> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mode-development.gitbook.io/atomcombat/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mode-development.gitbook.io/atomcombat/getting-started/installation.md).

# Installation

## Requirements

* Paper 1.20.4 through 1.21.11.
* Java 17 or newer.
* A license key for AtomCombat, issued through the Aeros Discord bot.

## Optional software

None of these are required to run AtomCombat, but each unlocks extra behaviour when installed:

| Plugin         | What it unlocks                                                                                        |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| PacketEvents   | Required for the packet-based knockback and attack timing engine in Combat Core.                       |
| Vault          | Economy-backed bounties.                                                                               |
| LuckPerms      | Rank abilities are gated by Bukkit permissions, which LuckPerms manages naturally.                     |
| WorldGuard     | Per-region PvP, keep-inventory, keep-experience and knockback profile overrides.                       |
| PlaceholderAPI | `%atomcombat_*%` placeholders for stats.                                                               |
| PulsePrison    | Currency rewards for bounties, skill experience on kill, and prestige/rebirth gates on rank abilities. |

## Steps

1. Install PacketEvents on your server (required for Combat Core's packet-based timing and knockback).
2. Drop `AtomCombat-<version>.jar` into your `plugins` folder.
3. Start the server once to generate the default files under `plugins/AtomCombat/`.
4. Stop the server (or use `/atomcombat reload` once configured) and open `plugins/AtomCombat/config.yml`.
5. Set your `license.key` (see [First Setup](/atomcombat/getting-started/first-setup.md)).
6. Review `modules/*.yml` for each feature you plan to use, and `languages/*.yml` if you want to change any wording.
7. Start the server.

AtomCombat downloads a few small libraries (bStats, HikariCP, the SQLite and MySQL drivers) automatically at startup through Paper's plugin library loader — no manual JAR shading is needed, and no extra download step is required from you.


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