# Geyser and Floodgate: Unlocking Bedrock Players in Arclight
## The Challenge: Bridging the Gap Between Bedrock and Arclight
So, you're trying to get your *Minecraft* buddies on **Bedrock Edition** into your **Arclight server**, right? That's awesome! Arclight, known for its fantastic modding capabilities on **Java Edition**, usually offers a smooth experience. But when you throw Geyser and Floodgate into the mix, things can get a little... tricky. You've probably landed here because you're experiencing issues where the **Geyser Floodgate cannot interact with Arclight**, leaving your Bedrock players unable to join. Don't worry, you're not alone! This is a common hurdle, and we're going to dive deep into why it happens and, more importantly, how to fix it. We'll explore the intricacies of how Arclight, Geyser, and Floodgate are supposed to work together, the specific errors you might be seeing (like those cryptic Java module messages), and the steps you can take to get everyone playing. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let's get your server ready for all players, regardless of their edition!
## Understanding Arclight, Geyser, and Floodgate
Before we jump into troubleshooting, let's get a clear picture of what each of these components does. **Arclight** itself is a server software that aims to bring the power of mods and plugins to *Minecraft* Java Edition. It's built on top of modern Java versions and often requires specific Java environments to run optimally. Think of it as a supercharged vanilla server that can handle a ton of custom content. Now, **Geyser** is a revolutionary plugin that allows players on *Minecraft* Bedrock Edition to join Java Edition servers. It acts as a translator, converting packets between the two editions so that Bedrock players can interact with the Java world seamlessly. However, Geyser doesn't work alone. It relies on **Floodgate**, a companion plugin. Floodgate's primary job is to handle authentication for Bedrock players. Since Bedrock Edition doesn't have traditional Java Edition accounts, Floodgate assigns temporary, offline-mode-like accounts to Bedrock players, allowing them to connect to Java servers without needing a Java account. The magic happens when Geyser and Floodgate work in tandem: Geyser translates the game, and Floodgate handles the player's identity. When you run into the issue where **Geyser Floodgate cannot interact with Arclight**, it usually means there's a breakdown in this communication chain, often stemming from how Arclight's environment interacts with the Java modules that Geyser and Floodgate depend on. We'll be looking at specific error messages from your server logs, such as those mentioned in the pastebin link, to pinpoint the exact cause. These errors often point to issues with Java modules or classpath problems, which are critical for Geyser and Floodgate to function correctly within the Arclight server environment. Understanding these roles is the first step to untangling the connection problems you're facing.
## The Arclight Environment and Java Module Dependencies
One of the most common reasons why **Geyser Floodgate cannot interact with Arclight** is related to the Java environment and how **Arclight** handles **Java modules**. Modern Java versions, especially **Java 21** (which you're using on Debian 12), have a more structured module system compared to older versions. This system, known as the Java Platform Module System (JPMS), can sometimes cause conflicts if not configured correctly, especially with older libraries or plugins that weren't designed with modules in mind. Geyser and Floodgate, being complex plugins that often rely on specific Java libraries and APIs, can be sensitive to this module system. When Arclight starts, it loads its own set of Java modules and dependencies. If the way Arclight loads or exposes certain Java modules doesn't align with what Geyser and Floodgate expect, you'll see errors. The pastebin log you provided ([https://pastebin.com/4J63W9N3](https://pastebin.com/4J63W9N3)) likely contains messages indicating issues with classloading, missing modules, or incorrect module configurations. These errors are the breadcrumbs leading us to the solution. For instance, Geyser might need access to a specific Java class or module that Arclight isn't making available in the expected way, or perhaps it's trying to use a class that has been deprecated or removed in the Java version Arclight is running on. The Java version itself, **Java 21.0.9 LTS**, is quite recent and robust, but its modularity can be a double-edged sword. If Arclight, Geyser, or Floodgate have dependencies on older, non-modularized libraries, or if their internal configurations aren't updated to work with JPMS, conflicts are inevitable. We need to ensure that Arclight's startup process correctly sets up the Java environment so that Geyser and Floodgate can find and use all the necessary Java modules and classes without throwing errors. This might involve tweaking Arclight's startup scripts or ensuring that Geyser and Floodgate are compatible with the specific Java module configurations Arclight employs. Let's keep this module system in mind as we move forward, as it's often the hidden culprit.
## Diagnosing the Specific Error: Decoding Your Server Logs
To truly fix the issue where **Geyser Floodgate cannot interact with Arclight**, we need to become detectives and carefully examine the **server logs**. The link you provided, [https://pastebin.com/4J63W9N3](https://pastebin.com/4J63W9N3), is our primary source of information. When you start your Arclight server with Geyser and Floodgate installed, you're looking for specific error messages that pop up during the server initialization phase. These messages are crucial because they tell us *exactly* where the communication is breaking down. Common culprits include `ClassNotFoundException`, `NoClassDefFoundError`, `ModuleNotFoundException`, or errors related to Java Security Managers or Reflection. For example, you might see messages like:
`Error occurred during initialization of VM`
`agent library failed to detect a JVM`
`Caused by: java.lang.module.FindException: Module not found`
`java.lang.RuntimeException: Could not load’: io.netty.channel.ChannelHandler`
These types of errors suggest that the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) running Arclight is having trouble finding or loading essential classes or modules that Geyser and Floodgate depend on. This often happens because of how Arclight loads its dependencies and plugins, or due to incompatibilities with the specific Java version or its module system. If your logs show errors related to **Netty**, for instance, it might indicate a conflict in network handling libraries between Arclight, Geyser, and potentially other plugins. The fact that you're using **Java 21.0.9** on **Debian 12** with **Arclight 1.21.1** and the latest versions of Geyser, Floodgate, Luckperms, EssentialsX, and Tab is a good starting point. However, the interaction between these components, especially the newer Java versions and the potential for Arclight to modify the classpath or module path, can lead to these issues. We need to identify the *exact* error message from your log to tailor the solution. If the logs show that Floodgate is failing to initialize, it might be because it can't access the necessary security or authentication modules. If Geyser is the one failing, it could be related to packet translation libraries or network handlers. Don't skip over seemingly minor warnings; sometimes they precede a critical failure. Once we pinpoint the specific error, we can search for solutions related to that exact problem, which will be much more effective than general troubleshooting.
