very often, people may get frustrated.
8. Grief Protection - Again, this will vary based on the type of server you're running.
And many more...

The biggest mistake that server owner's make is trying to advertise too much, but neglecting the environment in which the players are in. The ones i've listed are the one's that I feel are the most effective. There are numerous other methods that you can employ.

Hope these tips help. Let me know if you need more advice

Regards,

felixferr0w

 

1. This is something I might be interested in doing, although Survival Games would require too many server resources I would think.
2. I've thought about doing this but it just seems sort of lame especially when I have so few players.
3. How could that work? There are only so many perks I can offer.
4. I've also thought about this but I work full time and it's hard orchestrating it.
5. My starter kit contains some bread and stone tools, which I think is just enough for my server.
6. I ALWAYS welcome new players and I urge my other users too as well.
7. My server is online 24/7.
8. I am running the Grief Prevention plugin.

What I'd really like to see is something similar to mcMMO that collected stats I could reset weekly or monthly and reward players at the top of the leaderboard. Or maybe a treasure hunt plugin of some kind?

 

TheOnlyShad0w

Try having something original, otherwise your server will just be another average server out there, and players will just move onto the next server with a shiny banner when they get a few diamonds on yours. Recently, custom plugins have gotten massive attention, and I know I'm custom coding a few MMORPG-type plugins for my server.

When I released the beta of my server a month or two ago, players found it amazing because they could have a class with Skills.. Yeah, a class like a Warrior with a few spells to deal extra damage. However, they eventually left after a while because they rushed through all of the content.

Overall, what I'm trying to say is:

1. Be original, do something other servers don't really do.
2. Always add new content (atleast 3 hours of new content every week, with a massive expansion every few weeks) to keep players interested and make your server relevant in the market.
3. DO NOT RELY MINIGAMES ONLY. Minigames require a base population to get started, and in my experience, it's hard to get ~10 players online at a time to do a minigame.
4. Work on the single-player aspect first, so players will feel fine with player alone, so you can really start building up your population.

 

Unfortunately, I know nothing about coding plugins. I've tried to learn but coding just isn't my thing.

 

Hey...

You wanted suggestions, I've given you some. Just trying to help, and as I've said, those aren't the ONLY ideas, they are just the main ones. There are a tonne more things you could do to keep players coming on...