> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.mipcraft.eu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.mipcraft.eu/hide-and-seek/configuration.md).

# Configuration

The `config.yml` file is organized into 18 categorized sections for maximum readability and control.

## 🗄️ 1. Database Settings

Configure local file storage or MySQL network database:

```yaml
database:
   enabled: true
   use_local_file: true
   host: localhost
   port: 3306
   database: database
   username: username
   password: password
   tablename: HideAndSeekData
```

## ⏱️ 2. Gameplay Timers & Rules

Key settings governing game length, countdowns, and seeker ratios:

```yaml
# Minimum player count required to start a game countdown
start_on_player_count: 2

# Initial game start countdown duration (in seconds)
countdown_time: 30

# Seeker release rules based on player count range
start_seekers:
   '-5': 1
   '6-10': 2
   '11-15': 3
   '16-20': 4
   '21+': 5

# Maximum gameplay duration in seconds (15 minutes)
seek_time: 900
```

## 🎭 3. Hider & Disguise Settings

Configure hider health, speed, and block solidification options:

```yaml
hide:
   health: 20.0
   hit_damage: 1.0
   speed: 0.19
   on_death_become_spectator: false

   # Block solidification settings
   blocks:
      solidify_seconds: 5
      sit_when_solidify: false
```

## 🔍 4. Seeker Settings

Configure seeker movement, hit damage, and blind countdown settings:

```yaml
seeker:
   health: 20.0
   hit_damage: 4.0
   speed: 0.22
   blindness_during_hide_phase: true
```

## 📡 5. Radar & Heartbeat System

```yaml
radar:
   enabled: true
   cooldown_seconds: 15
   range: 50.0
   ping_sound: BLOCK_NOTE_BLOCK_PLING

heartbeat:
   enabled: true
   max_distance: 25.0
   sound: BLOCK_NOTE_BLOCK_BASEDRUM
```

## 📜 6. Custom Message Formats (`formats:`)

Customize all in-game text, title action bars, and win messages:

```yaml
formats:
   game:
      hiding_phase_title: '&aHiding Phase'
      hiding_phase_subtitle: 'You have <time> seconds to hide!'
      seeking_phase_title: '&cSeekers Released!'
      seeking_phase_subtitle: 'Find and tag all Hiders!'
      hiders_win: '&aHiders have won the game!'
      seekers_win: '&cSeekers have won the game!'
      hider_tagged: '&8[&cHideAndSeek&8] &e<hider> &fwas tagged by &c<seeker>&f!'
```