What EliteMobs works with.
| Platform | Java Edition |
|---|---|
| Loaders | Paper, Purpur, Spigot |
| Minecraft versions | 1.21, 1.21.4, 1.21.8, 1.21.11, 26.1, 26.2, 26.3 |
EliteMobs is a Spigot and Paper plugin that replaces ordinary mob spawns with scripted, leveled bosses, then builds a full RPG layer around them: instanced dungeons, wave-based arenas, quests, parties, and player progression. The current release, EliteMobs 10.9.5, reaches Minecraft 26.3 on Paper, Purpur, and Spigot alike, and needs Java 21 to run.
Installation and requirements
- 1.Drop EliteMobs.jar into the server's plugins folder.
- 2.Start the server, then run /em initialize once (requires the elitemobs.initialize permission).
- 3.Use /em setup afterward to manage dungeons, arenas, and installed content packs.
- 4.Updating follows the same steps; there is no need to remove or reset existing files first.
The plugin.yml declares api-version 1.21.4 and the build compiles against the Spigot 26.2-R0.1-SNAPSHOT API, so match the Java version and server build to whatever your host runs. Only Paper, Purpur, and Spigot are documented; there is no confirmed Folia or proxy (Velocity, BungeeCord) support.
Dependencies and integrations
EliteMobs has no hard dependencies. Every integration below is a soft dependency, meaning the plugin runs without it and simply skips the corresponding feature. Vault is the one exception in practice: it is required for the built-in economy and shop system, even though it loads as a soft dependency.
- Vault - required for Elite currency, dynamic shops, and sell shops.
- WorldGuard - respects region flags around dungeons and arenas.
- PlaceholderAPI, LuckPerms-style permission checks, and DiscordSRV - optional integrations for placeholders, perk permissions, and notifications.
- ResourcePackManager and Free Minecraft Models - enable the graphical combat HUD and custom mob and equipment models.
- MythicMobs, ModelEngine, LibsDisguises, LevelledMobs, and InfernalMobs - optional hooks for arena mobs, disguises, and mob compatibility.
Commands and permissions
Two base commands cover everything: /elitemobs (alias /em) for core functions and dungeons, and /adventurersguild (alias /ag) for the class-training hub. Both route through a large set of subcommands, viewable in-game with /em help. Permissions follow the elitemobs.<area>.<action> pattern; elitemobs.user bundles the player-facing set (shops, quests, ranks, repairs) and defaults to true, while admin actions like setup, spawning, and currency edits default to op.
The Advanced Combat System is still alpha
Release 10.9.0 added an optional ability system with 76 classes, mobility and utility skills, and class-locked gear, enabled by default through AdvancedCombatSystem.yml. It is labeled alpha: class balance and localization are still being tuned, so a server that wants the stable RPG loop without the newer system can set enabled: false and keep the rest of EliteMobs unaffected.
EliteMobs Setup Video
Questions about EliteMobs.
5 questions
Is the EliteMobs plugin free?
The plugin itself is free and open source under GPL-3.0, downloadable from Modrinth and GitHub. MagmaGuy separately sells additional dungeon and arena content packs through Patreon and itch.io, with roughly half the catalog also offered free; the plugin's core boss, dungeon, and progression systems don't require buying anything.
Which Minecraft version does EliteMobs support?
EliteMobs 10.9.5 reaches Minecraft 26.3 on Paper, Purpur, and Spigot as of September 16, 2026. The plugin.yml declares api-version 1.21.4 and the build compiles against the Spigot 26.2 API, and it requires a Java 21 runtime on the server.
Does EliteMobs need Vault?
Vault loads as a soft dependency, so EliteMobs starts without it, but Vault is required to use the built-in Elite currency and shop system. Without Vault, the boss, dungeon, arena, and quest systems still work; only the economy features are unavailable.
Does EliteMobs work on Folia or a proxy like Velocity?
No. EliteMobs documents support only for Paper, Purpur, and Spigot. There is no confirmed Folia compatibility and no proxy integration for Velocity or BungeeCord, so treat those setups as unsupported until the project states otherwise.
Do I need to configure the Advanced Combat System?
No configuration is required to try it. The class-based Advanced Combat System ships enabled by default since version 10.9.0, but it is labeled alpha. Set enabled: false in AdvancedCombatSystem.yml to disable it and keep EliteMobs' original boss and dungeon systems without the newer ability layer.
