MUD Launch Readiness Checklist
Before launching your MUD to players, verify all critical systems. This checklist ensures your MUD meets minimum reliability standards.
Core Systems
0/8Database persistence
criticalPlayer data survives crashes and reboots
Copyover mechanism
criticalServer can reboot without disconnecting players
Connection limits
criticalMaximum player count configured and enforced
Crash recovery
criticalMUD auto-restarts after unexpected shutdown
Log rotation
recommendedLogs don't consume unlimited disk space
Memory monitoring
recommendedTrack memory usage and detect leaks
Network firewall
recommendedDDoS and port-scanning protection enabled
Backup automation
criticalDatabase backups run on schedule
Gameplay Systems
0/8Economy balance
criticalInflation curve and gold sinks tuned
Combat formulas
criticalDamage, spell power, and saves verified in testing
Death penalty
recommendedExperience loss or corpse system implemented
Resurrection
recommendedDeath recovery system available to players
Level progression
criticalExperience requirements scale appropriately
Ability grants
recommendedSpells and skills unlock at intended levels
Item distribution
recommendedLoot tables and drop rates calibrated
Mob difficulty
criticalMonster damage and HP match intended zones
Admin Controls
0/8Immortal levels
criticalAdmin hierarchy (Builder, Lead, Implementer) configured
Area approval
recommendedWorkflow for vetting player-built areas exists
Ban system
criticalAdmin can remove players and ban IPs
Command logging
recommendedAll admin commands logged for audit trail
Reload commands
recommendedSafe reload for areas, objects, and mobs
Message broadcast
optionalAdmins can send system-wide announcements
Crash tracking
recommendedAdmins notified of unexpected crashes
Quest verification
optionalQuest rewards and turnins validated
Content Readiness
0/8Help files
recommendedBeginner help system covers main commands
Newbie zone
criticalSafe starting area for new players
Quest starter
recommendedAt least one tutorial or introductory quest
Main city
criticalCentral hub with shops, NPCs, and quest givers
Monster variety
recommendedAt least 50+ unique mob types
Equipment spread
recommendedItems available across all level ranges
Area descriptions
recommendedRooms have non-generic, immersive descriptions
NPC dialogue
optionalNPCs have greeting and conversation text
Performance
0/8Update frequency
criticalCombat heartbeat runs without lag spikes
Memory baseline
criticalIdle MUD memory usage established
Player connection
recommended100+ simultaneous connections tested
Mud load
recommendedMUD survives 50+ players without degradation
Event queue
recommendedDelayed events execute consistently
Room loading
recommendedTeleporting to rooms under 500ms
Search commands
optionalItem search and who lists return instantly
Stat recalculation
recommendedRecalc no longer than 5 seconds