Slimefun Complete Guide — Setup, Addons, and Server Configuration

Slimefun requires PaperMC 1.16+ (recommended: latest Paper for best performance). Download Slimefun from the official builds page, drop the .jar into your /plugins folder, restart. On first start, Slimefun generates its research configuration and item database. The default config works for most servers. Key config options in config.yml: 'auto-update: true' keeps Slimefun updated, 'research-system: enabled' gates items behind XP costs, 'armor-and-tools: enabled' enables Slimefun's custom gear system. Restart again after configuring.

Slimefun Adventure — adds custom dungeons, bosses, and exploration content tied to Slimefun progression. Exotic Garden — adds farming machines (automated crop harvesters, tree farms, animal breeding). SDFarm — adds more farming and food processing machines. Infinity Expansion — end-game content with creative-tier machines (requires massive energy). Simple Storage — adds storage network system (chest sorting, remote access). These addons integrate seamlessly and don't require separate permission management.

Slimefun works with LuckPerms. Create groups: default (basic access to iron/copper age), trusted (gold/diamond age), veteran (nether/end game items). Use '/sf give' to grant specific items without research. Economy integration: use Slimefun's built-in Item Shop or pair with EssentialsX Shop. Set up an admin shop that sells basic Slimefun materials (circuit boards, capacitors) so new players can start progressing immediately. Research costs can be configured to require in-game currency.

Slimefun is plugin-heavy — it adds hundreds of tickable machines. Optimize: Set 'tick-delay: 2' in config.yml (default 1) — machines process every 2 ticks instead of every tick, cutting CPU usage 50% with minimal player-perceptible delay. Limit chunk loaders: max 5 per player, max 20 total. Disable unused Slimefun categories in items.yml to reduce memory. Use Spark to profile Slimefun overhead — if tick time exceeds 2ms per tick for Slimefun, upgrade to more RAM or disable unused addons.

Issue: Machines stop working when chunks unload. Fix: Enable 'keep-chunks-loaded: true' for machine areas (use '/sf chunk' to mark). Issue: Research progress lost on restart. Fix: Enable 'auto-save-interval: 300' (5 minute auto-save). Issue: Lag from hundreds of cargo nodes. Fix: Use 'cargo-node-tick-delay: 5' to reduce cargo tick frequency. Issue: Items disappearing from networks. Fix: Check 'max-item-stack: 64' in Simple Storage config. Issue: Players bypassing research. Fix: Set 'disable-toggling: true' in config to prevent creative-mode bypass.