VentureChat
Feature-rich chat plugin with channels, formatting, private messaging, filters and BungeeCord/Velocity support.
ChatWhat is VentureChat?
VentureChat is a feature-rich but free chat plugin built around channels and JSON formatting. Players use multiple channels (global, local, staff, trade) with their own ranges, colours and permissions, and the JSON formatting support means chat can include hover text and clickable elements — a name that shows info on hover, a link you can click. It includes private messaging with reply and ignore, configurable chat filters, and BungeeCord support so channels span a network. PlaceholderAPI integration lets formats pull in live data. It is a popular free alternative to premium chat suites for servers that mainly need solid channels and formatting.
Who it's for: Servers wanting capable channel-based chat with hover/click formatting and network support, without paying for a premium plugin. A common free pick for multi-channel communities. It is built and maintained by Aust1n46 and sits in the chat category.
Key features of VentureChat
- Chat channels
- JSON formatting
- Private messaging
- Chat filters
- BungeeCord support
- PlaceholderAPI support
- Clickable messages
- Channel aliases
How to install VentureChat
VentureChat runs on Bukkit, Spigot or Paper servers. Aust1n46 maintains VentureChat for current Spigot/Paper versions with BungeeCord compatibility.
- 1Stop your server, or have it ready to restart. Always back up your world and plugins folder before adding a new plugin.
- 2Download VentureChat.jar (a build matching your server version) and place it in your server's /plugins folder.
- 3VentureChat has no required dependencies, so it runs on its own once the jar is in place.
- 4Start the server fully. VentureChat generates its configuration files on first launch — stop the server, edit them to taste, then start again.
- 5Confirm it loaded by checking the console for VentureChat on startup, or by running one of its commands in-game.
Note: Drop VentureChat into /plugins and restart to generate its config where channels and formats are defined. Install Vault if you want rank prefixes pulled from your permissions plugin, and PlaceholderAPI for dynamic placeholders in formats. For a network, install it on the backends and enable BungeeCord support so channels carry across servers.
VentureChat commands and permissions
Main commands
/channel- Switches your active chat channel or sends a one-off message to a channel.
/msg- Sends a private message to another player.
/reply- Replies to the last player who messaged you.
/ignore- Hides messages from a specified player.
Permission nodes
venturechat.channel.*- Controls access to chat channels.
venturechat.msg- Allows private messaging.
venturechat.ignore- Allows ignoring other players.
VentureChat FAQ
What does JSON formatting let me do in VentureChat?
JSON formatting adds hover and click behaviour to chat. A player's name can show extra information on hover, channel tags can be clickable, and links can open when clicked. This makes chat interactive rather than plain text, and is configured in the chat format settings.
How do channels work?
You define channels (global, local, staff, etc.) in the config, each with its own colour, range, permission and optional auto-join. Players switch with /channel <name> or send a single message to one with the channel command. Local channels limit messages to nearby players, useful for roleplay and large servers.
Is VentureChat free?
Yes. VentureChat is a free plugin that nonetheless offers channels, JSON formatting, private messaging and network support. It is a popular free alternative for servers that want strong chat features without licensing a premium suite like ChatControl.
Can I show rank prefixes in VentureChat?
Yes, via Vault. Install Vault and your permissions plugin (LuckPerms), and VentureChat can include the group prefix and suffix in its chat format. PlaceholderAPI adds further dynamic data such as stats or balances to the format if you want it.
Does VentureChat work across a network?
Yes. It supports BungeeCord, so channels and messages can span backend servers. Install VentureChat on each backend and enable the BungeeCord option; players in the same channel on different servers then share that conversation.
Features
- Chat channels
- JSON formatting
- Private messaging
- Chat filters
- BungeeCord support
- PlaceholderAPI support
- Clickable messages
- Channel aliases
Commands
/ch/channel/msg/reply/ignore/chatreload/venturechatPermissions
venturechat.channel.*venturechat.msgventurechat.ignoreventurechat.admin