Mods & Plugins

Understanding Mods vs Plugins

Definitions and Differences

Mods (Modifications)

Definition: Modifications that change or add to the base game
Installation: Usually require specific mod frameworks
Scope: Can completely alter gameplay, graphics, or mechanics
Examples: Minecraft Forge mods, Rust Oxide plugins, ARK Workshop mods

Plugins

Definition: Add-ons that extend server functionality
Installation: Load through plugin systems like SourceMod or Bukkit
Scope: Typically focused on server administration or gameplay features
Examples: Bukkit plugins, SourceMod plugins, ULX modules

Compatibility Considerations

Framework Dependencies

Minecraft:
  - Bukkit/Spigot/Paper: Plugin-based (Bukkit API)
  - Forge: Mod-based (Minecraft Forge API)
  - Fabric: Mod-based (Fabric API)
  - Vanilla: No modification support

Source Engine Games:
  - SourceMod: Plugin-based system
  - MetaMod: Plugin framework foundation
  - Custom: Game-specific modifications

Other Games:
  - Rust: Oxide/uMod plugin system
  - ARK: Steam Workshop mod system
  - Garry's Mod: Workshop content and Lua scripts

Game-Specific Mod/Plugin Systems

Minecraft Modifications

Bukkit/Spigot/Paper Plugins

Installation Process:

Download plugin from SpigotMC, Bukkit.org, or GitHub
Stop your server
Upload .jar file to /plugins/ directory
Start server to generate configuration files
Configure plugin in /plugins/PluginName/config.yml
Reload or restart server to apply changes

Essential Bukkit Plugins:

Administration:
  - EssentialsX: Core server commands and utilities
  - LuckPerms: Advanced permission management
  - WorldEdit: World editing and building tools
  - Vault: Economy and permissions API
  - ProtocolLib: Packet manipulation framework

Economy:
  - Vault: Economy API foundation
  - EssentialsX Eco: Basic economy system
  - ChestShop: Player-run shops
  - QuickShop: GUI-based shop system
  - Jobs: Job-based economy system

Protection:
  - WorldGuard: Region protection and flags
  - GriefPrevention: Automatic land claiming
  - LWC: Block and container protection
  - CoreProtect: Block logging and rollback
  - HawkEye: Advanced logging system

Gameplay:
  - mcMMO: RPG skills and abilities
  - MythicMobs: Custom mob creation
  - Citizens: NPC creation and management
  - PlaceholderAPI: Placeholder system for other plugins
  - TabTwoComplete: Custom tab completion

Plugin Configuration Example:

# EssentialsX config.yml
server-name: "My Minecraft Server"
update-check: true
debug: false

teleport-safety: true
teleport-cooldown: 0
teleport-delay: 0
teleport-to-center: true

economy:
  currency-symbol: "$"
  max-money: 10000000
  min-money: 0.01
  starting-balance: 1000

protect:
  disable-build: false
  disable-use: false
  disable-pvp: false

commands:
  - nick
  - clearinventory
  - item
  - time
  - weather

Forge Mods

Installation Process:

Install Minecraft Forge on server
Download compatible mods from CurseForge or Modrinth
Stop server
Place .jar files in /mods/ directory
Start server and check for loading errors
Configure mods in /config/ directory

Popular Forge Mods:

Technology:
  - Applied Energistics 2: Advanced storage and automation
  - Thermal Expansion: Machines and energy systems
  - Mekanism: Chemical processing and power
  - Industrial Craft 2: Classic tech mod
  - Tinkers' Construct: Custom tool creation

Magic:
  - Thaumcraft: Magical research and artifacts
  - Botania: Nature-based magic system
  - Blood Magic: Sacrifice-based magic
  - Astral Sorcery: Stellar magic and constellation
  - Ars Nouveau: Spell crafting system

