diff --git a/builtin/common/misc_helpers.lua b/builtin/common/misc_helpers.lua
index fc284c843..1ca400688 100644
--- a/builtin/common/misc_helpers.lua
+++ b/builtin/common/misc_helpers.lua
@@ -463,7 +463,7 @@ if INIT == "game" then
 
 	core.rotate_node = function(itemstack, placer, pointed_thing)
 		core.rotate_and_place(itemstack, placer, pointed_thing,
-				core.setting_getbool("creative_mode"),
+				core.settings:get_bool("creative_mode"),
 				{invert_wall = placer:get_player_control().sneak})
 		return itemstack
 	end
@@ -642,8 +642,8 @@ end
 
 local ESCAPE_CHAR = string.char(0x1b)
 
--- Client-sided mods don't have access to getbool
-if core.setting_getbool and core.setting_getbool("disable_escape_sequences") then
+-- Client-side mods don't have access to settings
+if core.settings and core.settings:get_bool("disable_escape_sequences") then
 
 	function core.get_color_escape_sequence(color)
 		return ""
diff --git a/builtin/fstk/tabview.lua b/builtin/fstk/tabview.lua
index 72551afd7..3715e231b 100644
--- a/builtin/fstk/tabview.lua
+++ b/builtin/fstk/tabview.lua
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ local function switch_to_tab(self, index)
 	self.current_tab = self.tablist[index].name
 
 	if (self.autosave_tab) then
-		core.setting_set(self.name .. "_LAST",self.current_tab)
+		core.settings:set(self.name .. "_LAST",self.current_tab)
 	end
 
 	-- call for tab to enter
diff --git a/builtin/game/auth.lua b/builtin/game/auth.lua
index 46fe3d342..8cb4ebf57 100644
--- a/builtin/game/auth.lua
+++ b/builtin/game/auth.lua
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ core.builtin_auth_handler = {
 				end
 			end
 		-- For the admin, give everything
-		elseif name == core.setting_get("name") then
+		elseif name == core.settings:get("name") then
 			for priv, def in pairs(core.registered_privileges) do
 				privileges[priv] = true
 			end
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ core.builtin_auth_handler = {
 		core.log('info', "Built-in authentication handler adding player '"..name.."'")
 		core.auth_table[name] = {
 			password = password,
-			privileges = core.string_to_privs(core.setting_get("default_privs")),
+			privileges = core.string_to_privs(core.settings:get("default_privs")),
 			last_login = os.time(),
 		}
 		save_auth_file()
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ core.builtin_auth_handler = {
 		if not core.auth_table[name] then
 			core.builtin_auth_handler.create_auth(name,
 				core.get_password_hash(name,
-					core.setting_get("default_password")))
+					core.settings:get("default_password")))
 		end
 		core.auth_table[name].privileges = privileges
 		core.notify_authentication_modified(name)
diff --git a/builtin/game/chatcommands.lua b/builtin/game/chatcommands.lua
index cbf75c1bc..b792a01cd 100644
--- a/builtin/game/chatcommands.lua
+++ b/builtin/game/chatcommands.lua
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ core.register_on_chat_message(function(name, message)
 	return true  -- Handled chat message
 end)
 