## Common Fixes and Workarounds
Now that we've explored the potential causes, let's dive into some common fixes and workarounds when **Geyser Floodgate cannot interact with Arclight**. Based on the typical errors seen in logs similar to the one you provided, here are a few strategies to try:
### 1. Java Version and Arguments:
* **Compatibility Check:** While Java 21 is generally good, double-check if Arclight has any *specific* recommended Java versions or configurations. Sometimes, older Java versions (like Java 17) might offer better compatibility with certain mods or plugins if Arclight's support for newer versions is still maturing. However, given your setup, sticking with Java 21 is usually preferable if possible.
* **JVM Arguments:** Sometimes, specific JVM arguments are needed to help Arclight, Geyser, or Floodgate load correctly. You might need to explicitly tell the JVM where to find certain modules or disable certain security features that interfere. Look for discussions related to Arclight and Java module flags (e.g., `--add-opens`, `--add-exports`). You can often add these to your `arclight.sh` or `arclight.bat` startup script.
### 2. Plugin Order and Configuration:
* **Initialization Order:** The order in which plugins load can sometimes matter. While Arclight usually handles this, ensure that Geyser and Floodgate are loaded *after* core server components if possible. Sometimes, plugins that heavily rely on network or player management (like EssentialsX or Luckperms) need to be fully initialized before Geyser and Floodgate try to hook into them.
* **Floodgate Configuration:** Check `plugins/floodgate/config.yml`. Ensure settings like `authenticate-bedrock` are `true` and that any IP-related configurations are correct for your server setup. Sometimes, Floodgate might expect to bind to a specific port or IP that Arclight's networking is preventing.
### 3. Arclight-Specific Adjustments:
* **Mod Loader Updates:** Ensure Arclight itself is as up-to-date as possible. Sometimes, patches are released that specifically address plugin compatibility or Java module issues.
* **Classpath/Modulepath:** Arclight might have its own way of managing the Java classpath or modulepath. If Geyser or Floodgate's JAR files aren't being picked up correctly, it could be an Arclight configuration issue. You might need to manually place certain JARs in specific Arclight directories or adjust startup scripts to include them in the modulepath.
### 4. Dependency Issues:
* **Netty Conflicts:** As mentioned, Netty is a common library for network communication. If Geyser, Floodgate, and Arclight all bundle their own versions of Netty, conflicts can arise. Look for logs indicating Netty version mismatches or `IllegalAccessError` related to Netty classes. Some server software has specific ways to manage Netty versions. You might need to investigate if Arclight has such a mechanism.
* **Specific Java Module Flags:** Based on the errors in your pastebin, especially if they mention `java.lang.module.FindException`, you might need to add `--add-opens` or `--add-exports` flags to your JVM arguments. For example, you might need to open certain packages within Arclight's core modules to Geyser/Floodgate. *This is advanced and requires careful research based on the exact errors.* A common example might be something like `--add-opens java.base/java.nio=ALL-UNNAMED`, but this is highly dependent on the specific error.
### 5. Testing with Minimal Setup:
* **Isolate the Issue:** Temporarily remove all other plugins except Geyser, Floodgate, and potentially one essential plugin like EssentialsX. See if the issue persists. If it works, gradually re-add other plugins to find the conflict.
Remember to **back up your server** before making significant changes. Each Arclight setup can be unique, so systematic testing is key. If the error persists, providing the *exact* error message from the log is the best way to get more targeted help from the community.
## Conclusion: Getting Everyone Playing Together
We've journeyed through the technical landscape of **Arclight**, **Geyser**, and **Floodgate**, tackling the frustrating issue where **Geyser Floodgate cannot interact with Arclight**. The core of the problem often lies in the intricacies of the Java environment, particularly the Java Platform Module System (JPMS), and how Arclight initializes and manages its dependencies. By carefully examining your server logs, you can pinpoint specific errors related to classloading, missing modules, or network conflicts. Remember that the Java version, JVM arguments, plugin loading order, and specific configurations within Floodgate can all play a role.
We've discussed several potential solutions, from adjusting JVM arguments and checking plugin configurations to isolating the issue by removing other plugins. The key takeaway is that there's no single magic bullet; troubleshooting requires patience and a systematic approach. By understanding the roles of each component and the potential points of failure, you're much better equipped to resolve these connection issues.
Don't get discouraged if the first few attempts don't work. The *Minecraft* server community is incredibly helpful. If you're still stuck, don't hesitate to reach out to the Arclight or Geyser communities. Providing detailed information, including your server logs, Minecraft version, Arclight version, and plugin list, will significantly increase your chances of getting the right assistance.
For further information and community support, consider checking out:
* The official **[Geyser Wiki](https://geysermc.org/wiki)** for in-depth documentation and troubleshooting guides.
* The **[Arclight Discord server](https://discord.gg/arclight)**, where you can often find direct help from developers and experienced users.
With a bit of persistence, you'll soon have your Bedrock friends joining your modded Arclight server, expanding your *Minecraft* adventures to everyone!
