Minecraft Hunger Games & Battle Royale Server Setup (2026)

Hunger Games (also called Survival Games) is a battle royale mode where players fight to be the last one standing. Everyone starts at a central area with chests containing random loot. Players spread out, gear up, and fight until one remains. The format works for 12 to 100+ players.
How It Works
- Players join a lobby and wait for enough players
- Match starts with everyone teleported to spawn pedestals around a center
- A countdown begins (typically 10 seconds)
- Players rush to center chests or flee to find scattered loot
- A shrinking border forces players closer together
- Last player alive wins
Plugin Options
- SurvivalGames — Dedicated Hunger Games plugin
- BedWars1058 (has Survival Games mode)
- Custom setup with WorldGuard + command blocks + scripting
For the best experience, use a dedicated Survival Games plugin or build a custom system.
Setup Steps
1. Create an Arena Map
- Build or download a themed arena (forest, city, ruins)
- Place the cornucopia/center structure
- Add spawn pedestals in a circle around the center
- Scatter chests throughout the map with loot tables
2. Install the Plugin
- Download your chosen Survival Games plugin
- Place in
plugins/ - Restart and configure
3. Configure Arenas
- Set spawn points for each player slot
- Define the arena boundaries
- Configure chest loot tables
- Set timer durations (grace period, match length, deathmatch)
- Set the border shrinking schedule
4. Loot Tables
Center Chests (High Risk, High Reward):
- Iron/diamond gear
- Enchanted weapons
- Golden apples
- Potions
Outer Chests (Lower Risk, Basic Loot):
- Leather/chain armor
- Stone/iron tools
- Food
- Basic potions
Kit System
Optional kits add variety:
- Scout: Speed boost, compass
- Archer: Bow + 16 arrows
- Tank: Iron chestplate, slowness
- Alchemist: 3 random potions
- Berserker: Stone sword, strength for 30 seconds
Deathmatch
If the match runs too long, trigger a deathmatch:
- Teleport remaining players to a small arena
- Remove the border
- 60-second timer to fight
- If still no winner, both players get damaged over time
Multiple Arenas
Run multiple arenas simultaneously:
- Each arena is a separate world
- Queue system assigns players to available arenas
- Maps rotate after each match
- World resets instantly using pre-saved map copies
Hardware Requirements
| Concurrent Matches | RAM | |-------------------|-----| | 1 to 2 arenas (24 players) | 3 to 4 GB | | 3 to 5 arenas (60 players) | 5 to 8 GB | | 5 to 10 arenas (100+ players) | 8 to 16 GB |
Map resets and world loading need fast storage. SSDs are mandatory for smooth arena rotations.
Launch your Battle Royale server. View Minecraft Hosting Plans