-if core.setting_getbool("profiler.load") then
+if core.settings:get_bool("profiler.load") then
 	-- Run after register_chatcommand and its register_on_chat_message
 	-- Before any chattcommands that should be profiled
 	profiler.init_chatcommand()
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ core.register_chatcommand("me", {
 core.register_chatcommand("admin", {
 	description = "Show the name of the server owner",
 	func = function(name)
-		local admin = minetest.setting_get("name")
+		local admin = minetest.settings:get("name")
 		if admin then
 			return true, "The administrator of this server is "..admin.."."
 		else
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ local function handle_grant_command(caller, grantname, grantprivstr)
 	local privs = core.get_player_privs(grantname)
 	local privs_unknown = ""
 	local basic_privs =
-		core.string_to_privs(core.setting_get("basic_privs") or "interact,shout")
+		core.string_to_privs(core.settings:get("basic_privs") or "interact,shout")
 	for priv, _ in pairs(grantprivs) do
 		if not basic_privs[priv] and not caller_privs.privs then
 			return false, "Your privileges are insufficient."
@@ -185,7 +185,7 @@ core.register_chatcommand("revoke", {
 		local revoke_privs = core.string_to_privs(revoke_priv_str)
 		local privs = core.get_player_privs(revoke_name)
 		local basic_privs =
-			core.string_to_privs(core.setting_get("basic_privs") or "interact,shout")
+			core.string_to_privs(core.settings:get("basic_privs") or "interact,shout")
 		for priv, _ in pairs(revoke_privs) do
 			if not basic_privs[priv] and
 					not core.check_player_privs(name, {privs=true}) then
@@ -419,20 +419,20 @@ core.register_chatcommand("set", {
 	func = function(name, param)
 		local arg, setname, setvalue = string.match(param, "(-[n]) ([^ ]+) (.+)")
 		if arg and arg == "-n" and setname and setvalue then
-			core.setting_set(setname, setvalue)
+			core.settings:set(setname, setvalue)
 			return true, setname .. " = " .. setvalue
 		end
 		local setname, setvalue = string.match(param, "([^ ]+) (.+)")
 		if setname and setvalue then
-			if not core.setting_get(setname) then
+			if not core.settings:get(setname) then
 				return false, "Failed. Use '/set -n <name> <value>' to create a new setting."
 			end
-			core.setting_set(setname, setvalue)
+			core.settings:set(setname, setvalue)
 			return true, setname .. " = " .. setvalue
 		end
 		local setname = string.match(param, "([^ ]+)")
 		if setname then
-			local setvalue = core.setting_get(setname)
+			local setvalue = core.settings:get(setname)
 			if not setvalue then
 				setvalue = "<not set>"
 			end
@@ -667,7 +667,7 @@ core.register_chatcommand("rollback_check", {
 			.. " seconds = 86400 = 24h, limit = 5",
 	privs = {rollback=true},
 	func = function(name, param)
-		if not core.setting_getbool("enable_rollback_recording") then
+		if not core.settings:get_bool("enable_rollback_recording") then
 			return false, "Rollback functions are disabled."
 		end
 		local range, seconds, limit =
@@ -718,7 +718,7 @@ core.register_chatcommand("rollback", {
 	description = "Revert actions of a player. Default for <seconds> is 60",
 	privs = {rollback=true},
 	func = function(name, param)
-		if not core.setting_getbool("enable_rollback_recording") then
+		if not core.settings:get_bool("enable_rollback_recording") then
 			return false, "Rollback functions are disabled."
 		end
 		local target_name, seconds = string.match(param, ":([^ ]+) *(%d*)")
diff --git a/builtin/game/deprecated.lua b/builtin/game/deprecated.lua
index cd1cf5e2d..1a9a96f2a 100644
--- a/builtin/game/deprecated.lua
+++ b/builtin/game/deprecated.lua
@@ -49,3 +49,24 @@ setmetatable(core.env, {
 function core.rollback_get_last_node_actor(pos, range, seconds)
 	return core.rollback_get_node_actions(pos, range, seconds, 1)[1]
 end
+
+--
+-- core.setting_*
+--
+
+local settings = core.settings
+
+local function setting_proxy(name)
+	return function(...)
+		core.log("deprecated", "WARNING: minetest.setting_* "..
+			"functions are deprecated.  "..
+			"Use methods on the minetest.settings object.")
+		return settings[name](settings, ...)
+	end
+end
+
+core.setting_set = setting_proxy("set")
+core.setting_get = setting_proxy("get")
+core.setting_setbool = setting_proxy("set_bool")
+core.setting_getbool = setting_proxy("get_bool")
+core.setting_save = setting_proxy("write")
diff --git a/builtin/game/forceloading.lua b/builtin/game/forceloading.lua
index 8a05de36c..7c5537e85 100644
--- a/builtin/game/forceloading.lua
+++ b/builtin/game/forceloading.lua
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ function core.forceload_block(pos, transient)
 	elseif other_table[hash] ~= nil then
 		relevant_table[hash] = 1
 	else
-		if total_forceloaded >= (tonumber(core.setting_get("max_forceloaded_blocks")) or 16) then
+		if total_forceloaded >= (tonumber(core.settings:get("max_forceloaded_blocks")) or 16) then
 			return false
 		end
 		total_forceloaded = total_forceloaded+1
diff --git a/builtin/game/init.lua b/builtin/game/init.lua
index 3e192a30a..e2635f07a 100644
--- a/builtin/game/init.lua
+++ b/builtin/game/init.lua
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ dofile(gamepath.."constants.lua")
 assert(loadfile(gamepath.."item.lua"))(builtin_shared)
 dofile(gamepath.."register.lua")
 
