/trigger

Modifies a scoreboard objective of type 'trigger'. This command can be used by non-operator players, making it useful for custom maps and voting systems.

Overview

Modifies a scoreboard objective of type 'trigger'. This command can be used by non-operator players, making it useful for custom maps and voting systems. In vanilla Minecraft Java Edition it is one of the player commands and has been available since version 1.8.

It is invoked as /trigger [add|set ] and accepts one required argument () and 2 optional arguments ([action] and [value]).

Permission level 0 means all players can use this command. The trigger must be enabled for each player using /scoreboard players enable. After triggering, it is automatically disabled until re-enabled.

Because its permission level is 0, ordinary players can run it — but only after an operator enables the objective for them with /scoreboard players enable, and it disables again after each use.

Syntax & Arguments

/trigger <objective> [add|set <value>]

The full syntax is /trigger [add|set ]. Angle brackets < > mark required arguments and square brackets [ ] mark optional ones; a vertical bar | between words means you pick exactly one of those literals. You must always supply . The arguments [action] and [value] may be omitted, in which case the documented default applies.

objective: Required, of type an objective. The scoreboard objective to modify. Must be of the 'trigger' criteria type.
action: Optional, of type a literal. Either 'add' or 'set'. Defaults to add 1 if omitted.
value: Optional, of type an integer. The value to add or set.

Parameters

Name	Type	Required	Description
objective	objective	Required	The scoreboard objective to modify. Must be of the 'trigger' criteria type.
action	literal	Optional	Either 'add' or 'set'. Defaults to add 1 if omitted.
value	integer	Optional	The value to add or set.

Examples

The 3 examples below are ready to copy and adapt. For instance, /trigger vote increments the 'vote' trigger objective by 1 for the executing player. Each example varies the arguments to show a different real use of /trigger; read the note under every snippet to see exactly what changes.

/trigger vote

Increments the 'vote' trigger objective by 1 for the executing player.

/trigger shop set 3

Sets the 'shop' trigger objective to 3 for the executing player.

/trigger warp add 5

Adds 5 to the 'warp' trigger objective.

Permission Level & Requirements

/trigger sits at permission Level 0 - All Players, which means any player can run it without operator status.

This reference describes the Java Edition 1.21 form of the command; Bedrock Edition may use slightly different argument formats.

Common Mistakes

Trying to use /trigger on an objective that is not of the 'trigger' type, only trigger-type objectives work.
Forgetting to enable the trigger for the player with /scoreboard players enable, triggers must be enabled before use.

Notes

Related Commands

If /trigger is part of your toolkit, the commands below are the ones you will most often reach for alongside it: /scoreboard and /tellraw. They cover closely related tasks, so the links above jump straight to each one.

/scoreboard

/tellraw

Frequently Asked Questions about /trigger

What does the /trigger command do in Minecraft?

Modifies a scoreboard objective of type 'trigger'. This command can be used by non-operator players, making it useful for custom maps and voting systems. It belongs to the player command group and was added in Java Edition 1.8.

What is the correct syntax for /trigger?

/trigger [add|set ]. The required argument is objective, and the optional ones are action and value.

What permission level does /trigger need?

It requires permission Level 0 - All Players. No operator status is needed.

What is a common mistake when using /trigger?

Trying to use /trigger on an objective that is not of the 'trigger' type, only trigger-type objectives work.

Can you give an example of /trigger in use?

Yes. /trigger shop set 3 — sets the 'shop' trigger objective to 3 for the executing player.

Why does /trigger say I can't trigger this objective?

The objective must be of the 'trigger' criterion and an operator must enable it for you first with /scoreboard players enable . Each trigger is single-use until re-enabled.

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