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Key takeaways
5- The MC-SquidGames Setup needs Minecraft 1.21.11, Java 21, about 5 GB of RAM, SquidGameX and AdvancedBan.
- Choose the Minecraft version the listing asks for, not the newest Paper build.
- On a panel, set the Paper version and Java image in the Startup tab, then upload files in the File Manager.
- Turn on the whitelist so only your friends can join.
- Free Modrinth plugins like SquidGame and Red Light, Green Light are alternatives if you want to build it yourself.
This guide is for two kinds of readers: people who have never run a Minecraft server and just want to play Squid Game with friends, and server owners who want to add it to a network. By the end you will have a private server running Red Light, Green Light, the cookie game, the glass bridge and a final round, open only to the people you invite.
What you need to play Squid Game in Minecraft
You cannot play these games in a normal survival world. They need a server with a minigame plugin, and that plugin needs arenas, a lobby and menus built around it. There are three pieces:
- A server that runs the game. A rented host is the easy route, because it stays online and your friends do not need your PC switched on.
- A minigame plugin that runs the rounds. In the setup below this is SquidGameX by LinsaFTW.
- A setup: the arena, lobby, menus, scoreboard and configs already prepared, so you do not build everything yourself.
Our own option is the MC-SquidGames Setup, made by our team. It is powered by SquidGameX. The store lists it as a paid product and it has a test server, so you can look at it running before you commit.
From the listing, it includes one fully configured arena, a stats system for wins and deaths, an arena selector menu, a scoreboard and TAB display, a socials menu, top 10 leaderboards and a welcome hologram. The minigames it lists are Red Light, Green Light, the Cookie Game, PvP in the hub, the Glass Bridge and the Final Squid Game.
Check the requirements before you buy a host
Do this first, it saves the most trouble. The BuiltByBit listing for the setup names these requirements:
- Minecraft 1.21.11
- Java 21
- 5 GB of RAM as the recommended minimum
- The SquidGameX plugin, and AdvancedBan for the punishment system
SquidGameX is a separate paid plugin on BuiltByBit, so you need to get it from its own page. Its listing describes six rounds (Red Light Green Light, Cookie Game, Battle, Marbles, Glass Bridge and Squid Game Final), reusable arenas, a cosmetics shop, voting between games and room for 100 or more players. It recommends TAB, PlaceholderAPI, Vault, Redis and MySQL as optional extras. The setup shows a TAB scoreboard, so check the setup's own listing for the exact plugin list before you upload.
AdvancedBan is a free punishment plugin on SpigotMC (bans, mutes, warns and kicks). It runs on Bukkit and Spigot servers, which includes Paper.
TAB is a free plugin on Modrinth for tab lists, name tags and scoreboards.
Choose where the server runs
For a private game with friends, you have three options:
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting panel (for example Pterodactyl or Multicraft) | Beginners. You click, upload and press Start. | The Java version is usually set by the host. |
| VPS or dedicated machine | Owners who like a command line and full control. | You install Java, open ports and handle updates yourself. |
| Your own PC | A quick test with no cost. | It must stay on, and friends need a way to reach it through your router. |
If you are new, pick a panel host with at least 5 GB of RAM. Look for a plan where you can choose the Minecraft version and upload files yourself.
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Install Paper and the setup, step by step
The listing names Minecraft 1.21.11 and Java 21 but no server software. This guide uses Paper because AdvancedBan runs on Bukkit and Spigot servers, which includes Paper. Follow these steps in order.
- Create the server on Minecraft 1.21.11 with Java 21.
- Start it once, then stop it, so the folders are created.
- Upload the setup files and the plugins.
- Start the server again and read the console for errors.
Paper is widely used server software for Bukkit-style plugins. Here is how each type of server does steps 1 to 4.
- Install Java 21 and download the Paper 1.21.11 jar from papermc.io. Pick the version from the list on the downloads page.
- Put the jar in an empty folder and start it:
java -Xms5G -Xmx5G -jar paper.jar nogui - Accept the Minecraft EULA when the server asks, then start it again until it runs, and stop it with
stop. - Upload the setup's files to the server folder with SFTP, and put the SquidGameX and AdvancedBan jars in the
pluginsfolder. - Start the server again.