-if core.setting_getbool("profiler.load") then
+if core.settings:get_bool("profiler.load") then
 	profiler = dofile(scriptpath.."profiler"..DIR_DELIM.."init.lua")
 end
 
diff --git a/builtin/game/item.lua b/builtin/game/item.lua
index 671a994c7..e36745f93 100644
--- a/builtin/game/item.lua
+++ b/builtin/game/item.lua
@@ -483,7 +483,7 @@ function core.node_dig(pos, node, digger)
 		wielded = wdef.after_use(wielded, digger, node, dp) or wielded
 	else
 		-- Wear out tool
-		if not core.setting_getbool("creative_mode") then
+		if not core.settings:get_bool("creative_mode") then
 			wielded:add_wear(dp.wear)
 			if wielded:get_count() == 0 and wdef.sound and wdef.sound.breaks then
 				core.sound_play(wdef.sound.breaks, {pos = pos, gain = 0.5})
diff --git a/builtin/game/item_entity.lua b/builtin/game/item_entity.lua
index 7b8247116..c0e36be2d 100644
--- a/builtin/game/item_entity.lua
+++ b/builtin/game/item_entity.lua
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ end
 -- If item_entity_ttl is not set, enity will have default life time
 -- Setting it to -1 disables the feature
 
-local time_to_live = tonumber(core.setting_get("item_entity_ttl"))
+local time_to_live = tonumber(core.settings:get("item_entity_ttl"))
 if not time_to_live then
 	time_to_live = 900
 end
diff --git a/builtin/game/misc.lua b/builtin/game/misc.lua
index a3eb26ac2..bfe407b9d 100644
--- a/builtin/game/misc.lua
+++ b/builtin/game/misc.lua
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ function core.get_node_group(name, group)
 end
 
 function core.setting_get_pos(name)
-	local value = core.setting_get(name)
+	local value = core.settings:get(name)
 	if not value then
 		return nil
 	end
diff --git a/builtin/game/statbars.lua b/builtin/game/statbars.lua
index 4e7781e53..6aa106140 100644
--- a/builtin/game/statbars.lua
+++ b/builtin/game/statbars.lua
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 -- cache setting
-local enable_damage = core.setting_getbool("enable_damage") == true
+local enable_damage = core.settings:get_bool("enable_damage")
 
 local health_bar_definition =
 {
diff --git a/builtin/game/static_spawn.lua b/builtin/game/static_spawn.lua
index 100334226..b1157b42e 100644
--- a/builtin/game/static_spawn.lua
+++ b/builtin/game/static_spawn.lua
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 -- Minetest: builtin/static_spawn.lua
 
 local function warn_invalid_static_spawnpoint()
-	if core.setting_get("static_spawnpoint") and
+	if core.settings:get("static_spawnpoint") and
 			not core.setting_get_pos("static_spawnpoint") then
 		core.log("error", "The static_spawnpoint setting is invalid: \""..
-				core.setting_get("static_spawnpoint").."\"")
+				core.settings:get("static_spawnpoint").."\"")
 	end
 end
 
