WorldGuard
Region-based protection plugin. Define areas with specific flags to control PvP, mob spawning, block breaking and more.
ProtectionWhat is WorldGuard?
WorldGuard, also from EngineHub, is region-based protection driven by flags. You select an area with WorldEdit, define it as a region, and then toggle flags on that region: deny block breaking, disable PvP, stop mob spawning, set greeting messages, force a game mode and dozens more. Regions can have members and owners, can be prioritised so a smaller region overrides a larger one, and there is a global region for world-wide rules. It also carries a blacklist system for banning specific item interactions outright.
Who it's for: Server owners protecting spawns, shops, event arenas and staff zones, and anyone who needs fine-grained control over what is and is not allowed in specific parts of a world. It is built and maintained by EngineHub (sk89q) and sits in the protection category.
Key features of WorldGuard
- Region protection
- Custom region flags
- Blacklist system
- Chest protection
- PvP control per region
- Mob spawning control
- Build permission zones
- Entry and exit messages
- Custom flag API
How to install WorldGuard
WorldGuard runs on Bukkit, Spigot or Paper servers. Maintained alongside WorldEdit for current Spigot/Paper versions. Always run a WorldGuard build that matches your WorldEdit and server version.
- 1Stop your server, or have it ready to restart. Always back up your world and plugins folder before adding a new plugin.
- 2Download WorldGuard.jar (a build matching your server version) and place it in your server's /plugins folder.
- 3WorldGuard requires WorldEdit — install that plugin first or WorldGuard will not start.
- 4Start the server fully. WorldGuard 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 WorldGuard on startup, or by running one of its commands in-game.
Note: WorldGuard requires WorldEdit — install both jars in /plugins. On first start it generates a config.yml plus a per-world config where many protections (mob griefing, TNT, creeper damage) are toggled globally before you even define a region.
WorldGuard commands and permissions
Main commands
/rg define- Creates a new region from your current WorldEdit selection, giving it a name you reference in later commands.
/rg flag- Sets a flag on a region — for example /rg flag spawn pvp deny to disable combat there.
/rg info- Shows a region's owners, members, flags and priority.
/rg addmember- Adds a player to a region so they may build inside it where the build flag is otherwise denied.
Permission nodes
worldguard.region.define.*- Allows creating regions; usually staff-only.
worldguard.region.flag.*- Allows setting flags on regions.
worldguard.region.info.*- Allows viewing region details.
WorldGuard FAQ
How do I protect my spawn area with WorldGuard?
Select the area with the WorldEdit wand, run /rg define spawn, then apply flags such as /rg flag spawn build deny to stop non-members building and /rg flag spawn pvp deny to disable combat. Members and owners added with /rg addmember bypass the build restriction.
What is a region flag?
A flag is a rule attached to a region. Flags control things like PvP, block breaking, mob spawning, entry permission, greeting messages and game mode. You set them with /rg flag <region> <flag> <value>, and a region can carry many flags at once.
How do I disable PvP only in certain areas?
Define a region around the area and run /rg flag <region> pvp deny. PvP remains enabled everywhere outside that region. To disable PvP across an entire world instead, set the flag on the special __global__ region.
Why can players still break blocks inside my region?
Usually because they are listed as members or owners of the region, or hold an override permission. Check /rg info <region> for the member list, and confirm the build flag is actually set to deny. Region priority also matters — a higher-priority child region can re-allow what a parent denies.
Does WorldGuard stop creeper and TNT damage?
Yes, but much of that is controlled in the per-world config rather than per region. Set creeper-explosion and tnt options under the worldguard config for blanket protection, or use the creeper-explosion and other-explosion flags on a specific region for localised control.
Features
- Region protection
- Custom region flags
- Blacklist system
- Chest protection
- PvP control per region
- Mob spawning control
- Build permission zones
- Entry and exit messages
- Custom flag API
Commands
/rg define/rg remove/rg flag/rg info/rg list/rg addmember/rg addowner/rg selectPermissions
worldguard.region.define.*worldguard.region.flag.*worldguard.region.info.*worldguard.region.list.*