Adventure:
  - Twilight Forest: New dimension with dungeons
  - Biomes O' Plenty: Additional biomes
  - The Betweenlands: Swamp dimension
  - Ice and Fire: Dragons and mythical creatures
  - Mowzie's Mobs: Unique boss creatures

Utility:
  - JEI (Just Enough Items): Recipe viewing
  - Waila/HWYLA: Block information tooltips
  - Iron Chests: Additional chest types
  - Storage Drawers: Compact item storage
  - JourneyMap: Minimap and waypoints

Fabric Mods

Installation Process:

Install Fabric Loader on server
Install Fabric API mod (required for most mods)
Download Fabric mods from Modrinth or CurseForge
Place .jar files in /mods/ directory
Configure through mod-specific config files

Essential Fabric Mods:

Performance:
  - Lithium: Server optimization
  - Phosphor: Lighting engine optimization
  - Sodium: Client-side rendering optimization (client-only)
  - Hydrogen: Memory usage reduction
  - FerriteCore: Memory optimization

Server Administration:
  - Carpet: Technical features and debugging
  - LuckPerms: Permission management
  - Ledger: Block logging and rollback
  - Simple Voice Chat: Proximity voice chat
  - Dynmap: Web-based live map

Gameplay:
  - Origins: Player races with unique abilities
  - Immersive Portals: Advanced portal mechanics
  - Carpet Extra: Additional technical features
  - MiniHUD: Client-side information display
  - Litematica: Schematic mod for building

Rust Plugins (Oxide/uMod)

Oxide Plugin System

Installation Process:

Oxide comes pre-installed on Game Lords Rust servers
Download plugins from uMod.org
Upload .cs files to /oxide/plugins/ directory
Plugin auto-compiles on server startup or reload
Configure in /oxide/config/ directory

Essential Rust Plugins:

Administration:
  - AdminRadar: See all players and entities on map
  - VanishAdmin: Invisible admin mode
  - BetterChatMute: Advanced player muting system
  - CopyPaste: Copy and paste building structures
  - NoEscape: Prevent combat logging

Economy:
  - Economics: Server currency system
  - Shop: Buy/sell items with server currency
  - Trade: Secure player-to-player trading
  - Reward: Daily login rewards
  - GUIShop: Graphical shop interface

Quality of Life:
  - RemoverTool: Easy building removal for admins
  - StackSizeController: Adjust item stack sizes
  - Teleportation: Player teleport system with cooldowns
  - Kits: Predefined item kits for players
  - HomeSystem: Set and teleport to home locations

PvP and Combat:
  - Deathmatch: Arena-style combat events
  - Clans: Team management system
  - RaidableBases: AI-defended bases to raid
  - EventManager: Server events and competitions
  - BountyHunter: Player bounty system

Building and Crafting:
  - BuildingRestriction: Limit building in certain areas
  - CraftingController: Modify crafting recipes
  - QuickSmelt: Faster smelting in furnaces
  - AutoDoors: Automatic door closing
  - SignArtist: Custom images on signs

Plugin Configuration Example:

{
  "Settings": {
    "Economy Plugin": {
      "Starting Balance": 1000,
      "Currency Symbol": "$",
      "Max Balance": 1000000,
      "Enable Banking": true,
      "Interest Rate": 0.1
    },
    "Teleportation System": {
      "Cooldown Time (seconds)": 300,
      "Max Home Locations": 5,
      "Cost Per Teleport": 50,
      "Allow Teleport in Combat": false
    }
  }
}

ARK Mods (Steam Workshop)

Workshop Mod Installation

Installation Process:

Browse Steam Workshop for ARK mods
Copy Workshop ID from URL (e.g., 1404697612)
Add to server through control panel mod manager

Or add to GameUserSettings.ini:

ActiveMods=1404697612,123456789,987654321

Restart server to download and load mods

Popular ARK Mods:

