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

# Getting started

Install rnChatGames, keep it up to date and learn what each file is for.

rnChatGames works as soon as you drop it in `plugins/`: automatic games start every 5 to 10 minutes, with words and questions in English or Spanish and rewards for the winners. These pages take you from the first start to a server ready for players.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Installation</strong></td><td>Requirements, first start and how to test a game in a few seconds.</td><td><a href="/rnsetups/rnchatgames/getting-started/installation.md">Installation</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Updating</strong></td><td>Replace the jar: your files, words and stats are kept.</td><td><a href="/rnsetups/rnchatgames/getting-started/updating.md">Updating</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Files overview</strong></td><td>What each file is for, text colors and how changes are applied.</td><td><a href="/rnsetups/rnchatgames/getting-started/files.md">Files overview</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Setup in 5 minutes

1. **Install** the jar and restart the server ([Installation](/rnsetups/rnchatgames/getting-started/installation.md)).
2. **Pick the language** in `config.yml`: `language: en` or `language: es`. Words and questions change with it.
3. **Choose how often games start**: `automatic-games.interval-min` and `interval-max` (seconds).
4. **Set the rewards** in `rewards.yml`. By default the winner gets diamonds ([Rewards](/rnsetups/rnchatgames/configuration/rewards.md)).
5. **Test it**: `/rncg preview math` shows a game only to you, and `/rncg start` starts a real one.
6. **Fine-tune in game** with `/rncg editor`: every option has an explanation.

## Recommended settings by server size

These are only starting points; change them after watching how players react.

| Players online | `interval-min` / `interval-max`   | `min-players` | `winners` | Tip                                                                       |
| -------------- | --------------------------------- | ------------- | --------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 1 – 10         | `420` / `900` (7–15 min)          | `2`           | `1`       | Fewer games keep them special. Leave the time limits as they are.         |
| 10 – 50        | `300` / `600` (5–10 min, default) | `3`           | `1` – `2` | Give 2nd place a small reward to keep more players trying.                |
| 50+            | `240` / `480` (4–8 min)           | `5`           | `3`       | Use `winners: 3` and the podium; shorter time limits keep the chat clean. |

{% hint style="info" %}
On busy servers, players who do not like the games can hide them with `/rncg toggle`. Hidden players are not counted for `min-players`.
{% endhint %}

## Good to know

* **Spigot, Paper, Purpur and Folia**: 1.21.x and 26.x, with the same jar.
* **No restart needed** for most changes: save the file and it is applied a few seconds later.
* **Your files are safe**: updates add new options and save a backup in `backups/` first.
* **Need help?** Open a ticket on our [Discord](https://discord.gg/GzxW2FANPB).