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Kala edited this page Nov 10, 2025 · 6 revisions

Installation Guide

This guide will walk you through installing Limited Spectator on your Minecraft client or server.

Which Version Should I Download?

Limited Spectator has two versions available:

🟢 Stable v1.0.2 (Recommended)

Best for: Production servers, users wanting reliability

Download: LimitedSpectator-1.21.1-1.0.2.jar

Features:

  • ✅ Fully tested and stable
  • ✅ No known bugs
  • 🔒 Fixed settings (75 blocks, level 0 permissions)
  • ❌ No configuration file

🟡 Beta v1.1.0

Best for: Test servers, users needing customization

Download: LimitedSpectator-1.21.1-1.1.0-beta.jar

Features:

  • ✅ Full configuration system (25+ options)
  • ✅ Configurable distance, permissions, interactions
  • ⚠️ Has known issues (see Beta Features)
  • ✅ Generates config/limitedspectator-common.toml

Not sure? Check the Version Comparison page.

System Requirements

Before installing, ensure your system meets these requirements:

Component Requirement
Minecraft 1.21.x
Mod Loader NeoForge 21.1.213+
Java Java 21 or higher
Operating System Windows, Linux, macOS

Download Links

Official Releases

Installation Methods

🖥️ Server Installation (Recommended)

Limited Spectator is primarily a server-side mod, which means it works best when installed on the server.

Step 1: Install NeoForge on Server

  1. Download NeoForge 21.1.213 or higher from NeoForge Downloads
  2. Run the installer: java -jar neoforge-installer.jar --installServer
  3. This creates a run.sh (Linux/Mac) or run.bat (Windows) file

Step 2: Add Limited Spectator

  1. Locate your server's mods/ folder
    • If it doesn't exist, create it in the server root directory
  2. Copy LimitedSpectator-1.21.1-1.0.2.jar or LimitedSpectator-1.21.1-1.1.0-beta.jar into the mods/ folder
  3. Start the server using ./run.sh (Linux/Mac) or run.bat (Windows)

Step 3: First-Time Configuration (only for beta)

When the server starts for the first time:

  1. The mod will generate config/limitedspectator-common.toml
  2. Edit config/limitedspectator-common.toml to customize settings (see Configuration Guide)
  3. Restart the server or use /reload command

💻 Client Installation (Optional)

Client installation is optional but recommended for enhanced features like automatic HUD hiding.

Step 1: Install NeoForge on Client

  1. Download NeoForge 21.1.213 or higher from NeoForge Downloads
  2. Run the installer and select "Install Client"
  3. Open the Minecraft Launcher and select the NeoForge profile

Step 2: Add Limited Spectator

  1. Open your Minecraft folder:
    • Windows: %APPDATA%\.minecraft
    • Linux: ~/.minecraft
    • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft
  2. Navigate to the mods/ folder (create it if it doesn't exist)
  3. Copy LimitedSpectator-1.21.1-1.0.2.jar or LimitedSpectator-1.21.1-1.1.0-beta.jar into the mods/ folder
  4. Launch Minecraft with the NeoForge profile

🔧 Single-Player Installation

For single-player or LAN worlds:

  1. Follow the Client Installation steps above
  2. Configuration file will be at: run/config/limitedspectator-common.toml (only for beta)

Verifying Installation

On Server

Check the server console during startup. You should see:

[INFO] [LimitedSpectator] Limited Spectator mod loaded successfully!

You can also run /spectator help in-game to verify commands are available.

On Client

  1. Launch Minecraft
  2. Go to "Mods" menu from the main screen
  3. Look for "Limited Spectator" in the mod list
  4. Version should show: 1.21.1-1.0.2 or 1.21.1-1.1.0-beta

Post-Installation Setup

1. Configure Permissions (only for beta)

Edit config/limitedspectator-common.toml:

[commands]
  # Permission level required for /spectator command (0-4)
  # 0 = all players, 2 = operators, 4 = server console only
  spectator_command_permission_level = 0

  # Require operator status for spectator commands
  require_op_for_spectator = false

2. Set Distance Limits (only for beta)

[movement]
  # Maximum distance from starting position (-1 = unlimited)
  max_distance = 75.0

  # Teleport back when exceeding distance, or just warn
  teleport_back_on_exceed = true

3. Test the Installation

  1. Join the server
  2. Run /spectator to enter spectator mode
  3. Run /survival to return to survival mode
  4. Verify restrictions are working (distance limits, interactions, etc.)

Common Installation Issues

"Mod not loading" or "Missing dependencies"

Solution: Ensure you're using NeoForge 21.1.213 or higher, not Forge. Limited Spectator is NeoForge-only.

"Config file not generating" (only for beta)

Solution: The config generates on first server start. Make sure:

  1. The mod JAR is in the mods/ folder
  2. The server started successfully without crashes
  3. Check logs/latest.log for errors

"Commands not available"

Solution:

  1. Verify the mod loaded by checking server logs
  2. Check if you have permission to use commands (see Commands) (only for beta)
  3. Ensure you're on a server with the mod installed

"Client crashes when joining server"

Solution: Limited Spectator is server-side. If the server has the mod but your client doesn't, you can still join. If your client has the mod but the server doesn't, remove it from your client mods/ folder.

Updating the Mod

To update to a newer version:

  1. Check Changelog for breaking changes
  2. Stop the server/client
  3. Remove the old JAR from mods/ folder
  4. Download the new version
  5. Place the new JAR in mods/ folder
  6. Update config/limitedspectator-common.toml if needed (only for beta)
  7. Restart the server/client

Note: Always backup your config file before updating!

Uninstallation

To remove Limited Spectator:

  1. Stop the server/client
  2. Delete mods/LimitedSpectator-1.21.1-1.0.2.jar or mods/LimitedSpectator-1.21.1-1.1.0-beta.jar
  3. Optionally delete config/limitedspectator-common.toml
  4. Restart the server/client

Next Steps: Check out the Configuration Guide to customize Limited Spectator for your needs! (only for beta)

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