diff --git a/builtin/init.lua b/builtin/init.lua
index c9fa70fc7..356e119fb 100644
--- a/builtin/init.lua
+++ b/builtin/init.lua
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ dofile(commonpath .. "misc_helpers.lua")
 if INIT == "game" then
 	dofile(gamepath .. "init.lua")
 elseif INIT == "mainmenu" then
-	local mm_script = core.setting_get("main_menu_script")
+	local mm_script = core.settings:get("main_menu_script")
 	if mm_script and mm_script ~= "" then
 		dofile(mm_script)
 	else
diff --git a/builtin/mainmenu/common.lua b/builtin/mainmenu/common.lua
index 57950c62c..294e1a621 100644
--- a/builtin/mainmenu/common.lua
+++ b/builtin/mainmenu/common.lua
@@ -43,10 +43,10 @@ end
 local function configure_selected_world_params(idx)
 	local worldconfig = modmgr.get_worldconfig(menudata.worldlist:get_list()[idx].path)
 	if worldconfig.creative_mode then
-		core.setting_set("creative_mode", worldconfig.creative_mode)
+		core.settings:set("creative_mode", worldconfig.creative_mode)
 	end
 	if worldconfig.enable_damage then
-		core.setting_set("enable_damage", worldconfig.enable_damage)
+		core.settings:set("enable_damage", worldconfig.enable_damage)
 	end
 end
 
@@ -164,8 +164,8 @@ end
 
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 os.tempfolder = function()
-	if core.setting_get("TMPFolder") then
-		return core.setting_get("TMPFolder") .. DIR_DELIM .. "MT_" .. math.random(0,10000)
+	if core.settings:get("TMPFolder") then
+		return core.settings:get("TMPFolder") .. DIR_DELIM .. "MT_" .. math.random(0,10000)
 	end
 
 	local filetocheck = os.tmpname()
@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@ function menu_handle_key_up_down(fields, textlist, settingname)
 				oldidx < menudata.worldlist:size() then
 			newidx = oldidx + 1
 		end
-		core.setting_set(settingname, menudata.worldlist:get_raw_index(newidx))
+		core.settings:set(settingname, menudata.worldlist:get_raw_index(newidx))
 		configure_selected_world_params(newidx)
 		return true
 	end
@@ -328,9 +328,9 @@ function menu_worldmt_legacy(selected)
 	for _, mode_name in pairs(modes_names) do
 		local mode_val = menu_worldmt(selected, mode_name)
 		if mode_val then
-			core.setting_set(mode_name, mode_val)
+			core.settings:set(mode_name, mode_val)
 		else
-			menu_worldmt(selected, mode_name, core.setting_get(mode_name))
+			menu_worldmt(selected, mode_name, core.settings:get(mode_name))
 		end
 	end
 end
diff --git a/builtin/mainmenu/dlg_config_world.lua b/builtin/mainmenu/dlg_config_world.lua
index 619c927c5..3e5ba16eb 100644
--- a/builtin/mainmenu/dlg_config_world.lua
+++ b/builtin/mainmenu/dlg_config_world.lua
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ local function handle_buttons(this, fields)
 	if fields["world_config_modlist"] ~= nil then
 		local event = core.explode_table_event(fields["world_config_modlist"])
 		this.data.selected_mod = event.row
-		core.setting_set("world_config_selected_mod", event.row)
+		core.settings:set("world_config_selected_mod", event.row)
 
 		if event.type == "DCL" then
 			enable_mod(this)
@@ -227,7 +227,7 @@ function create_configure_world_dlg(worldidx)
 					handle_buttons,
 					nil)
 