- Create a server with the Paper egg. In the Startup tab, set the Minecraft version variable to
1.21.11, then check the console shows that version when it starts. - Still on the Startup tab, pick the Java 21 Docker image if your host offers the choice. If your host hides it, ask them for Java 21.
- Press Start in the Console, accept the EULA if asked, then stop the server.
- Open the File Manager and upload the setup's files. Put the plugin jars in
plugins. Large uploads work better over SFTP. - Press Start again and watch the console.
- On the JAR selection page, choose Paper and the 1.21.11 version if your host offers it. If not, ask them.
- Ask your host whether the server runs Java 21, since this is usually set on their side.
- Start the server once, then stop it.
- Use the Files or FTP page to upload the setup's files and put the plugin jars in
plugins. - Start it again and watch the console.
Keep the server private for your friends
A new server is public the moment it is reachable. To play with friends only, use the whitelist. In server.properties, the white-list key controls it, and operators are always allowed in. Run these in the console:
whitelist on
whitelist add FriendName
whitelist listAdd each friend's Minecraft name, one command each. Set enforce-whitelist to true if you want people who are not listed to be kicked after a reload. The default port is 25565, and your host gives you the address friends type into the server list. Everyone needs the Java Edition and the version the server asks for.
When you later want strangers to join, our post on growing a new server with votes, Discord and server lists shows how.
Run your first game
SquidGameX's page lists these commands. Players use them:
/squid jointo join an arena/squid leaveto leave/squid voteto open the voting menu/squid shopto open cosmetics
The setup also gives a quick join item and an arena selector menu, so friends do not need to type anything. Admins use /squid arena create to make arenas, /squid wand for the selection tool, and /squid reload after editing configs. The permission squidgame.admin gives admin access and squidgame.start lets someone force a start.
Give the host or yourself squidgame.admin using your permissions plugin. If you have not used one before, see our LuckPerms ranks guide.
Free plugins if you would rather build it yourself
A ready-made setup saves time, but it is not the only route. Two free Modrinth plugins cover parts of the same idea, and they suit people happy to configure things themselves.
SquidGame is an alpha-stage minigame plugin with Red Light, Green Light, Dorms Battle, Glass Stepping Stones and Sumo. It supports Minecraft 1.21 to 1.21.4 on Bukkit, Paper, Purpur and Spigot, needs WorldEdit and supports multiple arenas. Its page points to a wiki for setup.
Red Light, Green Light recreates just that one game on Bukkit and Paper (1.21 to 1.21.4), with a /redlightgreenlight command and plans for more features. It is a good fit for a quick, single-game try.
| Option | Games | Free or paid | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC-SquidGames Setup (made by our team) | Red Light, Green Light, Cookie, Glass Bridge, Final and a hub PvP area | Paid setup, needs SquidGameX (paid) | Upload and play with menus, stats and leaderboards ready |
| SquidGameX on its own | Six rounds with cosmetics and voting | Paid | Owners who want to build their own arenas |
| SquidGame (Modrinth) | Four games, alpha | Free | Tinkerers on 1.21 to 1.21.4 |
| Red Light, Green Light (Modrinth) | One game | Free | A quick single-game test |
Fix the usual problems
- A plugin does not load: check the console for the first red error line. It is almost always a wrong Minecraft or Java version.
- Friends cannot join: confirm the address and port, check they are on the whitelist, and make sure their client version fits the server.
- The game lags: give the server the RAM the listing recommends. Our guide on Chunky and spark shows how to find what is slow.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play Squid Game in Minecraft without a server?
Not with these plugin-based games. They need a server running a minigame plugin. You can run it on your own PC or rent a host, and a host is easier because it stays online.
What do I need to run the MC-SquidGames Setup?
Its BuiltByBit listing names Minecraft 1.21.11, Java 21 and at least 5 GB of RAM as recommended. It needs the SquidGameX plugin and uses AdvancedBan for punishments.
How do I stop strangers joining my friends server?
Turn on the whitelist with whitelist on, then add each friend with whitelist add and their name. Operators can always connect while it is active.
Are there free Squid Game plugins for Minecraft?
Yes. On Modrinth, SquidGame is a free alpha plugin with four games, and Red Light, Green Light is a free single-game plugin. Both list support for 1.21 to 1.21.4.
Which Minecraft version should my friends use?
Use the Java Edition and the version your server runs. For this setup the listing names 1.21.11, so check the listing for anything beyond that.
