Is McMMO a mod or a plugin?

McMMO is firmly an RPG-enhancing plugin operating on the Bukkit/Spigot server layer. As covered below, plugins differ fundamentally from client-side mods. mcMMO focusly augments multiplayer gameplay without any needed installations outside servers.

Plugins vs. Mods – A Key Distinction

Mods alter base Minecraft code and must be added by clients locally before joining enhanced servers. Plugins are server-exclusive extensions that plug into vanilla servers like Bukkit to change or improve aspects of the game. mcMMO is an open source Bukkit plugin written in Java; it layers new mechanics on top of multiplayer worlds without extra hassle for players.

The Genesis of mcMMO

Dating back to January 2011, mcMMO was envisioned by lead developer Nossr50 to extend progression via RPG systems like leveling and unlocks. Through continual iteration and an ethos of transparency, Nossr has refined mcMMO into an indispensable staple for server admins worldwide with over 3.5 million cumulative downloads.

Bolstered by a public GitHub, engaged Discord community, and Wiki hub, mcMMO sees frequent version releases that ensure continued compatibility and innovation.

Leveling Up – Core Progression

The crux of long-term motivation in mcMMO comes from leveling various skills through corresponding actions. Gaining levels unlocks traits (passive boosts) and earns points to upgrade special abilities. Gone are the days of stagnant gameplay loops – increasing expertise now dynamically empowers you the more you play.

The skills system touches every corner of gameplay…

Combat – A More Savage Showdown

Those seeking combat thrills can develop heightened prowess with weapons via the Swords, Axes, Archery, Unarmed, and Taming skills. This enables lethal combos, massive critical hits, and increased mastery over pets. Prepare to grind for Hundred Blade strikes shocking enemies with chain lightning!

Gathering – Reaping Sweeter Rewards

Skills like Excavation, Fishing, Herbalism, Mining, and Woodcutting bolster yield quantities from basic resource generation. Valuable resources like diamond ore get multiplied drops, plus abilities that auto-smelt or apply area-of-effect detonations.

Crafting – Forging And Enchanting Fortunes

Both Alchemy and Repair let you salvage more materials from gear plus concoct potions with boosted duration or area-of-effect. Special cooldown abilities can produce insane enchantments or instantly ready ingredients.

The Verdict? mcMMO makes mundane tasks exciting again through meaningful unlocks that outshine vanilla Minecraft.

Partying Up for Next-Level Synergy

mcMMO enables parties to mutually benefit from each other‘s presence via the Party XP Boost mechanic. Teaming up causes a major experience multiplier that lets groups demolish progression speed records. Members can also use mana aid party talents to restore each other‘s mana pools for re-activating special abilities mid-fight. Partners synergistically conquering a server is incredibly rewarding.

PvP – The Ultimate Showdown

The combat perks from mcMMO skills pose interesting implications for PvP battles. With hardcore prep, players can spec into deadly combos that add snares, bleed damage, disarming, improved crits, and more. However, the versatile skill customization keeps outcomes skill-based. This raises PvP intensity without ruining competitiveness – striking a brilliant balance.

Admin Features – Controlling The Chaos

For server owners, a slate of admin commands and config tweaks assist managing how chaotic this plugin can become. Toning down skill modifiers, restricting ability usage claims, or managing party sizes prevents anxiety. This expandability propels mcMMO‘s utility for administering multiplayer worlds.

Downsides – Tracking The Tedium

Undesirably, some base Minecraft actions like swimming or taking fall damage lack methods for gaining XP currently. The farming system also isn‘t loved by all for only rewarding wheat/potatoes/carrots. While understandable from a coding perspective for tracking reliably, this undermines the universality of the leveling system at times.

The Verdict – Wholeheartedly Recommended

For servers seeking more rewarding persistent progression, as opposed to transient gameplay like mini-games, mcMMO is a must-have plugin. Its deep extension of core mechanics via interlinking advancement paths and social systems creates an incredibly sticky long-term experience.

Once players experience the joy of 100x harvesting full oak trees instantly or landing cranked-up critical strikes in battle, vanilla Minecraft will feel barren forever after. Ultimately, mcMMO succeeds tremendously at its central goal – incentivizing meaningful gameplay milestones without compromising balance.

Give this gem a try today! Just beware the newfound addiction its incremental upgrades and social hooks may cause…