Discord Bot Setup Checklist: Everything Before You Launch

Bots are the engine of a well-run Discord server. Use this checklist to make sure everything is configured correctly.

Bot Hierarchy Check

• [ ] Each bot's role is positioned above the roles it needs to manage
• [ ] No bot has the Administrator permission unless absolutely necessary
• [ ] Each bot only has the permissions it genuinely needs

Moderation Bot (MEE6, Dyno, or Carl-bot)

• [ ] AutoMod rules configured (spam, mentions, bad words)
• [ ] Mod-log channel set
• [ ] Warning system configured with escalation thresholds
• [ ] Invite link blocker active (for unverified members)
• [ ] Mute/Timeout command tested

Welcome Bot

• [ ] Welcome message configured and tested (send yourself a DM or have a friend join)
• [ ] Welcome channel set correctly
• [ ] Auto-role assignment working (e.g. "New Member" role on join)
• [ ] DM welcome tested if enabled

Logging Bot

• [ ] Message delete logs active → posted to #mod-log or #message-log
• [ ] Member join/leave logs active
• [ ] Ban/kick/warn logs active
• [ ] Channel/role change logs active
• [ ] Log channels are staff-only

Leveling Bot (MEE6, Arcane, or Carl-bot)

• [ ] XP rate configured
• [ ] Level roles set up (what role at what level)
• [ ] Level-up announcement channel set
• [ ] Double XP channels set (if applicable)
• [ ] Leveling disabled in #bot-commands (so spam doesn't earn XP)

Reaction Roles (Carl-bot)

• [ ] All roles created in Server Settings first
• [ ] Role menu message posted in the correct channel
• [ ] Reactions tested — each assigns the correct role
• [ ] Role limits set if needed (exclusive roles)

Final Tests

• [ ] Have a test account join and go through the full new member flow
• [ ] Trigger a test warning and verify it logs correctly
• [ ] Confirm welcome message fires correctly
• [ ] Check all bots are online and responding

Once your bots are configured, list your server on Discords.ai.

Related: MEE6 vs Carl-bot vs Dyno · Discord Logging Bot Setup