On this page
- Choose a plugin route for each game
- Install the plugin and restart the server
- Build and register an arena
- Follow the plugin's arena setup flow
- Test a build before using it in a match
- Test a full round before opening the server
- Questions server owners ask
- How do I make a TNT Run server in Minecraft?
- Which TNT Run plugin supports Paper 26.3?
- What is the difference between TNT Run and TNT Tag?
- Can I run TNT Run and TNT Tag on the same server?
Key takeaways
4- Match the plugin release to your Minecraft version and server software before installing.
- Use each plugin's current documentation for arena commands and permission setup.
- Test lobby routes, round flow, arena resets and permissions before launch.
- Paste arena builds into a test world and verify boundaries before use on the public server.
This guide is for server owners planning TNT Run, TNT Tag or Bow Spleef matches on Paper, Spigot or Purpur. You will be able to shortlist a plugin route, prepare an arena and lobby, and run a practical launch check.
Choose a plugin route for each game
For TNT Run, compare the game features and Minecraft versions your server needs. TNTRun_reloaded supports multiple auto-regenerating arenas, spectator mode, stats, signs and optional features such as kits, parties and an economy shop. Its current release is listed for Minecraft 1.21.3 and newer, so check compatibility with 26.3 before using it there. It needs Java 21 minimum.
Despical's TNT Run is another Paper and Purpur option. Its listing includes versions from 1.21.11 through 26.3, and it offers layered arenas, configurable double jumps, stats, spectator tools, signs and GUI arena setup. Check its documentation for the setup flow that matches your chosen release.
For TNT Tag, TNT Tag Minigames lists Minecraft 1.13 to 1.21.11 and 26.1 to 26.1.2, with Paper and Spigot loaders. It has a lobby, scoreboard and a 30-second pass-the-TNT countdown. NxTNT Tag is a smaller alternative for Minecraft 1.21 to 1.21.8, with a selection wand and commands to set the lobby and arena. A paid BuiltByBit option lists power-ups, stats, rewards, deathmatch and BungeeCord support, with Minecraft 1.8 to 1.21.11 listed and Java 21 required.
| Plugin | Game mode | Minecraft versions | Free or paid | Made by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TNTRun_reloaded | TNT Run | Current release listed for 1.21.3 and newer | Free | Third party |
| TNT Run (Despical) | TNT Run | 1.21.11 through 26.3 | Free | Third party |
| TNT Tag Minigames | TNT Tag | 1.13 to 1.21.11, 26.1 to 26.1.2 | Free | Third party |
| NxTNT Tag | TNT Tag | 1.21 to 1.21.8 | Free | Third party |
| TNT Tag (BuiltByBit) | TNT Tag | 1.8 to 1.21.11 | Paid | Third party |
| TNT Games Core | TNT Run, TNT Tag and Bow Spleef | Not listed here | Paid | Our team |
Our team's TNT Games Core combines TNT Run, TNT Tag and Bow Spleef in one plugin. The store lists version 1.1.0 and marks it as paid. Bow Spleef is a mode where players shoot arrows to destroy the floor. Core can suit an owner who wants all three modes under one plugin.
If you want a ready-made server rather than assembling the parts, our team's TNT Games Setup | Modern Minigame Series is listed on BuiltByBit. It includes TNT Run, TNT Tag and Bow Spleef, plus a themed interface, NPCs, leaderboards, staff tools and a cosmetics system. The listing specifies Minecraft 1.21.10 on Paper or Purpur.
Install the plugin and restart the server
Get the plugin file from its listing, check that its supported Minecraft and server software match your server, then install it on a test copy first. The server needs a restart to load a newly added plugin.
- Stop the test server from its console or process manager.
- Upload the plugin JAR into the server's
pluginsdirectory. - Start the server and check the console for plugin errors.
- Stop the server from the Console.
- Open File Manager and upload the plugin JAR into
plugins. - Start the server from the Console and check its startup output.
- Stop the server from the console.
- Open Files / FTP and upload the plugin JAR into
plugins. - Start the server and check the console for errors.
