> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rivalryze.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.rivalryze.com/for-guild-admins/adding-the-bot.md).

# Adding the Bot to Your Server

The RivalRyze Bot brings the platform into your Discord server. Once installed, your members can use commands like `/profile`, `/leaderboard`, `/balance` directly in chat, and you can host server-only Contests for your community.

## Who can add the bot

You need the **Manage Server** permission on the Discord server. Only server owners and users with that permission can add bots.

If you don't have it, ask the server owner to either grant you the permission or add the bot themselves.

## How to invite the bot

1. Go to **rivalryze.com → Discord Bot → Add to Server** (or use the `/invite` command in any server that already has the bot).
2. You'll be redirected to Discord's bot invite page.
3. Select the server you want to add the bot to.
4. Review the permissions the bot is requesting (see below) and confirm.
5. Complete Discord's CAPTCHA if prompted.
6. The bot appears in your server's member list.

{% hint style="info" %}
You can add the bot to a server before you've registered it on RivalRyze. The next step ([Initial Setup](/for-guild-admins/initial-setup.md)) is where the server actually gets connected to the platform.
{% endhint %}

## What permissions the bot needs

The bot requests a focused set of permissions. Each is needed for specific features:

| Permission                        | Why it's needed                                             |
| --------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Read messages / View channels** | To know when someone uses a slash command.                  |
| **Send messages**                 | To respond to slash commands.                               |
| **Embed links**                   | To send rich-formatted responses (profiles, leaderboards).  |
| **Attach files**                  | To send generated images (completion cards, profile cards). |
| **Use external emojis**           | For platform icons (Steam, PSN, Xbox, etc.) in responses.   |
| **Add reactions**                 | For interactive responses to commands.                      |
| **Read message history**          | To resolve replies and references within commands.          |
| **Manage messages** *(optional)*  | To clean up command responses on request.                   |
| **Manage roles** *(optional)*     | If you want RivalRyze to assign roles based on rank/wins.   |

{% hint style="success" %}
You can review and adjust permissions any time in **Server Settings → Integrations → RivalRyze Bot → Manage**.
{% endhint %}

## Permissions the bot does NOT need

For transparency:

* **Administrator** — never. The bot does not need admin.
* **Manage Server** — no.
* **Ban Members / Kick Members** — no.
* **Manage Webhooks** — no.

If a bot ever asks for these, double-check it's the real RivalRyze Bot.

## Verifying you have the real bot

The official bot has:

* A verified checkmark next to its name on its profile.
* The username confirmed in your RivalRyze docs and on the official site.
* Joins via [rivalryze.com](https://rivalryze.com) or the official `/invite` URL.

If you see a bot claiming to be RivalRyze without these markers, do not authorize it.

## What happens right after adding

The bot lands in your server's member list but **is not yet active for RivalRyze features**. You need to run the next step:

→ [**Initial Setup**](/for-guild-admins/initial-setup.md) — register the server, link it to RivalRyze, and unlock all the features.

Until you run setup, the only command the bot will respond to is `/setup`.

## Removing the bot

Two ways:

* **Kick it from the server** — Discord native: right-click bot → Kick.
* **Remove from RivalRyze** — Site → Guild → **Remove from RivalRyze**. This unregisters the server but keeps the bot in chat in case you want to re-register later.

Removing the bot disables all RivalRyze features for your server. Member data on RivalRyze is preserved (members keep their accounts, achievements, etc.) — only the guild-level features (guild leaderboards, guild Contests) stop.

## Bot uptime and issues

If the bot is offline or unresponsive in your server:

1. Check if it's showing as offline in the member list.
2. Check the [RivalRyze status page](https://status.rivalryze.com) (if available) for known incidents.
3. Try `/guild-permissions` (if the bot is online) to check that permissions are correct.
4. Contact [support](/help-and-faq/contact-support.md) if the bot has been offline for over 30 minutes.


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