Essence Arrays is designed for maximum creativity. This guide will walk you through every configuration option available, allowing you to craft truly unique experiences for your players.

File 1: `config.yml` - General Settings
This file controls the core operational parameters of the plugin.

• language: Sets the default language for all plugin messages and commands. Comes with `en` (English) and `vi` (Vietnamese) by default. You can create your own language files in the `/plugins/ArrayCraft/lang/` folder.
• debug-logging: When set to `true`, the plugin will print detailed information to your server console during startup, such as which formations were loaded successfully. This is useful for troubleshooting configuration errors. Set to `false` for normal operation to keep your console clean.
• effect-check-interval-ticks: This is a critical performance setting. It determines how often (in server ticks; 20 ticks = 1 second) the plugin applies gameplay effects like DAMAGE, HEAL, or POTION to entities within an active formation.
  
  A lower value (e.g., `10`) makes effects apply more frequently, feeling smoother and more responsive, but it will increase server load.
  A higher value (e.g., `40`) is better for performance but effects will apply less often.
  The default of `20` is a balanced choice for most servers.​

File 2: `formations.yml` - The Heart of the Plugin
This is where you bring your magical creations to life. You can define an unlimited number of formations here. Let's break down the structure of a single formation.
Section A: Core Properties
These define the formation's identity and basic parameters.

• your-unique-formation-id: The internal name for the formation. Must be unique and contain no spaces. Used in commands like `/ttp give`.
• display_name: The name shown to players in-game. Supports MiniMessage formatting for colors and styles.
• activation_item: The item required to activate the formation. Can be a simple material name or a detailed section for a unique item with custom name/lore.
• duration: How long the formation remains active after being triggered. Use `s` for seconds, `m` for minutes, `h` for hours. Use `0` for an infinite duration until the center block is broken.
• radius: The radius in blocks from the center that most effects and particles will apply to.

Section B: The `pattern`
This defines the physical block structure players must build.

• key: A list where you define which character corresponds to which Minecraft material. `X` is always reserved for the central block that players must right-click to activate.
• shape: A visual representation of the formation layout. Each string in the list is a row of blocks on the Z-axis, read from top to bottom. Spaces are ignored, allowing for non-square shapes.

Section C: `particles` - The Visuals
This section is optional but highly recommended to give your formations a unique visual identity. You can layer multiple shapes.
Here are all the available `type`s and their specific options:

• RING: A flat, spinning ring.
  
  `particle`, `radius`, `density`, `y-offset`, `rotation_speed`​
• PILLAR: Vertical pillars rotating around the center.
  
  `particle`, `radius`, `count`, `height`, `density`, `rotation_speed`​
• SPHERE: A sphere of particles, often above the center.
  
  `particle`, `radius`, `y-offset`, `density`​
• DOME: A dome-like shield covering the formation.
  
  `particle`, `radius`, `lines`, `density`, `rotation_speed`​
• HELIX: Upward-spiraling DNA-like strands.
  
  `particle`, `radius`, `height`, `strands`, `revolutions`, `density`, `rotation_speed`​
• VORTEX: A tornado shape, wide at the top and narrow at the bottom.
  
  `particle`, `radius`, `height`, `density`, `rotation_speed`​
• RAIN: Particles falling from the sky.
  
  `particle`, `radius`, `height`, `density`​

Section D: `effects` - The Gameplay
This is a list of the actual mechanics the formation will perform. You can add as many as you want.
The `target` Key is Crucial:

• OWNER: Affects only the player who activated the formation.
• ALL: Affects all living entities (players, mobs, animals).
• MOBS: Affects hostile monsters only (Zombies, Skeletons, etc.).
• DAMAGEABLE: Affects monsters AND non-allied players. Great for offensive arrays.
• UNDAMAGEABLE: Affects animals and allied players (including the owner). Perfect for support arrays.

Complete List of Effect Types & Options:

• DAMAGE: `target`, `value` (damage amount)
• HEAL: `target`, `value` (health amount)
• POTION: `target`, `potion_effect` (name), `value` (amplifier)
• REPEL: `target`, `value` (push force)
• VORTEX: `target`, `value` (pull force)
• ROOT: `target`, `duration`, `value` (slow amplifier)
• IGNITE: `target`, `duration`
• CLEANSE: `target` (removes debuffs)
• REPAIR: `target` (players only), `value` (durability amount)
• FREEZE: (no target/value, freezes water/lava)
• GROWTH: `value` (growth multiplier)
• HARVEST: `replant` (true/false)
• BREED: `value` (cooldown in ticks)
• XP: `value` (total experience)
• STASIS: `target`, `value` (slow amplifier for entities & projectiles)
• LIGHTNING: `target`, `visual_only` (true/false)
• SMELT: `value` (furnace speed multiplier)
• COLLECT: `value` (item pull speed)
• EXPLOSION: `target`, `value` (explosion power)
• CLIMATE: `mode` (RAIN, SNOW, THUNDER, DROUGHT, ACID_RAIN)
• BARRIER: `target`, `value` (push-back force)
• DEVOLVE: `value` (devolution strength, reverses growth)
• SANCTUARY: (no target/value, prevents natural mob spawning)