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Upkeep

Upkeep is a recurring payment system that requires region owners to pay maintenance fees based on the number of chunks they've claimed. This prevents land hoarding and keeps the server economy active.

What is Upkeep?

Think of upkeep as "rent" for your claimed chunks. Every configured period (typically weekly), you must pay money from your region's bank to keep your chunks claimed.

Why Upkeep Exists

Server Benefits:

  • Prevents players from claiming excessive land they don't use
  • Encourages active players over inactive ones
  • Creates a money sink for the economy
  • Keeps the world from being completely claimed
  • Promotes cooperation (share regions to split costs)

Player Benefits:

  • Ensures you only claim what you actually need
  • Rewards active participation
  • Creates opportunities for region trading
  • Makes unclaimed land available for new players

Server Configuration

Upkeep is optional and must be enabled by server admins. Check with /region menu to see if upkeep is active on the server.

How Upkeep Works

The Formula

Upkeep Cost = Number of Chunks × Cost Per Chunk

Example:

  • You have claimed: 10 chunks
  • Server's cost per chunk: $100
  • Your upkeep: 10 × $100 = $1,000

Payment Schedule

Upkeep is due on a regular schedule set by server admins.

Check your next payment: 

/region menu

Look for "Upkeep" button.

Grace Period

New regions get a grace period before the first upkeep payment is due. This gives you time to:

  • Build your base
  • Gather resources
  • Earn money
  • Get established

Use Your Grace Period

Don't wait until the last minute! Start saving for upkeep early. Set aside money in your region bank during the grace period.

Paying Upkeep

Automatic Payment

When upkeep is due, Homestead automatically deducts the cost from your region bank.

Process:

  1. Upkeep timer expires
  2. Homestead checks your region bank balance
  3. If you have enough money → Payment successful
  4. If you don't have enough → Partial payment or unclaim (see below)

Depositing to Region Bank

To prepare for upkeep, deposit money into your region's bank:

Command: 

/region deposit [amount]

Examples: 

/region deposit 1000
/region deposit 5000
/region deposit 10000

Check your balance: 

/region balance

Calculate your upkeep cost:

  1. Count your claimed chunks: /region claimlist
  2. Know the cost per chunk (server setting)
  3. Multiply: chunks × cost = upkeep

Save in advance:

  • Deposit at least 2-3 upkeep payments worth
  • This gives you a buffer if you're offline during payment
  • Example: If upkeep is $1,000, deposit $3,000

What Happens if You Can't Pay?

Full Payment Possible

If your bank has enough money:

  • Payment is automatically deducted
  • All chunks remain claimed
  • Next payment scheduled

Partial Payment Only

If you have some money but not enough for all chunks:

This is an example:

  • Your region: 10 chunks
  • Bank balance: $600
  • Cost per chunk: $100
  • Can afford: 6 chunks

Result:

  • 6 chunks remain claimed (paid $600)
  • 4 chunks are automatically unclaimed
  • Usually the last-claimed chunks are unclaimed first

Chunk Loss

When chunks are auto-unclaimed, anything built in those chunks becomes unprotected! Other players can claim and build there.

Zero Balance

If you have no money at all:

  • All chunks may be unclaimed immediately
  • Your builds become unprotected

Prevention:

  • Always keep money in your region bank
  • Set up member taxes to help pay upkeep
  • Monitor your balance regularly

Managing Upkeep Costs

Reduce Chunk Count

The simplest way to lower upkeep: claim fewer chunks.

Unclaim unused chunks: 

/unclaim

Or use the claim list menu: 

/region claimlist

Use Member Taxes

See Taxes for more details.

Key Concepts

  • Automatic payment from region bank
  • Grace period for new regions
  • Auto-unclaim if you can't pay (usually)
  • Member taxes can help cover costs
  • Regular deposits prevent loss