Creatures:
  - Additional Creatures 2: Wild ARK: Expanded creature roster
  - Ark Additions: Domination Rex: High-quality creatures
  - Pyria: Mythical Creatures: Fantasy-themed creatures
  - Primal Fear: Extremely powerful creature variants
  - Crystal Isles Dino Collection: Unique crystal creatures

Structures and Building:
  - Structures Plus (S+): Enhanced building system
  - Eco's RP Decor: Decorative items and furniture
  - Castles, Keeps, and Forts Medieval Architecture: Medieval buildings
  - Advanced Architecture: Modern building pieces
  - Glass Metal and Technology Structures: Futuristic buildings

Quality of Life:
  - Awesome Spyglass: Enhanced creature information
  - Super Spyglass: Advanced creature stats display
  - HG Stacking Mod 10000: Increased stack sizes
  - Death Recovery Mod: Retrieve items after death
  - Dino Storage v2: Pokeball-style creature storage

Gameplay Overhauls:
  - Annunaki Genesis: Complete game overhaul
  - Extinction Core: Hardcore survival experience
  - Shigo Islands: Island exploration focus
  - The Center Redux: Enhanced map experience
  - Thieves Island: Pirate-themed total conversion

Mod Load Order Management

# GameUserSettings.ini mod order example
# Core framework mods should load first
ActiveMods=731604991,  # Structures Plus
          895711211,   # Classic Flyers
          1404697612,  # Awesome Spyglass
          1300713111,  # Rare Sightings
          1609138312   # Dino Storage v2

# Dependencies must load before dependent mods
# Check each mod's requirements on Workshop page

Source Engine Plugins (SourceMod)

SourceMod Plugin Installation

Installation Process:

SourceMod pre-installed on Game Lords Source servers
Download plugins from AlliedModders.net
Upload .smx files to /addons/sourcemod/plugins/
Upload data files to /addons/sourcemod/data/
Configure in /addons/sourcemod/configs/
Reload plugins with sm plugins reload

Essential SourceMod Plugins:

Administration:
  - Admin File Reader: Manage admin permissions
  - Basic Commands: Core admin functionality
  - Basic Chat: Chat management and colors
  - Player Commands: Player information commands
  - Fun Commands: Entertainment commands

Anti-Cheat and Protection:
  - SourceBans++: Advanced banning system
  - SmallBan: Simple ban management
  - Anti-Flood: Prevent spam and flooding
  - No-Steam ID Changer: Prevent ID spoofing
  - VAC Status Checker: Monitor VAC bans

Game Enhancement:
  - MapChooser: Advanced map voting system
  - Rock the Vote: Player-initiated map votes
  - Nominations Extended: Map nomination system
  - NextMap: Display next map information
  - Map Manager: Comprehensive map management

Statistics and Ranking:
  - RankMe: Simple ranking system
  - HLstatsX CE: Comprehensive statistics
  - SteamWorks: Steam API integration
  - Player Analytics: Detailed player tracking
  - Achievement System: Custom achievements

Fun and Social:
  - Quake Sounds: Audio rewards for achievements
  - Chat Processor: Advanced chat formatting
  - Simple Chat Colors: Colored chat names
  - Spray Tracer: Track spray usage
  - AFK Manager: Handle idle players

SourceMod Configuration Example:

"Databases"
{
    "driver_default"        "mysql"

    "default"
    {
        "driver"            "mysql"
        "host"              "localhost"
        "database"          "sourcemod"
        "user"              "root"
        "pass"              ""
        "timeout"           "0"
        "port"              "3306"
    }
}

Garry’s Mod Addons

Workshop Content Management

Installation Methods:

Steam Workshop Collections:
```
+host_workshop_collection 123456789
```
Individual Workshop Items:
```
+host_workshop_map 104482086
```
Legacy Addon System:
- Upload to /garrysmod/addons/ directory
- Extract .gma files or use folder structure

Essential GMod Addons:

