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Karashi edited this page Dec 28, 2025 · 4 revisions

Limited Spectator provides two main commands for entering and exiting spectator mode.

Version Compatibility

Current Stable Version: v1.2.1

Feature Stable v1.2.1 (Current) Legacy v1.0.2
Commands ✅ /spectator, /survival ✅ /spectator, /survival
Permission Levels ✅ Configurable (0-4) 🔒 Fixed at 0 (all players)
OP Requirement ✅ Configurable ❌ Not available

Note: Permission configuration is available in v1.2.1. Legacy v1.0.2 always uses permission level 0.

Command Overview

Command Permission (Stable) Permission (Beta) Description
/spectator Level 0 (all players) Configurable (default: 0) Enter limited spectator mode
/survival Level 0 (all players) Configurable (default: 0) Exit spectator mode and return to survival

/spectator Command

Enters limited spectator mode, allowing the player to fly and observe with restrictions.

Syntax

/spectator

Behavior

When executed:

  1. Saves Current Position: Your exact coordinates are saved as the "starting position"
  2. Changes Game Mode: Sets you to Adventure mode with flight abilities
  3. Enables Flight: Players can double-tap spacebar to start flying
  4. Hides HUD: Hides the HUD for cleaner viewing (F1 key toggles temporarily)
  5. Applies Restrictions: All configured restrictions take effect immediately

Success Message

Entered spectator mode. Use /survival to return.

Example

/spectator

Result: You begin flying at your current position, which becomes your boundary center.

Permission Requirements

v1.2.1 (Current)

Configurable permission level - Set in config/limitedspectator-common.toml:

[commands]
  spectator_command_permission_level = 0 # 0-4
  require_op_for_spectator = false

####Legacy v1.0.2

Fixed at permission level 0 - All players can use /spectator. No configuration available.

Beta v1.1.0

Permission is controlled by two config options:

[commands]
  spectator_command_permission_level = 0
  require_op_for_spectator = false

Permission Levels:

  • 0 - All players can use the command
  • 1 - Moderators only (bypass spawn protection)
  • 2 - Operators only
  • 3 - Operators (admin commands)
  • 4 - Console/high-level admins only

Operator Requirement:

  • If require_op_for_spectator = true, only OP players can use the command regardless of permission level

Error Messages

Insufficient Permissions

You do not have permission to use this command.

Cause: Your permission level is below spectator_command_permission_level Solution: Ask a server admin to give you permission or adjust the config

Already in Spectator Mode

You are already in spectator mode.

Cause: You're already in spectator mode Solution: Use /survival to exit first

/survival Command

Exits spectator mode and returns the player to survival mode at their starting position.

Syntax

/survival

Behavior

When executed:

  1. Teleports to Start: Returns you to the exact position where you used /spectator
  2. Restores Game Mode: Sets you back to Survival mode
  3. Disables Flight: Removes flight abilities
  4. Shows HUD: Restores the HUD (if it was hidden)
  5. Clears State: Removes you from the spectator tracking system

Success Message

Returned to survival mode.

Example

/survival

Result: You're teleported back to where you started spectating and returned to survival mode.

Permission Requirements

[commands]
  survival_command_permission_level = 0

Default: Permission level 0 (all players)

Recommended: Keep this at 0 so spectators can always return to survival mode themselves.

Error Messages

Not in Spectator Mode

You are not in spectator mode.

Cause: You're not currently in spectator mode Solution: Use /spectator to enter spectator mode first

Insufficient Permissions

You do not have permission to use this command.

Cause: Your permission level is below survival_command_permission_level (unusual configuration) Solution: Ask an admin to adjust the config or use /gamemode survival if you have OP

Permission Configuration

Setting Permission Levels

Edit config/limitedspectator-common.toml:

[commands]
  # Who can enter spectator mode
  spectator_command_permission_level = 0

  # Who can exit spectator mode
  survival_command_permission_level = 0

  # Require OP status for spectator commands
  require_op_for_spectator = false

Common Permission Setups

1. Public Access (Default)

Everyone can enter and exit spectator mode:

spectator_command_permission_level = 0
survival_command_permission_level = 0
require_op_for_spectator = false

2. Staff Only

Only operators can enter spectator mode:

spectator_command_permission_level = 2
survival_command_permission_level = 0
require_op_for_spectator = false

3. Operators Only (Strict)

Only OP players can use spectator commands:

spectator_command_permission_level = 0  # Ignored
survival_command_permission_level = 0   # Ignored
require_op_for_spectator = true

4. Admin Controlled

Only high-level admins can grant spectator access:

spectator_command_permission_level = 4
survival_command_permission_level = 0
require_op_for_spectator = false

Use case: Admins manually set players to spectator mode using other commands

Granting Permissions

Using Vanilla /op 

/op <player>

This gives permission level 4 (all commands)

Using Permission Mods

If using mods like LuckPerms or FTB Chunks, set permissions:

# Example with LuckPerms
/lp user <player> permission set limitedspectator.command.spectator true

Note: Limited Spectator doesn't have native permission mod integration yet. Use permission levels in the config instead.

