Best Minecraft Server MOTD Ideas & Examples 2025

Your Minecraft server MOTD (Message of the Day) is the first thing players see in the server list. A great MOTD attracts more players and sets the tone for your server.

What is a Minecraft Server MOTD?

The MOTD is the two-line message displayed below your server name in the Minecraft multiplayer server list. It supports color codes, formatting, and even custom fonts through MiniMessage format.

MOTD Format Options

Legacy Color Codes

The traditional way to add colors using the & or § symbol:

&a&lWelcome to MyServer
&7Join now for amazing adventures!

MiniMessage Format (Modern)

Adventure’s MiniMessage offers advanced formatting:

<gradient:gold:yellow><bold>Epic Server</bold></gradient>
<gray>Play now at </gray><aqua>play.example.com</aqua>

Best MOTD Design Practices

Keep It Short & Impactful

You only have two lines and ~60 characters per line. Make every word count.

Use Contrasting Colors

Bright colors on line 1, muted on line 2 works well. Avoid too many colors.

Include Your IP or Key Info

• Server version (1.20+)
• Game mode (Survival, Skyblock, etc.)
• Special features or events
• Player count or online indicator

Popular MOTD Examples

Survival Server

&6&l✦ SURVIVAL SMP ✦ &f1.20+
&7Adventure awaits! &aJoin Now!

PvP Server

&c&l⚔ BATTLE ARENA ⚔ &7PvP & KitPvP
&eFight for glory! &cRanked matches live!

Creative Server

&b&l✧ CREATIVE WORLD ✧ &fFree Plots!
&7Build anything you imagine &a◆ WorldEdit

Advanced MOTD Features

Gradients & Rainbow Text

MiniMessage supports beautiful gradients:

<gradient:#FF6B6B:#4ECDC4>Amazing Server</gradient>
<rainbow>Rainbow text here!</rainbow>

Formatting Options

• <bold> – Bold text
• <italic> – Italic text
• <underlined> – Underlined text
• <strikethrough> – Strikethrough text
• <obfuscated> – Glitchy/scrambled text

How to Set Your MOTD

In server.properties

motd=\u00A76\u00A7l★ MY SERVER ★ \u00A77Join now!

Using Plugins

Plugins like ServerListPlus or MiniMOTD offer more features including animations and random MOTDs.

MOTD Checklist

✅ Under 60 characters per line
✅ Clear server identity
✅ Eye-catching colors
✅ Call to action
✅ Mobile-friendly (no tiny text)
✅ Updated regularly for events

Create your perfect MOTD! Use our free MOTD Generator Tool with live preview and both Legacy & MiniMessage support.

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