Troubleshooting Guide

Having technical difficulties with AbyssalDetention? This guide covers solutions to the most common problems players encounter. Follow these step-by-step solutions to resolve issues quickly and get back to enjoying your prison experience.

Connection Issues

Cannot Connect to Server

Error Messages:

• "Connection timed out"
• "Unknown host"
• "Failed to connect to server"
• "Server is offline"

Solution Steps:

1. Verify Server Address

• Correct IP: play.abyssaldetention.com
• Check for typos - No extra spaces before or after the IP
• Port: Leave blank (uses default port 25565)
• Copy-paste the IP to avoid typing errors

2. Use Official Minecraft Launcher

• Official launcher only - Cracked or unofficial launchers may not work
• Download from: minecraft.net
• Avoid: Third-party launchers, pirated clients, or modified launchers

3. Update Minecraft Version

• Latest version: Use Minecraft 1.20.4 or newer
• Compatible versions: 1.20.4, 1.20.5, 1.20.6, 1.21+
• Update process: Open launcher, select latest version, launch game

4. Check Internet Connection

• Test other websites - Ensure your internet is working
• Try other Minecraft servers - Verify Minecraft connectivity
• Router restart - Unplug for 30 seconds, then reconnect
• Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet - Try different connection methods

5. Firewall and Security Software

• Windows Defender - Allow Minecraft through firewall
• Antivirus software - Add Minecraft to exceptions list
• Network restrictions - Check school/work network policies
• VPN issues - Disable VPN and try connecting directly

Connection Drops Frequently

Symptoms:

• Getting disconnected every few minutes
• "Timed out" messages during gameplay
• Lag spikes followed by disconnection

Solutions:

1. Network Stability

Check network speed: Use speedtest.net
Minimum requirements: 5 Mbps download, stable connection
Reset router: Unplug for 30 seconds, reconnect
Move closer to router: Improve Wi-Fi signal strength

2. Minecraft Settings

• Lower render distance - Reduce to 8-12 chunks
• Disable unnecessary features - Turn off smooth lighting, particles
• Allocate more RAM - Increase to 4-6GB for better stability
• Close other programs - Free up bandwidth and system resources

3. Java Configuration

• Update Java - Ensure latest version installed
• Java arguments - Use appropriate JVM flags for performance
• 64-bit Java - Required for higher RAM allocation
• Multiple Java versions - Ensure Minecraft uses correct version

Gameplay Issues

Stuck in Game World

Common Stuck Situations:

• Trapped in another player's claim
• Fell into a hole or cave system
• Teleported inside blocks or walls
• Can't move due to lag or glitches

Immediate Solutions:

1. Use Teleport Commands

/spawn - Return to server spawn point
/home - Teleport to your set home location
/back - Return to previous location (if available)
/suicide - Respawn at spawn (lose items but get unstuck)

2. Contact Staff for Help

/helpop I'm stuck at coordinates [F3 to see coordinates]
/helpop Please teleport me out, I'm trapped in [location]

3. Wait for Timeout

• AFK timeout - Stand still for 10 minutes to auto-kick
• Reconnect - Join server again to respawn at spawn
• Last resort - If all else fails, staff can assist

Commands Not Working

Common Issues:

• "You don't have permission" errors
• Commands not recognized
• Partial command functionality

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check Command Syntax

Correct: /balance
Incorrect: /bal ance (space in middle)
Correct: /msg PlayerName Hello there
Incorrect: /msg PlayerNameHello there (missing space)

2. Verify Permissions

• Rank requirements - Some commands require specific ranks
• Location restrictions - Certain commands only work in specific areas
• Cooldowns - Wait periods between command uses
• Plugin status - Commands may be temporarily disabled

3. Try Alternative Commands

/balance or /bal - Check money
/home or /h - Teleport home
/spawn or /hub - Return to spawn
/help - List available commands

Resource Pack Issues

Problems:

• Custom textures not loading
• Items appear as vanilla blocks
• Resource pack won't download
• Performance issues with resource pack

Solutions:

