DeathSpectator (Forge/Fabric/NeoForge)
DeathSpectator switches a player into spectator mode when they die, and a server can make that state permanent for hardcore play.
What it does
The mod places a player in spectator status after death through a configurable system. The server owner can set it to apply automatically, and it can be paired with settings that control whether items drop and whether a death message appears. A command sets each option, and recommended settings allow a death that cannot be respawned from, as in hardcore series events.
The mod is a server-side only mod, so only the server needs it and players join without installing anything. Fabric API is required on Fabric. Files are published for Fabric, Forge and NeoForge across 21 release versions, 1.19.2 – 1.21.11, under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license, which is not open source. The mod also has a sound that plays when a ban is applied.
Key features
Automatic spectator status
After a death the player is moved to spectator mode, and the server can apply the change automatically.
Configurable drops and messages
Item drops and the death message can each be turned on or off, through a command or the configuration file.
Hardcore death setting
A recommended setting makes a death final, so the player cannot respawn, which suits hardcore events.
Live configuration updates
Saving the configuration file with a command applies the new properties immediately, without a restart.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
1.21.x12 of 12 versions with builds
1.20.x6 of 6 versions with builds
1.19.x3 of 3 versions with builds
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Requirements
Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.
Required 1
Use cases
Hardcore servers
Server owners running permadeath events can keep a dead player out of play until the event ends.
Singleplayer worlds
The configuration file applies to worlds played alone, and the client needs no extra setup.
Who it’s for: Server owners who run hardcore or death-penalty events, and players who want a configurable spectator system after death.
How it compares
Death Counter is a client and server mod under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 only, open source, for 1.18 – 1.21.5, and it counts deaths rather than changing the player's state. Panda Death Ban is server-side only and under the CC0 1.0 Universal license, open source, for 1.21.11 – 26.3, and it is Fabric only. Both differ from DeathSpectator in environment, loader support or version range.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeathSpectator (Forge/Fabric/NeoForge) | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 1.19.2 – 1.21.11 | Server-side only | 2026-09-08 |
| Death Counter | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 1.18 – 1.21.5 | Client and server | 2025-05-09 |
| Panda Death Ban | Fabric | 1.21.11 – 26.3 | Server-side only | 2026-10-04 |
Questions
Does DeathSpectator need Fabric API?
Does the client need the mod?
Which versions are covered?
Can the configuration change while the server runs?
In the catalog
DeathSpectator (Forge/Fabric/NeoForge) is one of 8,016 Management mods on ModsFinder, and one of 5,930 Management mods for Fabric. 19,862 mods support Minecraft 1.21.11.
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What the author says
This mod consists of a configurable system that allows you to automatically be put into spectator status when you die. It is recommended for Hardcore series or events in which if you die you cannot respawn. You can customize whether items drop or whether the death message appears, all with the /deathspectator command…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/deathspectatormod
- Owner
- Banned Studios
- Published
- 2024-10-03
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-09-08
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15