Server Controllers
Server controllers are powerful tools that extend your server’s functionality, providing advanced management features, player commands, and plugin support.
What is a Server Controller?
A server controller is a third-party application that connects to your TrackMania or Maniaplanet server and provides:
- User interface widgets - Display information to players in-game
- Advanced server management - Manage maps, players, and settings in real-time
- Player commands - Adds custom commands for players (e.g., /skip, /vote, /records)
- Plugin system - Extend functionality with community-made or custom plugins
- Statistics & records - Track player performance and records
- Automated tasks - Schedule map rotations, etc.
Available Controllers
Maniaservers supports two main server controllers:
In-Game UI Comparison
PyPlanet UI
ManiaControl UI
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | PyPlanet | ManiaControl |
|---|---|---|
| UI Customization | Fixed UI - Plugins managed via Maniaservers panel | Full customization - Widget visibility and appearance configurable in-game |
| Plugin Management | Via Maniaservers panel | In-game plugin management |
| Stability | ✅ More stable | ⚠️ Less stable - Dedimania broken in TM2, limited TM2020 maintenance |
| Feature Support | Full support for all features | ⚠️ TrackMania Exchange map downloads not supported anymore |
| Usage | 🏆 95% of Maniaservers users | 📊 5% of Maniaservers users |
| Best For | Modern servers, most users | Simple needs, legacy setups |
Which Controller Should You Choose?
For most users: PyPlanet is the recommended choice due to its stability, active development, and widespread adoption (95% of servers).
ManiaControl can still be useful and work for simple setups but has known limitations.
Installation
Controllers are installed and configured through the Maniaservers panel:
- When creating your server, you’ll be asked to choose a controller
- The controller will be automatically installed and configured
- You can manage the masteradmins list in the Maniaservers panel
- You can change the controller from the Maniaservers server panel, the masteradmins list is automatically migrated.
You cannot run both controllers simultaneously on the same server. Choose one that best fits your needs.
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