Configuration

All options live in plugins/Hounded/config.yml. Apply changes with /hounded reload, no restart needed. Invalid values fall back to the default, and the console says which key was wrong. If the file can't be read at all, the previous config stays active.

Headstart

Key	Default	Meaning
headstart.default-seconds	30	Headstart when /hounded start has no number. 0 = none, at most 3600 (1 hour).
headstart.freeze-hunters	true	Hunters can't move, mine, build, attack, use or drop items, ride or be hurt until released. They can still look around. A hunter who is riding is put on foot. Commands and other plugins can't teleport them unless they have hounded.admin: to move another hunter, stop the round first or wait for the release.
headstart.blind-hunters	true	Hunters are blind until released, so they can't watch where runners go.

Compass

Key	Default	Meaning
compass.update-mode	auto	auto updates on a timer; manual updates on right-click.
compass.update-interval-ticks	20	Auto-update interval (20 ticks = 1 s). Minimum 1.
compass.disable-in-nether-for-hunters	false	Turn off tracking while a hunter is in the Nether.

See Tracking Compass for how it behaves.

Rules

Key	Default	Meaning
rules.freeze-when-looked-at	false	While hunting, a hunter can't walk while a runner is looking at them (within about 15° of the crosshair, clear view, up to 64 blocks). They can still look around, attack and use items, but can't mount anything, and a rider is put on foot. Nobody is hurt by it.
rules.runner-can-attack-hunters	true	Runners may damage hunters, including with projectiles and harmful splash or lingering potions.
rules.friendly-fire	false	Players on the same side may damage each other, including with projectiles and harmful potions. Helpful potions always work.
rules.eliminated-runners-spectate	true	Runners who are out watch in spectator mode until the round ends. If false, they keep playing but no longer count for the win.
rules.runner-rejoin-grace-seconds	300	Seconds a runner who leaves has to come back before they're out. 0 = out at once.

The two attack rules only apply between players with a role, during a round. They don't cover fire that keeps burning after a hit, explosions, lava or fire placed by a player, or tamed pets.

Display

Key	Default	Meaning
display.mode	bossbar	bossbar, scoreboard or none. Switches live on /hounded reload.
display.show-distance	true	Show hunters the distance to their target.

See Display.

Other

Key	Default	Meaning
quick-start-guide	true	Show admins a short start guide in chat when they join, until the first round is started. It's shown once per server: delete plugins/Hounded/data.yml to see it again.