# Add an EssentialsX cooldown to one utility command

A command-specific cooldown can limit repeated utility use without delaying unrelated player actions. Start with a single exact command and test both the wait and its bypass policy.

## Follow the procedure

1. Choose the command and a short trial duration. Identify whether EssentialsX or another plugin actually receives that command, including any player-facing alias.
2. Find the command-cooldowns section in the EssentialsX configuration. Use the command name without its leading slash and preserve the YAML indentation.
3. Add one exact entry such as `feed: 30` for a thirty-second trial where that command is enabled. Avoid a wildcard that matches unrelated moderation commands.
4. Check that the test account lacks `essentials.commandcooldowns.bypass` and any other relevant exception. Give it only the utility command permission it needs.
5. Run the command once, repeat before expiry, then try again after the cooldown. Test a similar command to confirm the rule does not match too broadly.
6. If cooldowns must survive a restart, review the persistence option and perform a planned restart test. Record that expectation in the staff notes.

## Check the result

The selected command should work, refuse an early repeat and work again after the configured interval. Test any alias players use and a command outside the rule. A permission denial is different from a cooldown response, so confirm that the player can execute the command once before timing the repeat.

## If the result is wrong

If nothing changes, check YAML validation, the active configuration and command routing. If too many commands acquire a wait, remove the broad matching rule and use a specific entry. Restore only the edited cooldown item; do not reset the whole EssentialsX configuration or grant a bypass to every player.

## References and related help

- [EssentialsX maintainer reference](https://github.com/EssentialsX/Wiki/blob/master/Command-Cooldowns.md)
- [EssentialsX maintainer reference](https://github.com/EssentialsX/Essentials/blob/2.x/Essentials/src/main/resources/config.yml)
- [Set up EssentialsX commands and player permissions](https://help.cloudexa-hosting.com/books/game-hosting/page/set-up-essentialsx-commands-and-player-permissions)
- [Find Minecraft logs and send useful troubleshooting details](https://help.cloudexa-hosting.com/books/game-hosting/page/find-minecraft-logs-and-send-useful-troubleshooting-details)