For general Paper installation and startup details, see our Paper server setup guide. If you need a place to run the server, use the hosting option below.
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Build and register an arena
Decide how much of the map is playable and where players enter, spectate and wait between rounds. Keep the lobby outside the active arena, and make sure players have a clear route from the lobby to the game.
- For TNT Run, plan enough layered floor for players to spread out and fall through as blocks disappear.
- For TNT Tag, leave room for players to pass the TNT and move away from whoever is holding it.
Follow the plugin's arena setup flow
With Despical's TNT Run, the documented commands include /tr create <arena_id> and /tr edit <arena_id>. Its docs cover getting started and arena setup, including setup menus and join signs.
For TNT Tag Minigames, use this documented command sequence:
/tt setlobby
/tt create <name>
/tt <name> pos1
/tt <name> pos2
/tt <name> setspawnConfirm the commands for your plugin's installed version before building a live arena.
TNTRun_reloaded requires the tntrun.setup permission for its /trsetup commands. The available documentation confirms the permission and command family, but not the exact arena command sequence, so follow the plugin's current documentation rather than guessing. It also supports join signs and leaderboard signs.
Test a build before using it in a match
Our team sells two TNT Tag arena builds. TNT Tag Arenas | Futuristic & Medieval includes two themed arenas, with schematic variants listed for versions 1.8 to 1.21.11. Paste a copy into a test world and check the playable bounds before using it as a match map.
TNT Tag Arenas | Dino & Fossil includes two floating-island arenas. Its store summary lists versions 1.8 to 1.21+; use a copy of the world to check the arena layout and entry points before launch.
Our WorldEdit schematic guide explains how to upload, paste and undo a build. For lobby navigation ideas, see our lobby design guide.
Test a full round before opening the server
- Join as a regular player and confirm the lobby route, join method and spectator behavior.
- Run a round with enough players to test the countdown, elimination and end-of-game flow.
- Check that the arena resets before the next match. TNTRun_reloaded documents automatic regeneration after games.
- Test signs, leaderboards, rewards and any optional integrations you enabled.
- Review permissions with a non-operator account. TNTRun_reloaded lists
tntrun.joinas default true, while its setup permission defaults to op. - For an arena build, test boundaries and block placement in a copy before allowing public matches.
Once the game works on a test copy, take a backup before moving the setup to the public server. Our server backup guide covers keeping a copy offsite and testing a restore.
Questions server owners ask
How do I make a TNT Run server in Minecraft?
Choose a TNT Run plugin that supports your Minecraft version and server software, install it, then create and test an arena using that plugin's documented setup flow. Add a lobby, join route and spectator area, then test a full round before opening it.
Which TNT Run plugin supports Paper 26.3?
Despical's TNT Run listing includes Minecraft 26.3. TNTRun_reloaded's current release is listed for 1.21.3 and newer, so check compatibility with 26.3 before using it there.
What is the difference between TNT Run and TNT Tag?
TNT Run removes floor blocks as players move, so the last player still standing wins. In TNT Tag, players pass a TNT item to avoid elimination when its countdown ends.
Can I run TNT Run and TNT Tag on the same server?
Yes, you can plan a lobby with separate arenas and join routes for each mode, using plugins that match your server version. Test each game's arena, permissions and round reset separately before inviting players.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a TNT Run server in Minecraft?
Choose a TNT Run plugin that supports your Minecraft version and server software, install it, then create and test an arena using that plugin's documented setup flow. Add a lobby, join route and spectator area, then test a full round before opening it.
Which TNT Run plugin supports Paper 26.3?
Despical's TNT Run listing includes Minecraft 26.3. TNTRun_reloaded's current release is listed for 1.21.3 and newer, so check compatibility with 26.3 before using it there.
What is the difference between TNT Run and TNT Tag?
TNT Run removes floor blocks as players move, so the last player still standing wins. In TNT Tag, players pass a TNT item to avoid elimination when its countdown ends.
Can I run TNT Run and TNT Tag on the same server?
Yes, you can plan a lobby with separate arenas and join routes for each mode, using plugins that match your server version. Test each game's arena, permissions and round reset separately before inviting players.
