Checklists

MUD Launch Readiness Checklist

Before launching your MUD to players, verify all critical systems. This checklist ensures your MUD meets minimum reliability standards.

MUD Launch Readiness Checklist hero illustration
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Core Systems

0/8
  • Database persistence

    critical

    Player data survives crashes and reboots

  • Copyover mechanism

    critical

    Server can reboot without disconnecting players

  • Connection limits

    critical

    Maximum player count configured and enforced

  • Crash recovery

    critical

    MUD auto-restarts after unexpected shutdown

  • Log rotation

    recommended

    Logs don't consume unlimited disk space

  • Memory monitoring

    recommended

    Track memory usage and detect leaks

  • Network firewall

    recommended

    DDoS and port-scanning protection enabled

  • Backup automation

    critical

    Database backups run on schedule

Gameplay Systems

0/8
  • Economy balance

    critical

    Inflation curve and gold sinks tuned

  • Combat formulas

    critical

    Damage, spell power, and saves verified in testing

  • Death penalty

    recommended

    Experience loss or corpse system implemented

  • Resurrection

    recommended

    Death recovery system available to players

  • Level progression

    critical

    Experience requirements scale appropriately

  • Ability grants

    recommended

    Spells and skills unlock at intended levels

  • Item distribution

    recommended

    Loot tables and drop rates calibrated

  • Mob difficulty

    critical

    Monster damage and HP match intended zones

Admin Controls

0/8
  • Immortal levels

    critical

    Admin hierarchy (Builder, Lead, Implementer) configured

  • Area approval

    recommended

    Workflow for vetting player-built areas exists

  • Ban system

    critical

    Admin can remove players and ban IPs

  • Command logging

    recommended

    All admin commands logged for audit trail

  • Reload commands

    recommended

    Safe reload for areas, objects, and mobs

  • Message broadcast

    optional

    Admins can send system-wide announcements

  • Crash tracking

    recommended

    Admins notified of unexpected crashes

  • Quest verification

    optional

    Quest rewards and turnins validated

Content Readiness

0/8
  • Help files

    recommended

    Beginner help system covers main commands

  • Newbie zone

    critical

    Safe starting area for new players

  • Quest starter

    recommended

    At least one tutorial or introductory quest

  • Main city

    critical

    Central hub with shops, NPCs, and quest givers

  • Monster variety

    recommended

    At least 50+ unique mob types

  • Equipment spread

    recommended

    Items available across all level ranges

  • Area descriptions

    recommended

    Rooms have non-generic, immersive descriptions

  • NPC dialogue

    optional

    NPCs have greeting and conversation text

Performance

0/8
  • Update frequency

    critical

    Combat heartbeat runs without lag spikes

  • Memory baseline

    critical

    Idle MUD memory usage established

  • Player connection

    recommended

    100+ simultaneous connections tested

  • Mud load

    recommended

    MUD survives 50+ players without degradation

  • Event queue

    recommended

    Delayed events execute consistently

  • Room loading

    recommended

    Teleporting to rooms under 500ms

  • Search commands

    optional

    Item search and who lists return instantly

  • Stat recalculation

    recommended

    Recalc no longer than 5 seconds