Frameworks:
  - DarkRP: Roleplay framework
  - TTT (Trouble in Terrorist Town): Social deduction game
  - Murder: Hide and seek with murder theme
  - Prop Hunt: Props vs hunters
  - Sandbox: Creative building mode

Administration:
  - ULX Admin Mod: Comprehensive admin system
  - ServerGuard: Alternative admin system
  - FAdmin: Lightweight admin tools
  - Evolve: Modern admin interface
  - ASSMod: Classic admin system

Building and Tools:
  - Wiremod: Advanced contraption building
  - Advanced Duplicator 2: Save and share builds
  - Precision Tool: Accurate building placement
  - Smart Constraint: Intelligent constraint system
  - Multi-Parent: Advanced parenting system

Vehicles and Mechanics:
  - Simfphys: Realistic vehicle simulation
  - VCMod: Vehicle customization system
  - TDM Cars: Vehicle pack
  - WAC Aircraft: Aircraft simulation
  - LFS (Luna's Flight School): Aircraft pack

Visual and Audio:
  - PAC3: Player and prop customization
  - Enhanced Citizens: Better NPC models
  - TFA Weapons: Realistic weapon pack
  - M9K Weapons: Military weapon collection
  - Enhanced Graphics: Visual improvements

Installation Best Practices

Pre-Installation Preparation

Server Backup

#!/bin/bash
SERVER_DIR="/path/to/server"
BACKUP_DIR="/path/to/backups"
DATE=$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S)

echo "Creating backup before mod installation..."

# Create backup directory
mkdir -p "$BACKUP_DIR/pre_mod_$DATE"

# Backup essential directories
cp -r "$SERVER_DIR/world" "$BACKUP_DIR/pre_mod_$DATE/" 2>/dev/null || true
cp -r "$SERVER_DIR/plugins" "$BACKUP_DIR/pre_mod_$DATE/" 2>/dev/null || true
cp -r "$SERVER_DIR/mods" "$BACKUP_DIR/pre_mod_$DATE/" 2>/dev/null || true
cp -r "$SERVER_DIR/config" "$BACKUP_DIR/pre_mod_$DATE/" 2>/dev/null || true

# Backup configuration files
cp "$SERVER_DIR"/*.properties "$BACKUP_DIR/pre_mod_$DATE/" 2>/dev/null || true
cp "$SERVER_DIR"/*.cfg "$BACKUP_DIR/pre_mod_$DATE/" 2>/dev/null || true
cp "$SERVER_DIR"/*.yml "$BACKUP_DIR/pre_mod_$DATE/" 2>/dev/null || true

echo "Backup completed: $BACKUP_DIR/pre_mod_$DATE"

Compatibility Checking

Pre-Installation Checklist:
  Server Version:
    - Verify game version compatibility
    - Check framework version (Bukkit/Forge/Fabric)
    - Confirm API version support

  Dependencies:
    - List required dependencies
    - Check dependency versions
    - Verify load order requirements

  Conflicts:
    - Research known incompatibilities
    - Check with existing plugins/mods
    - Review configuration conflicts

  Resources:
    - Estimate memory requirements
    - Check storage space needed
    - Consider CPU impact

Installation Procedures

Staged Installation

Installation Phases:
  Phase 1 - Core Dependencies:
    - Install essential frameworks first
    - Verify core functionality
    - Test basic server operation

  Phase 2 - Foundation Plugins/Mods:
    - Add administration tools
    - Install permission systems
    - Configure basic protection

  Phase 3 - Feature Additions:
    - Add gameplay enhancements
    - Install content mods
    - Configure advanced features

  Phase 4 - Optimization:
    - Fine-tune configurations
    - Optimize performance settings
    - Test under load

Testing Protocol

#!/bin/bash
echo "Testing mod/plugin installation..."

