# Installation

### Required steps

1\. Download the plugin and drop it into your plugins folder.

{% hint style="danger" %}
Please make sure that you have installed all the required [dependencies](https://tetrisfriends.benzoft.com/dependencies)!
{% endhint %}

2\. Start or restart your server.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Reloading may have unexpected results. Please do a full stop/start cycle.
{% endhint %}

3\. TetrisFriends is now installed and ready for use.

{% hint style="info" %}
It is recommended that you review the optional steps.
{% endhint %}

###

### Optional Steps

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Configuration" %}
Customize the plugin to make it fit your server. You can customize anything from messages, scoreboards, schematics, GUIs, and much more. [Learn more here.](https://tetrisfriends.benzoft.com/configurations)
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="SQLite vs. MySQL" %}
The plugin will use a local database i.e. SQLite by default. If you would like to synchronize data across servers you can do so by configuring MySQL in the config.yml file.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Pregeneration" %}
Use the pregeneration command found [here](https://tetrisfriends.benzoft.com/commands-and-permissions#admin-commands-tetrisfriendsadmin). This will make sure the server won't lag at peak times. Found out why [here](https://tetrisfriends.benzoft.com/world-mechanics#note-on-performance).
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Controls" %}
If you have [ProtocolLib ](https://tetrisfriends.benzoft.com/dependencies#optional-dependencies)installed it is recommended that you set Controls.Enhanced to true in the [config.yml](https://tetrisfriends.benzoft.com/configurations). This will greatly improve the gameplay experience!
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}