How to Set Up WorldGuard on a Minecraft Server
Learn how to set up WorldGuard on your Minecraft server to protect regions, control PvP, prevent griefing, and manage custom flags.
Learn how to set up WorldGuard on your Minecraft server to protect regions, control PvP, prevent griefing, and manage custom flags.
Whether you want to protect spawn areas, secure player bases, or disable creepers blowing up specific zones, WorldGuard is the ultimate plugin for region protection and server environment control. This guide will show you how to install WorldGuard and set up your first protected region on your MCServerHost server.
Install Dependencies
WorldGuard requires another core plugin called WorldEdit to function properly because it relies on selecting regions using in-game tools (like the wooden axe).
- Ensure your server is running a plugin-compatible software like Paper, Spigot, or Purpur.
- Download the latest compatible versions of both WorldEdit and WorldGuard from Modrinth or SpigotMC.
- Log into your MCServerHost dashboard, open the File Manager, and navigate to the
pluginsfolder. - Upload both the WorldEdit and WorldGuard
.jarfiles into thepluginsfolder.
- On the top left click "Restart" or "Start" server to load the plugins.

Select a Region With WorldEdit
Before you can protect an area with WorldGuard, you need to define its boundaries using WorldEdit.
- Join your server with operator (OP) permissions.
- Type
//wandto get the selection tool (a wooden axe) - Left-click the first corner (block) of the area you want to protect.
- Right-click the opposite diagonal corner (making sure to select from top to bottom, or covering the full height of the build).
Define and Claim the Region
Once your region is selected, you can save and name it using WorldGuard.
- Run the following command to create the region (replace
spawnwith whatever name you want to give your region):
/region define spawn
- If successful, WorldGuard will save the selected cuboid as a protected region under that name.
Configure Region Flags
Flags allow you-to control what players can and cannot do inside your protected region.
Here are some popular ones:
| Action / Flag | Command | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Disable Block Breaking | /region flag spawn block-break deny |
Prevents players from breaking blocks inside the region. |
| Disable PvP | /region flag spawn pvp deny |
Disables player-versus-player combat. |
| Disable Mob Spawning | /region flag spawn mob-spawning deny |
Stops hostile monsters from spawning in the area. |
| Disable Creeper Explosions | /region flag spawn creeper-explosion deny |
Prevents creepers from damaging blocks. |
| Disable TNT Explosions | /region flag spawn tnt deny |
Prevents TNT explosions from damaging blocks. |
Assign Owners or Members
If you want other players to be able to build or manage the region, you can add them as members or owners:
- Add a member (can build if allowed, but cannot edit region settings):
/region addmember spawn PlayerName
- Add an owner (full control over the region and flags):
/region addowner spawn PlayerName
You've reached the end of this tutorial! By now, your custom region protection is fully set up and active. Grab your friends and enjoy your newly secured server! (:
Similarly, if you are having any type of issue or problem with your server at MCServerHost you can always get in touch with us by joining our Discord server or writing us at support@MCServerHost.com.
Related guides
- How to Set Up FlectonePulse on Your Minecraft Server — Customize every chat message, join/quit notification, TAB list, and sidebar on your server with one plugin.
- How to Add Holograms to Your Minecraft Server — Learn how to add custom floating holograms to your Minecraft server to display server info, rules, leaderboards, or welcome messages.
- GravesX - Make dying much less of a hassle! — Seriously, no one likes their items getting despawned.
- How to Upload a Custom World to Your Minecraft Server — Learn how to upload and configure your own custom Minecraft world map on your MCServerHost server.