# Test 1: Server startup
echo "Testing server startup..."
timeout 300 ./start-server.sh &
SERVER_PID=$!

# Wait for server to be ready
sleep 60

# Test 2: Check for errors
echo "Checking for errors in logs..."
if grep -i "error\|exception\|fail" server.log; then
    echo "Errors found in server log!"
    kill $SERVER_PID
    exit 1
fi

# Test 3: Test basic functionality
echo "Testing basic server functionality..."
# Add game-specific functionality tests here

# Test 4: Performance check
echo "Checking server performance..."
# Monitor CPU and memory usage

# Cleanup
kill $SERVER_PID
echo "Installation test completed successfully"

Configuration and Management

Configuration Management

Centralized Configuration

global_settings:
  auto_update: false
  debug_mode: false
  backup_before_update: true

minecraft_plugins:
  essentialsx:
    enabled: true
    config:
      currency_symbol: "$"
      starting_balance: 1000
      teleport_cooldown: 300

  worldguard:
    enabled: true
    config:
      default_protection: true
      allow_tnt: false
      allow_fire_spread: false

rust_plugins:
  economics:
    enabled: true
    config:
      starting_balance: 500
      max_balance: 1000000

  teleportation:
    enabled: true
    config:
      cooldown: 300
      max_homes: 5

Version Management

{
  "mod_versions": {
    "minecraft": {
      "server_version": "1.20.1",
      "bukkit_version": "1.20.1-R0.1-SNAPSHOT",
      "plugins": {
        "EssentialsX": "2.20.1",
        "WorldGuard": "7.0.9",
        "LuckPerms": "5.4.102"
      }
    },
    "rust": {
      "server_version": "2023.11.24",
      "oxide_version": "2.0.5822",
      "plugins": {
        "Economics": "3.9.11",
        "Teleportation": "2.18.0",
        "AdminRadar": "4.4.8"
      }
    }
  }
}

Update Management

Automated Update Script

#!/bin/bash
GAME_TYPE=$1
BACKUP_DIR="/backups"
DATE=$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S)

if [ -z "$GAME_TYPE" ]; then
    echo "Usage: $0 <minecraft|rust|ark>"
    exit 1
fi

# Create backup before update
echo "Creating backup before update..."
mkdir -p "$BACKUP_DIR/pre_update_$DATE"

update_minecraft_plugins() {
    echo "Updating Minecraft plugins..."

    # Stop server
    ./stop-server.sh

    # Backup current plugins
    cp -r plugins "$BACKUP_DIR/pre_update_$DATE/"

    # Download updates (example for essential plugins)
    wget -O plugins/EssentialsX.jar "https://ci.ender.zone/job/EssentialsX/lastSuccessfulBuild/artifact/jars/EssentialsX-2.20.1.jar"
    wget -O plugins/LuckPerms.jar "https://download.luckperms.net/1515/bukkit/loader/LuckPerms-Bukkit-5.4.102.jar"

    # Start server
    ./start-server.sh

    echo "Minecraft plugins updated"
}

update_rust_plugins() {
    echo "Updating Rust plugins..."

    # Backup current plugins
    cp -r oxide/plugins "$BACKUP_DIR/pre_update_$DATE/"

    # Update plugins using uMod API (if available)
    # This would require custom implementation or manual process

    echo "Rust plugins updated"
}

case "$GAME_TYPE" in
    minecraft)
        update_minecraft_plugins
        ;;
    rust)
        update_rust_plugins
        ;;
    *)
        echo "Unsupported game type: $GAME_TYPE"
        exit 1
        ;;
esac

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Plugin/Mod Loading Problems

Dependency Issues

Common Dependency Problems:
  Missing Dependencies:
    - Symptoms: Plugin fails to load, dependency errors in console
    - Solution: Install required dependencies first
    - Prevention: Check plugin documentation for requirements

  Version Mismatches:
    - Symptoms: Compatibility errors, unexpected behavior
    - Solution: Update dependencies to matching versions
    - Prevention: Maintain version compatibility matrix

