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

# Getting Started

This page is a beginner-safe checklist. Follow it in order, and do not skip steps.

## Step 0: Before you start

You need:

* A Paper server (`1.21.11` or `26.x`)
* Java 25
* `PacketEvents` 2.x plugin installed in `plugins/` (required dependency. Without it, the server refuses to load ZonePractice and logs an unknown or missing dependency error)

Optional but recommended:

* LuckPerms (for permissions)
* PlaceholderAPI (for placeholders)
* FastAsyncWorldEdit (for fast arena copying)

## Step 1: Install ZonePractice Pro

1. Stop your server.
2. Put ZonePractice Pro `.jar` into your `plugins/` folder.
3. Make sure `PacketEvents` is also in `plugins/`.
4. Start the server.

If startup succeeds, ZonePractice creates:

* Worlds: `arenas`, `arenas_copy`
* Files:
  * `config.yml`
  * `language.yml`
  * `guis.yml`
  * `inventories.yml`
  * `sidebar.yml`
  * `groups.yml`
  * `divisions.yml`
  * `playerkit.yml`
  * `backend.yml`
  * `cosmetic-presets.yml` (created once, if it is missing)
  * `ladders/*.yml` (default ladder files; only created when no `ladders/` folder exists)
* Folders:
  * `arenas/` (one file per arena)
  * `profiles/` (player data)
  * `match-history/` (player match history)

## Step 2: Set the lobby first

Run:

* `/practice lobby set`

This is required before most player features work correctly.

The lobby cannot be set in an arena world: `arenas`, a copy world (`arenas_copy`, `<world>_copy`), or any world that holds an arena or event map.

## Step 3: Give players their permissions

Players need permissions to use most features. Some are true by default, and the rest are op only.

Grant the op-only permissions your regular players need. See [Permissions](/zonepractice-pro/information/permissions.md) for the list and for how groups work.

## Step 4: Open setup manager

Run:

* `/setup`

This opens the main setup GUI where you manage ladders, arenas, events, holograms, and more.

<div align="center"><figure><img src="https://1736465804-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FNg4aQZmIEDI8bNN6M2v6%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e9a8837bb96ee9b6eb4e5fad5a8263f48345b8c2%2Fezgif.com-reverse-7.gif?alt=media" alt="Server Manager walkthrough"><figcaption><p>Server Manager setup GUI</p></figcaption></figure></div>

## Step 5: Configure in the correct order

Use this order to avoid confusion:

1. Lobby (Step 2 above)
2. Ladders: create and enable each ladder in the ladder setup GUI. Then add the ladder name to a category's `LADDERS` list under `QUEUE.UNRANKED.SELECTOR-GUI.CATEGORIES` and/or `QUEUE.RANKED.SELECTOR-GUI.CATEGORIES` in `config.yml`. See [Ladder Setup](/zonepractice-pro/setup-guides/ladder-setup.md) and the [queue selector categories guide](/zonepractice-pro/information/configuration-files/players-and-queues.md#queue-selector-categories).
3. Arenas: assign ladder types to each arena. See [Arena Setup](/zonepractice-pro/setup-guides/arena-setup.md).
4. Events. See [Event Setup](/zonepractice-pro/setup-guides/event-setup.md).
5. Holograms. See [Hologram Setup](/zonepractice-pro/setup-guides/hologram-setup.md).

Then test with real players.

## Useful teleport commands while setting up

* `/practice arenas`
* `/practice lobby`
* `/practice teleport <world>`

## Beginner troubleshooting

If `/setup` does not open:

* Make sure you are OP or have `zpp.setup` permission
* Check the plugin loaded successfully in the server console

If players cannot use normal features:

* Make sure they have the permissions they need. See [Permissions](/zonepractice-pro/information/permissions.md)
* Make sure the lobby was set with `/practice lobby set`

If plugin disables on startup:

* Check Java version (requires Java 25)
* Check your server version (`1.21.11` or `26.x` — see [Compatibility Notes](/zonepractice-pro/extra/modern-version-support-informations.md))
* Check that PacketEvents 2.x is in your plugins folder and loaded