New Guardian Guide

Getting
Started

Everything you need to go from zero to Guardian. Read through before you join - it'll save you time and make sure you don't miss anything on your first session.

1
Join the Server
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2
Accept Resource Pack
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3
Adjust Settings
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4
Create Your Guardian
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5
Wake Up
01
First Steps
Joining the Server

Open Minecraft Java Edition, head to Multiplayer, click Add Server and add the server address using the IP below. That's it, now you can join!

Server IP
server ip to release when server opens
Recommended
Minecraft Java Edition 1.21.8
Also Supported
1.21.8 and above
Server Info
Full server info and rules →
▲

Version note: We recommend playing on 1.21.8 - the same version the server runs on. You can join on any later version, but you may encounter visual glitches or minor issues - please report these to our Discord. Playing on an older version is not supported.

New to Minecraft?
↗
Download and Set Up Minecraft
Official Minecraft.net download page
 ▶
How to Change Your Game Version
Video guide - switching to 1.21.8 in the launcher
02
Required
Resource Pack

Destiny Playground uses a custom resource pack that handles the visuals, sounds, custom music, and dialogue. You need it. Fortunately, installation is automatic.

1
When you first connect, Minecraft will prompt you to accept the server resource pack. Click Accept.
2
The pack will download and apply automatically. This may take a moment on your first join.
3
Once loaded, you're good to go. The pack stays cached so subsequent joins are faster.
ⓘ

If the pack doesn't apply: head to the #server-resources channel in our Discord for the latest manual download link. The Discord is always the most up-to-date source for pack files.

03
Optional
Mods and Modpacks

Everything that makes Destiny Playground run is handled server-side. You don't need any mods to play - vanilla Minecraft works perfectly. That said, we maintain a few official modpacks if you want a smoother or more visually rich experience.

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Performance Pack
Optimisation
Better frame rates, faster chunk loading, reduced stuttering. Recommended for lower-end machines or anyone who wants a cleaner experience.
No visual changes - purely under the hood.
◆
Aesthetic Pack
Visuals and Immersion
Enhanced lighting, improved animations, visual effects, and quality-of-life visual upgrades. Recommended for anyone who wants an enhanced experience.
Pairs well with the server resource pack.
★
Full Pack
Performance + Visuals
Everything from both packs in one. If you're not sure which to grab, this is the one. Best overall experience for most players.
Recommended for most players.
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Version note: All official modpacks are built for 1.21.8 only and are available on both Modrinth (preferred) and CurseForge. They are not updated frequently - if you're on a newer version, some mods may not be compatible yet. Check the download page for compatibility notes before installing.

Find all modpack downloads on the Mods page, under Community in the nav.
View Modpacks →
04
Before You Play
Recommended Settings

When you first join you'll be shown these in-game too, but it's worth setting them up before you spawn in. A few of these make a significant difference to the experience.

Setting
Value
Why
Render Distance
12+
Areas are designed with long sightlines. Use the Distant Horizons mod for even further views and the full environment experience.
GUI Scale
3x
Custom HUD elements are designed for 3x scale. Other values may cause layout issues.
Leaves Quality
Fancy
The EDZ forests look significantly better with Fancy leaves. Worth the small performance cost.
Particles
Decreased+
Decreased or higher - abilities and environments use custom particles. Minimal may cause you to miss visual cues.
Brightness
100%
Lighting is intentional. Some areas are meant to be dark. Moody builds atmosphere.
Master Volume
100%
All sound volumes up to start - you can tweak individual sliders later once you're in.
Music Volume
100%
Original soundtrack plays throughout the world and missions. Don't miss it.
Voice / Dialogue
100%
NPCs have voiced dialogue. Essential for following the story.
Subtitles
On
Recommended for accessibility and for catching ambient audio cues during missions.
05
Your First Session
What Happens When You Join

Once you're in, the server handles the rest. Here's roughly what to expect so nothing catches you off guard.

1
Onboarding information will appear in chat and on-screen - quick links to the Discord, a summary of what Destiny Playground is, and where to find help if you need it.
2
Recommended settings are shown in-game - the same ones listed above, primarily sound and visual settings.
3
Character creation - you'll be guided through making your Guardian, including choosing your class: Hunter, Warlock, or Titan.
4
The tutorial begins. Follow the in-game prompts. It will teach you the core mechanics, introduce your Ghost, and get you up to speed before the story proper starts. Even if you've played Destiny and/or Minecraft before, we strongly recommend reading through everything - the server mechanics may be unlike anything you're used to.
5
A Guardian rises. The story begins in the Northreach. From here, it's your Destiny.
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You can view the server rules at any time in-game, or on the Server Info page. Please read them - they exist to keep the experience good for everyone.

Stay Connected
Join the Discord

The Discord is the number one source for everything Destiny Playground - announcements, update news, bug reporting, support, feedback, suggestions, and the community itself. If something's happening, it's in there first.

Join Discord ↗