  Load Order Issues:
    - Symptoms: Some features don't work, initialization errors
    - Solution: Adjust plugin load order
    - Prevention: Understand plugin dependencies

Configuration Conflicts

Configuration Conflict Resolution:
  Duplicate Features:
    - Identify: Multiple plugins providing same functionality
    - Resolve: Disable duplicate features in one plugin
    - Prevent: Plan plugin selection carefully

  Resource Conflicts:
    - Identify: Port conflicts, file access issues
    - Resolve: Change conflicting settings
    - Prevent: Review configurations before installation

  Permission Conflicts:
    - Identify: Permission system interference
    - Resolve: Use single permission system
    - Prevent: Choose compatible permission plugins

Performance Issues

Resource Monitoring

#!/bin/bash
echo "Monitoring plugin performance..."

# Monitor CPU usage by process
echo "=== CPU Usage ==="
top -b -n 1 | grep java

# Monitor memory usage
echo "=== Memory Usage ==="
free -h
echo "Java heap usage:"
jstat -gc $(pgrep java) | tail -1

# Monitor disk I/O
echo "=== Disk I/O ==="
iostat -x 1 1

# Game-specific monitoring
echo "=== Game-Specific Metrics ==="
case "$1" in
    minecraft)
        echo "TPS (Ticks Per Second):"
        # Use RCON or server console to get TPS
        ;;
    rust)
        echo "FPS and performance stats:"
        # Monitor Rust-specific performance metrics
        ;;
esac

Performance Optimization

Performance Optimization Strategies:
  Plugin Selection:
    - Choose lightweight alternatives
    - Remove unnecessary plugins
    - Combine functionality where possible
    - Regular performance audits

  Configuration Tuning:
    - Adjust update frequencies
    - Limit resource-intensive features
    - Optimize database queries
    - Cache frequently accessed data

  Resource Management:
    - Monitor memory usage patterns
    - Implement cleanup routines
    - Limit concurrent operations
    - Use efficient data structures

Security Considerations

Plugin Security Audit

#!/bin/bash
echo "Performing security audit of plugins/mods..."

# Check for suspicious file permissions
echo "=== File Permissions ==="
find plugins/ -type f -perm /002 -ls
find mods/ -type f -perm /002 -ls 2>/dev/null

# Look for suspicious network connections
echo "=== Network Connections ==="
netstat -tulpn | grep java

# Check for unauthorized file modifications
echo "=== File Integrity ==="
find plugins/ -name "*.jar" -exec sha256sum {} \; > plugin_checksums.txt
find mods/ -name "*.jar" -exec sha256sum {} \; > mod_checksums.txt 2>/dev/null

# Review plugin sources and permissions
echo "=== Plugin Source Review ==="
echo "Review plugin download sources:"
echo "- Only download from official repositories"
echo "- Verify developer authenticity"
echo "- Check community reviews and ratings"
echo "- Scan for malware before installation"

Access Control

Security Best Practices:
  Plugin Sources:
    - Use official repositories only
    - Verify developer authenticity
    - Check digital signatures
    - Read community reviews

  Permission Management:
    - Principle of least privilege
    - Regular permission audits
    - Separate admin and user permissions
    - Monitor permission changes

  Update Security:
    - Keep plugins updated
    - Subscribe to security advisories
    - Test updates in staging environment
    - Maintain rollback capability

Advanced Plugin/Mod Development

Creating Custom Plugins

Minecraft Bukkit Plugin Development

// MyPlugin.java - Basic Bukkit plugin structure
package com.example.myplugin;

import org.bukkit.plugin.java.JavaPlugin;
import org.bukkit.event.Listener;
import org.bukkit.event.EventHandler;
import org.bukkit.event.player.PlayerJoinEvent;
import org.bukkit.ChatColor;

public class MyPlugin extends JavaPlugin implements Listener {

    @Override
    public void onEnable() {
        // Plugin startup logic
        getLogger().info("MyPlugin has been enabled!");
        getServer().getPluginManager().registerEvents(this, this);