-	dlg.data.selected_mod = tonumber(core.setting_get("world_config_selected_mod"))
+	dlg.data.selected_mod = tonumber(core.settings:get("world_config_selected_mod"))
 	if dlg.data.selected_mod == nil then
 		dlg.data.selected_mod = 0
 	end
diff --git a/builtin/mainmenu/dlg_create_world.lua b/builtin/mainmenu/dlg_create_world.lua
index 477b8bcb9..e9ca7799f 100644
--- a/builtin/mainmenu/dlg_create_world.lua
+++ b/builtin/mainmenu/dlg_create_world.lua
@@ -18,8 +18,8 @@
 local function create_world_formspec(dialogdata)
 	local mapgens = core.get_mapgen_names()
 
-	local current_seed = core.setting_get("fixed_map_seed") or ""
-	local current_mg   = core.setting_get("mg_name")
+	local current_seed = core.settings:get("fixed_map_seed") or ""
+	local current_mg   = core.settings:get("mg_name")
 
 	local mglist = ""
 	local selindex = 1
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ local function create_world_formspec(dialogdata)
 	end
 	mglist = mglist:sub(1, -2)
 	
-	local gameid = core.setting_get("menu_last_game")
+	local gameid = core.settings:get("menu_last_game")
 	
 	local game, gameidx = nil , 0
 	if gameid ~= nil then
@@ -90,10 +90,10 @@ local function create_world_buttonhandler(this, fields)
 
 			local message = nil
 
-			core.setting_set("fixed_map_seed", fields["te_seed"])
+			core.settings:set("fixed_map_seed", fields["te_seed"])
 
 			if not menudata.worldlist:uid_exists_raw(worldname) then
-				core.setting_set("mg_name",fields["dd_mapgen"])
+				core.settings:set("mg_name",fields["dd_mapgen"])
 				message = core.create_world(worldname,gameindex)
 			else
 				message = fgettext("A world named \"$1\" already exists", worldname)
@@ -102,13 +102,13 @@ local function create_world_buttonhandler(this, fields)
 			if message ~= nil then
 				gamedata.errormessage = message
 			else
-				core.setting_set("menu_last_game",gamemgr.games[gameindex].id)
+				core.settings:set("menu_last_game",gamemgr.games[gameindex].id)
 				if this.data.update_worldlist_filter then
 					menudata.worldlist:set_filtercriteria(gamemgr.games[gameindex].id)
 					mm_texture.update("singleplayer", gamemgr.games[gameindex].id)
 				end
 				menudata.worldlist:refresh()
-				core.setting_set("mainmenu_last_selected_world",
+				core.settings:set("mainmenu_last_selected_world",
 									menudata.worldlist:raw_index_by_uid(worldname))
 			end
 		else
diff --git a/builtin/mainmenu/dlg_settings_advanced.lua b/builtin/mainmenu/dlg_settings_advanced.lua
index c63eb972e..206ce1620 100644
--- a/builtin/mainmenu/dlg_settings_advanced.lua
+++ b/builtin/mainmenu/dlg_settings_advanced.lua
@@ -423,7 +423,7 @@ local settings = full_settings
 local selected_setting = 1
 
 local function get_current_value(setting)
-	local value = core.setting_get(setting.name)
+	local value = core.settings:get(setting.name)
 	if value == nil then
 		value = setting.default
 	end
@@ -539,11 +539,11 @@ local function handle_change_setting_buttons(this, fields)
 		if setting.type == "bool" then
 			local new_value = fields["dd_setting_value"]
 			-- Note: new_value is the actual (translated) value shown in the dropdown
-			core.setting_setbool(setting.name, new_value == fgettext("Enabled"))
+			core.settings:set_bool(setting.name, new_value == fgettext("Enabled"))
 
 		elseif setting.type == "enum" then
 			local new_value = fields["dd_setting_value"]
-			core.setting_set(setting.name, new_value)
+			core.settings:set(setting.name, new_value)
 
