> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://esmp-fun.gitbook.io/plugins/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://esmp-fun.gitbook.io/plugins/mythic-trials/installation.md).

# Installation

## What you need

* A Paper or Folia server running Minecraft **1.21.7 or newer**. The admin GUI uses Paper's Dialog API (added MC 1.21.6, Paper bindings since 1.21.7); older Paper versions will fail to load.
* **Java 21** or newer.
* **BetterTrialChambers v1.6.1+** already installed and working. The v1.6.1 minimum is required — this plugin uses TCP 1.6.1's chamber difficulty labels for the clear broadcast, plus `ChamberEnteredEvent` / `ChamberExitedEvent` (TCP 1.5.4) for the in-chamber HUD and `ChamberClearedEvent` (1.5.0) for progression. Grab TCP from [Modrinth](https://modrinth.com/plugin/trialchamberpro); it's free.
* **(Optional)** Vault Crates, Wild Spawners, and/or Vault for the cross-module integrations, and PlaceholderAPI for the `%tcpmt_…%` placeholders.

## Step 1 — Drop in the JAR

Copy the `tcp-mythic-trials-<version>.jar` you downloaded into your server's `plugins/` folder. Don't rename it.

```
plugins/
├── BetterTrialChambers-1.5.x.jar
├── tcp-mythic-trials-<version>.jar     ← new
└── ...
```

## Step 2 — Restart the server

Restart — don't `/reload`. Reloading is unreliable for plugins that register listeners on enable.

## Step 3 — Verify it loaded

Watch the console as the server boots:

```
[INFO] [Mythic Trials] License key sourced from JAR placeholder (production distribution).
[INFO] [Mythic Trials] MythicTrials module active — MythicTierService published; 0 chamber(s) configured for Mythic progression; season none active.
[INFO] ╔══════════════════════════════════════╗
[INFO] ║  Mythic Trials v<version>      ║
[INFO] ║  Licensed via ESMP                ║
[INFO] ╚══════════════════════════════════════╝
```

If you see the banner, you're good. `0 chamber(s) configured for Mythic` is expected on a fresh install — Standard tiers 1–20 work everywhere; Mythic is opt-in (see [chambers.yml](/plugins/mythic-trials/chambers-yml.md)).

## Step 4 — Confirm the GUI works

Join as an op (or anyone with `tcpmt.admin`) and run:

```
/tcpmt menu
```

The admin menu should open. If it works, your install is complete.

## What if it didn't load?

* **"BetterTrialChambers not loaded — cannot activate Mythic Trials."** BetterTrialChambers is missing or failed to load. Install the free TCP plugin at **v1.6.1 or later**.
* **"License verification FAILED."** The JAR didn't receive its embedded licence. Re-download from your purchase page at [esmp.fun/plugins](https://esmp.fun/plugins) (or whichever store you bought it from).
* **`ClassNotFoundException` mentioning `io.papermc.paper.dialog`** at startup. Your Paper is older than 1.21.7. Update it.

For anything else, hop into the Discord linked from the product page.

## Where the plugin's files live

After first boot:

```
plugins/Mythic Trials/
├── config.yml            ← marketplace, tier telegraph, update checker, debug
├── tiers.yml             ← scaling formula + guardrails + party resolution
├── chambers.yml          ← per-chamber Mythic gating + loot
├── seasons.yml           ← seasonal loot rotations
├── rewards.yml           ← chamber-clear reward channels
├── messages.yml          ← every player-facing string
├── progression.db        ← per-player tier storage (don't share or edit)
└── license-cache.dat     ← offline-grace verification cache (don't share!)
```

The five YAMLs are yours to edit. `progression.db` and `license-cache.dat` are managed by the plugin — never copy them between machines.

***

Next: [**How progression works →**](/plugins/mythic-trials/how-it-works.md)