How to Set Up VIP Ranks on Your Minecraft Server (2026 Guide)

Selling VIP ranks is the most common way Minecraft server owners monetize their communities. Done right, it generates consistent revenue without breaking gameplay balance. This guide walks you through the full setup — from creating ranks in LuckPerms to connecting your store so purchases are delivered automatically.

Before You Start: The EULA Question

Minecraft's EULA prohibits selling gameplay advantages — things that give paying players a competitive edge over free players. What's allowed: cosmetics, quality-of-life perks, rank prefixes, access to creative mode, colored chat. What's not: OP items in survival, extra health, damage boosts in PvP.

Most successful server stores stay EULA-compliant by focusing on cosmetics and convenience rather than power. It's also better for server health — pay-to-win mechanics push away good players.

Step 1: Set Up Your Rank Structure in LuckPerms

LuckPerms is the standard permission plugin for modern Minecraft servers. Install it from luckperms.net if you haven't already.

Create three groups — we'll use a common three-tier structure:

• vip — your entry rank
• vip_plus — your mid rank
• elite — your top rank

In LuckPerms editor or via commands:

• /lp creategroup vip
• /lp creategroup vip_plus
• /lp creategroup elite

Add permissions to each group. For VIP, a good starter set:

• /lp group vip permission set essentials.fly true — flight in non-PvP zones
• /lp group vip permission set essentials.sethome.multiple.vip 3 — 3 home locations
• /lp group vip permission set essentials.nick true — custom nickname
• /lp group vip permission set essentials.hat true — wear any block as a hat

Step 2: Set Up the Chat Prefix

Players buy VIP partly for the visible status in chat. Set prefixes using LuckPerms meta:

• /lp group vip meta set prefix 10 "&6[VIP] &r"
• /lp group vip_plus meta set prefix 20 "&b[VIP+] &r"
• /lp group elite meta set prefix 30 "&c[ELITE] &r"

Use a chat formatting plugin like ChatFormatter or Vault-compatible chat plugin to display these prefixes. EssentialsX Chat works well for most setups.

Step 3: Create Your Packages in ForgeStore

Now create the packages in your ForgeStore dashboard. Go to Dashboard → Packages → New Package.

VIP Package ($9.99)

• Name: ⭐ VIP Rank
• Description: "Flight, 3 homes, custom nickname, [VIP] prefix in chat"
• Command: lp user {player} parent set vip

VIP+ Package ($19.99)

• Name: 💎 VIP+ Rank
• Description: "Everything in VIP + 5 homes, /back command, colored chat, [VIP+] prefix"
• Commands (run in order):
• lp user {player} parent set vip_plus
• broadcast &b{player} &7just upgraded to &b[VIP+]&7!

Elite Package ($39.99)

• Name: 🔥 ELITE Rank
• Description: "All VIP+ perks + creative plot world access, particle effects, /fly everywhere, [ELITE] prefix"
• Commands:
• lp user {player} parent set elite
• broadcast &c{player} &7has ascended to &c[ELITE]&7! Welcome to the top.
• give {player} firework_rocket 64

Step 4: Handle Offline Players

Players often buy VIP when they're not online. ForgeStore queues the command and runs it the moment the player joins. You don't have to do anything — it's automatic. The player will see a welcome message in chat with their new rank prefix as soon as they connect.

Step 5: Rank Renewals and Subscriptions

Consider offering monthly subscriptions instead of (or in addition to) lifetime ranks. Monthly VIP at $4.99/month vs lifetime at $9.99 — some players prefer the lower upfront cost, and recurring revenue is more predictable for you.

In ForgeStore, set up a subscription package with monthly billing. The renewal command runs automatically each month.

Making Your Ranks Visible In-Game

The #1 driver of VIP sales is existing players seeing others with VIP benefits in-game. Make it obvious:

• Colorful, distinctive chat prefixes
• A visible particle effect or glow on VIP players
• Announce every VIP purchase in chat with a broadcast message
• A /ranks command that shows all available perks