Minecraft is an amazing open-ended game, but what if you could take it to the next level? Using the Essentials Plugin Suite, you can add create and manage user groups, specify permissions for commands, and even add a class system!

We've got a video tutorial you can use to get set up, but first, be sure you've got a Bukkit server working. If you need help, check out our article, How To Configure and Run Bukkit, An Alternative Minecraft Server. If you plan on running your server at home and aren't sure on how to let your friends join in, take a look at How To Easily Access Your Home Network From Anywhere With DDNS as well as How To Forward Ports on Your Router.

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You can always get the latest version from the Bukkit main page.

You can get the Essentials plugin suite from their Wiki's Downloads page.

Lastly, you should visit the Tutorials page to learn YAML syntax and for in-depth looks at the configuration files.

Combining the use of kits in the Essentials config.yml file and the use of groups in the GroupManager groups.yml file, you can effectively create a class system to which multiple users are assigned. Miners can summon mining kits, smiths can summon furnaces and fuel, and farmers can summon their tools and bone meal. It makes each class's work easier to accomplish, and they can trade and explore as much as they want. You can combine many elements of Survival Multiplayer with much of the ease and convenience of "all Op" online servers so you can still create as much as you want, but leave the challenge of surviving from monsters intact.

Have you taken Minecraft to the next level? Share your thoughts, experiences, and creations in the comments!