# Configuration
Barrier uses a single `config.yml` file located in the plugin's data folder. The configuration controls storm behavior including knockback, totem interactions, absorption heart handling, and visual phases.
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## Config Version
The `version` key tracks the internal config schema version. Barrier automatically migrates older configurations to the latest version on startup. Do not modify this value manually.
**Current version:** `4`
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## Settings Reference
| Key | Type | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| `version` | Integer | `4` | Internal config version. Do not edit manually. |
| `should_knockback` | Boolean | `false` | If enabled, players inside the storm receive knockback. This should remain disabled unless you want to further punish players caught in the storm. |
| `should_allow_totems` | Boolean | `true` | If enabled, the storm accounts for totems of undying when dealing lethal damage. Players holding a totem can survive a killing blow from the storm. |
| `should_subtract_absorption` | Boolean | `true` | If enabled, the storm subtracts absorption hearts (golden hearts) before dealing damage to the player's actual health bar. |
| `colorful_phases` | Boolean | `false` | If enabled, the storm displays different colors depending on its current state — moving, shrinking, or doing both simultaneously. |
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## Default Config
```yaml
version: 4
# If enabled, players stuck in storm will experience knockback
# TIP: This should be disabled unless you want to punish players more while inside storms
should_knockback: false
# Should the storm account for totems of undying
should_allow_totems: true
# Should the storm account for absorption hearts
should_subtract_absorption: true
# If enabled, the storm will have different colors being set when moving, shrinking, or doing both.
colorful_phases: false
```
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## Reloading
The configuration can be reloaded at runtime using the `/worldborder reload` command. This re-reads `config.yml` from disk without requiring a server restart.
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## Related Pages
- [[Barrier/Server Owners/Overview]] — plugin overview and feature list
- [[Barrier/Server Owners/Commands]] — complete command reference