How to make a Minecraft Lifesteal server

To make a Lifesteal server, run Paper and install a Lifesteal plugin or datapack that adds heart stealing, then tune PvP and ban rules. Several plugins exist, so choose one that supports your version and read its docs.

Steps

1. Create a survival Paper server with pvp=true.
2. Pick a Lifesteal plugin and confirm its version support.
3. Install it in the plugins folder and restart.
4. Open its config in the Files tab and set starting hearts, max hearts and what happens at zero hearts.
5. Add a permissions plugin for staff.

Typical rules to set

• Minimum and maximum hearts.
• Whether players are banned or revived at zero.
• A way to craft or buy back hearts.

Fair play

• Use CoreProtect or similar to investigate cheating.
• Consider an anti-cheat plugin.
• Set a world border and a safe spawn.

Keep it healthy

Lifesteal can get toxic. Set clear rules for combat logging and spawn camping, and make the appeal process easy.

Common mistakes

• Not testing zero-heart behavior before launch.
• Allowing combat logging with no penalty.
• No spawn protection.
• Using an unmaintained plugin.