Usage Examples

Example 1: Basic Usage

Player: /spectator
Server: Entered spectator mode. Use /survival to return.

[Player flies around, observes base]

Player: /survival
Server: Returned to survival mode.

Example 2: Distance Limit

Player: /spectator
Server: Entered spectator mode. Use /survival to return.

[Player flies 70 blocks away - approaching limit]
Server (action bar): Warning: You are reaching the distance limit!

[Player flies 80 blocks away - exceeds limit]
Server: You have exceeded the distance limit and were teleported back!
[Player teleported to starting position]

Player: /survival
Server: Returned to survival mode.

Example 3: Dimension Travel Blocked

Player: /spectator
Server: Entered spectator mode. Use /survival to return.

[Player tries to enter Nether portal]
Server: You cannot change dimensions in spectator mode!
[Player remains in Overworld]

Player: /survival
Server: Returned to survival mode.

Example 4: Permission Denied

Player: /spectator
Server: You do not have permission to use this command.

[Player asks admin for permission]

Admin: /op Player
Server: Made Player a server operator

Player: /spectator
Server: Entered spectator mode. Use /survival to return.

Command Behavior Details

What Happens on Logout?

If reset_position_on_logout = true (default):

  1. Player logs out while in spectator mode
  2. On rejoin, player spawns at their spectator starting position
  3. Player is still in spectator mode
  4. Must use /survival to exit

Prevents: Position abuse by logging out at distant locations

What Happens on Death?

If you die while in spectator mode (with enable_invulnerability = false):

  1. Normal death mechanics apply
  2. Spectator state is cleared
  3. You respawn normally at your respawn point
  4. Must use /spectator again to re-enter

What Happens with /gamemode?

If an admin uses /gamemode creative <player> on a spectator:

  1. Player changes to creative mode
  2. Spectator state persists internally
  3. Distance limits and restrictions still apply
  4. Use /survival to properly exit spectator mode

Recommendation: Always use /survival instead of /gamemode to exit spectator mode properly.

Multiple Spectator Entries

Player: /spectator
Server: Entered spectator mode.

[Starting position: X=100, Y=70, Z=200]

Player: /survival
Server: Returned to survival mode.
[Teleported to X=100, Y=70, Z=200]

[Player walks to X=500, Y=80, Z=600]

Player: /spectator
Server: Entered spectator mode.

[New starting position: X=500, Y=80, Z=600]

Note: The starting position updates each time you use /spectator

Admin Commands

Forcing Players Out of Spectator Mode

Admins can use vanilla commands:

/gamemode survival <player>

However, this does not properly clear spectator state. The player should use:

/execute as <player> run survival

Or manually:

/tell <player> Please use /survival to exit spectator mode properly

Checking Spectator Status

There's no built-in command to check who is in spectator mode. Admins should:

  1. Check the server console for spectator entry/exit logs:

    [LimitedSpectator] Player entered spectator mode at (X, Y, Z)
[LimitedSpectator] Player exited spectator mode

  2. Use /data get entity <player> and look for:

    • playerGameType: 2 (Adventure mode)
    • abilities.mayfly: 1b (flight enabled)

Troubleshooting Commands

Command Not Found

Symptoms: /spectator shows "Unknown command"

Causes:

  1. Mod not installed on server
  2. Mod failed to load
  3. You're on the client without the mod

Solutions:

  1. Check server logs for mod loading
  2. Verify LimitedSpectator-1.21.x-1.2.1.jar is in mods/ folder
  3. Restart the server

Command Does Nothing

Symptoms: Command executes but nothing happens

Causes:

  1. You're already in spectator mode (/spectator)
  2. You're not in spectator mode (/survival)
  3. Config has incompatible settings

Solutions:

  1. Check your current game mode: /gamemode
  2. Try the opposite command
  3. Check server logs for errors

Permission Denied

Symptoms: "You do not have permission to use this command"

Solutions:

  1. Ask admin to check spectator_command_permission_level in config
  2. Ask for OP: /op <yourname>
  3. Check if require_op_for_spectator = true

Next: Learn about Features or check FAQ & Troubleshooting for common issues.

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