        // Save default config
        saveDefaultConfig();
    }

    @Override
    public void onDisable() {
        // Plugin shutdown logic
        getLogger().info("MyPlugin has been disabled!");
    }

    @EventHandler
    public void onPlayerJoin(PlayerJoinEvent event) {
        String welcomeMessage = getConfig().getString("welcome-message", "Welcome to the server!");
        event.getPlayer().sendMessage(ChatColor.GREEN + welcomeMessage);
    }
}

Rust Oxide Plugin Development

// MyRustPlugin.cs - Basic Oxide plugin structure
using System;
using Oxide.Core.Plugins;

namespace Oxide.Plugins
{
    [Info("My Rust Plugin", "YourName", "1.0.0")]
    [Description("Example plugin for Rust")]
    public class MyRustPlugin : RustPlugin
    {
        #region Configuration
        private Configuration config;

        public class Configuration
        {
            public string WelcomeMessage = "Welcome to our server!";
            public int TeleportCooldown = 300;
        }

        protected override void LoadConfig()
        {
            base.LoadConfig();
            config = Config.ReadObject<Configuration>();
            SaveConfig();
        }

        protected override void SaveConfig() => Config.WriteObject(config);
        #endregion

        #region Hooks
        void OnPlayerConnected(BasePlayer player)
        {
            PrintToChat(player, config.WelcomeMessage);
        }

        void OnPlayerSleepEnded(BasePlayer player)
        {
            // Player woke up logic
        }
        #endregion

        #region Commands
        [ChatCommand("home")]
        void HomeCommand(BasePlayer player, string command, string[] args)
        {
            // Teleport home logic
            PrintToChat(player, "Teleporting home...");
        }
        #endregion
    }
}

Plugin Distribution

Packaging and Distribution

Distribution Checklist:
  Documentation:
    - Installation instructions
    - Configuration guide
    - Command reference
    - Permission list
    - Changelog

  Testing:
    - Multiple server versions
    - Various configurations
    - Conflict testing
    - Performance testing
    - Security review

  Packaging:
    - Include all required files
    - Default configuration
    - License information
    - Version information
    - Dependency list

  Publication:
    - Official repositories
    - Clear description
    - Screenshots/videos
    - Support channels
    - Update notifications

Getting Help with Mods and Plugins

Community Resources

Official Documentation

Game-specific modding guides: Official developer documentation
Framework documentation: Bukkit, Forge, Fabric, SourceMod guides
API references: Comprehensive API documentation
Tutorial videos: Step-by-step installation guides

Community Forums

SpigotMC: Minecraft plugin community
MinecraftForge: Forge mod development
AlliedModders: SourceMod plugin community
uMod.org: Rust plugin repository and support
FacePunch: Rust modding discussions

Professional Support

Game Lords Mod/Plugin Support

Installation assistance: Help with plugin/mod installation
Configuration support: Optimize plugin settings
Conflict resolution: Resolve plugin/mod conflicts
Performance optimization: Improve server performance
Custom development: Professional plugin/mod development services

When to Seek Professional Help

Complex multi-plugin setups
Custom gameplay requirements
Performance optimization needs
Security concerns
Integration challenges

Troubleshooting Resources

Debug Information to Collect

Support Information:
  Server Details:
    - Game version and build
    - Server software (Bukkit/Spigot/Paper/etc.)
    - Server specifications
    - Player count and activity

  Plugin/Mod Information:
    - Complete plugin/mod list
    - Version numbers
    - Configuration files
    - Error messages and logs

  Issue Details:
    - Steps to reproduce
    - Expected vs actual behavior
    - Recent changes
    - Impact on gameplay

Remember: Mods and plugins are powerful tools that can transform your server experience, but they require careful planning, installation, and maintenance. Always test changes in a staging environment before applying them to your production server, and maintain regular backups to ensure you can recover from any issues.