1. Manual Resource Pack Download

1. Join Discord - Use /discord command in-game
2. Find #resource-pack channel - Download direct link
3. Install manually - Place in Minecraft resource pack folder
4. Enable in game - Go to Options → Resource Packs → Enable

2. Permission Issues

• Windows Firewall - Allow Minecraft to download files
• Antivirus - Add Minecraft to exceptions
• Parental controls - Disable download restrictions
• Network policies - Check school/work restrictions

3. Client Configuration

Clear resource pack cache:
1. Close Minecraft completely
2. Navigate to .minecraft/server-resource-packs/
3. Delete AbyssalDetention folder
4. Restart Minecraft and rejoin server
5. Accept new download prompt

Performance Problems

Low FPS and Lag

Symptoms:

• Choppy movement and animation
• Delayed response to actions
• Stuttering or freezing

Optimization Solutions:

1. Graphics Settings

Video Settings Recommendations:
- Render Distance: 8-12 chunks
- Graphics: Fast (not Fancy)
- Smooth Lighting: Off
- Particles: Minimal
- Use VSync: Off
- Max Framerate: Unlimited or 60 FPS

2. Performance Mods

• Optifine - Major performance improvements and additional settings
• Sodium - Alternative performance mod (incompatible with Optifine)
• Iris - Shader support with performance focus
• FPS improvement - Can double or triple frame rates

3. System Optimization

RAM Allocation:
- 4GB minimum for basic play
- 6-8GB recommended for smooth experience
- 12GB+ for heavy modding (not needed for our server)

Java Settings:
- Use 64-bit Java for higher RAM allocation
- Latest Java version for best performance
- Appropriate JVM arguments for optimization

4. Background Programs

• Close unnecessary applications - Web browsers, Discord, streaming software
• Disable startup programs - Prevent automatic program launches
• Check for malware - Scan system for performance-affecting software
• Update drivers - Ensure graphics drivers are current

Server-Side Lag

Identifying Server Lag:

• All players experiencing issues simultaneously
• Chat messages delayed for everyone
• Block breaking/placing delays
• Mob movement stuttering

Player Solutions:

• Report lag - Use /helpop Server seems laggy to notify staff
• Avoid crowded areas - Move to less populated regions temporarily
• Reduce actions - Minimize resource-intensive activities during lag
• Be patient - Server lag is usually resolved quickly by staff

Client and Launcher Issues

Minecraft Won't Start

Common Startup Problems:

• Launcher crashes immediately
• Game starts but closes after loading screen
• Error messages during startup
• Java-related errors

Solutions:

1. Launcher Issues

Official Launcher Problems:
- Reinstall Minecraft Launcher from minecraft.net
- Clear launcher cache and data
- Run launcher as administrator
- Check for Windows/Mac updates

2. Java Problems

• Install latest Java - Download from java.com or adoptium.net
• Remove old Java versions - Uninstall outdated installations
• 64-bit Java required - For modern Minecraft versions
• Set Java path - Point launcher to correct Java installation

3. Game Files Corruption

Clean Installation:
1. Backup saves and resource packs
2. Delete .minecraft folder completely
3. Reinstall Minecraft launcher
4. Download fresh game files
5. Restore saves and settings

Mod Conflicts

Allowed Mods:

• Optifine - Performance and visual improvements
• Minimap mods - Navigation aids (no player/entity radar)
• Inventory Tweaks - Organization and sorting
• JEI/REI - Recipe and item information

Prohibited Mods:

• X-Ray - Reveals hidden ores and structures
• Fly hacks - Unauthorized flight abilities
• Auto-clickers - Automated actions
• Combat mods - Unfair PvP advantages

Troubleshooting Mod Issues:

1. Remove all mods - Test if issues persist without modifications
2. Add mods one by one - Identify problematic modifications
3. Check compatibility - Ensure mods work with current Minecraft version
4. Update mods - Use latest versions for best compatibility

Account and Authentication Issues

Login Problems

Cannot Login to Minecraft:

• Microsoft account issues - Ensure proper account linking
• Internet connection - Verify stable connection for authentication
• Account status - Check if account is suspended or restricted
• Two-factor authentication - Complete security verification if enabled

Session Errors:

"Invalid session" or "Failed to authenticate"
Solutions:
1. Restart Minecraft launcher completely
2. Log out and log back into launcher
3. Clear launcher cache
4. Check Microsoft account status
5. Disable VPN if using one

Permission and Rank Issues

Commands Not Available:

• Check current rank - Use /rank to verify your status
• Rank requirements - Some commands require specific advancement
• Temporary restrictions - Recent punishments may limit access
• Server issues - Permission plugins may be temporarily down

Rank Not Displaying:

• Discord sync - Link your Minecraft account in Discord
• Rejoin server - Sometimes fixes display issues
• Staff assistance - Contact support if rank appears incorrect
• Recent advancement - May take a few minutes to update

Advanced Troubleshooting

Network Configuration

DNS Issues:

Try Alternative DNS Servers:
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- Quad9 DNS: 9.9.9.9

How to Change DNS:
1. Open Network Settings
2. Change DNS to one of the above
3. Restart computer
4. Try connecting again

Port and Firewall Configuration:

• Minecraft port - 25565 (default, shouldn't need changing)
• Firewall exceptions - Allow Minecraft through Windows Firewall
• Router settings - Enable UPnP if available
• Network restrictions - Check ISP or institutional blocking

System-Level Issues

Windows-Specific:

• Windows updates - Ensure system is current
• User account control - Run Minecraft as administrator if needed
• Antivirus exclusions - Add Minecraft folder to exceptions
• Storage space - Ensure adequate free disk space

Mac-Specific:

• Gatekeeper settings - Allow Minecraft through security settings
• Java installation - May need manual Java installation
• Permissions - Grant necessary file access permissions
• macOS updates - Keep system updated

Linux-Specific:

• Java package - Install appropriate OpenJDK version
• Display drivers - Ensure proper graphics driver installation
• Audio system - Configure sound system for Minecraft audio
• File permissions - Ensure user has access to game directories

Data Recovery and Backups

Lost Progress:

• Server-side storage - Most data is automatically saved server-side
• Contact staff - Report lost items/progress immediately
• Provide details - Exact time, location, and circumstances of loss
• Screenshots - Evidence of previous progress if available

Preventing Data Loss:

• Regular screenshots - Document important achievements
• Note coordinates - Record locations of important builds
• Track progress - Monitor rank advancement and collections
• Multiple homes - Set several home locations for backup

Getting Additional Help

When to Contact Staff

Immediate Staff Assistance (/helpop):

• Stuck in game and can't move
• Suspected cheating or rule violations
• Server lag or technical issues affecting gameplay
• Urgent problems requiring immediate attention

Support Ticket Creation:

• Complex technical issues requiring investigation
• Lost items or progress due to server problems
• Account or permission issues
• Detailed troubleshooting assistance needed

Information to Provide

Essential Details:

When contacting support, include:
- Exact error messages (screenshots preferred)
- Your current rank and location
- Steps you were taking when problem occurred
- Your system information (OS, Java version, etc.)
- Any recent changes to your setup

Screenshots and Evidence:

• Error messages - Capture full error text
• Game state - Show current situation or problem
• System info - F3 screen for technical details
• Console output - Any relevant log information

Community Resources

Discord Support:

• #technical-help - Community and staff technical assistance
• #general-support - Basic questions and guidance
• #bug-reports - Report and track technical issues
• Voice support - Real-time assistance during office hours

Forum Support:

• Technical category - Detailed problem documentation
• Search function - Find solutions to similar issues
• Community solutions - Player-contributed fixes and workarounds
• Official announcements - Known issues and planned fixes

Still having problems? Don't hesitate to ask for help! Our community and staff are always ready to assist with technical difficulties. Use /helpop in-game for immediate assistance or join our Discord for community support.

Remember: Most technical issues have simple solutions - start with the basics before moving to advanced troubleshooting!