 		elseif setting.type == "int" then
 			local new_value = tonumber(fields["te_setting_value"])
@@ -565,7 +565,7 @@ local function handle_change_setting_buttons(this, fields)
 				core.update_formspec(this:get_formspec())
 				return true
 			end
-			core.setting_set(setting.name, new_value)
+			core.settings:set(setting.name, new_value)
 
 		elseif setting.type == "float" then
 			local new_value = tonumber(fields["te_setting_value"])
@@ -575,7 +575,7 @@ local function handle_change_setting_buttons(this, fields)
 				core.update_formspec(this:get_formspec())
 				return true
 			end
-			core.setting_set(setting.name, new_value)
+			core.settings:set(setting.name, new_value)
 
 		elseif setting.type == "flags" then
 			local new_value = fields["te_setting_value"]
@@ -589,13 +589,13 @@ local function handle_change_setting_buttons(this, fields)
 					return true
 				end
 			end
-			core.setting_set(setting.name, new_value)
+			core.settings:set(setting.name, new_value)
 
 		else
 			local new_value = fields["te_setting_value"]
-			core.setting_set(setting.name, new_value)
+			core.settings:set(setting.name, new_value)
 		end
-		core.setting_save()
+		core.settings:write()
 		this:delete()
 		return true
 	end
@@ -629,7 +629,7 @@ local function create_settings_formspec(tabview, name, tabdata)
 	local current_level = 0
 	for _, entry in ipairs(settings) do
 		local name
-		if not core.setting_getbool("main_menu_technical_settings") and entry.readable_name then
+		if not core.settings:get_bool("main_menu_technical_settings") and entry.readable_name then
 			name = fgettext_ne(entry.readable_name)
 		else
 			name = entry.name
@@ -666,7 +666,7 @@ local function create_settings_formspec(tabview, name, tabdata)
 			"button[10,6;2,1;btn_edit;" .. fgettext("Edit") .. "]" ..
 			"button[7,6;3,1;btn_restore;" .. fgettext("Restore Default") .. "]" ..
 			"checkbox[0,5.3;cb_tech_settings;" .. fgettext("Show technical names") .. ";"
-					.. dump(core.setting_getbool("main_menu_technical_settings")) .. "]"
+					.. dump(core.settings:get_bool("main_menu_technical_settings")) .. "]"
 
 	return formspec
 end
@@ -680,8 +680,8 @@ local function handle_settings_buttons(this, fields, tabname, tabdata)
 			local setting = settings[selected_setting]
 			if setting and setting.type == "bool" then
 				local current_value = get_current_value(setting)
-				core.setting_setbool(setting.name, not core.is_yes(current_value))
-				core.setting_save()
+				core.settings:set_bool(setting.name, not core.is_yes(current_value))
+				core.settings:write()
 				return true
 			else
 				list_enter = true
@@ -736,8 +736,8 @@ local function handle_settings_buttons(this, fields, tabname, tabdata)
 	if fields["btn_restore"] then
 		local setting = settings[selected_setting]
 		if setting and setting.type ~= "category" then
-			core.setting_set(setting.name, setting.default)
-			core.setting_save()
+			core.settings:set(setting.name, setting.default)
+			core.settings:write()
 			core.update_formspec(this:get_formspec())
 		end
 		return true
@@ -749,8 +749,8 @@ local function handle_settings_buttons(this, fields, tabname, tabdata)
 	end
 
 	if fields["cb_tech_settings"] then
-		core.setting_set("main_menu_technical_settings", fields["cb_tech_settings"])
-		core.setting_save()
+		core.settings:set("main_menu_technical_settings", fields["cb_tech_settings"])
+		core.settings:write()
 		core.update_formspec(this:get_formspec())
 		return true
 	end
diff --git a/builtin/mainmenu/init.lua b/builtin/mainmenu/init.lua
index 79e6d5c02..492bb22d6 100644
--- a/builtin/mainmenu/init.lua
+++ b/builtin/mainmenu/init.lua
@@ -119,9 +119,9 @@ local function init_globals()
 		menudata.worldlist:add_sort_mechanism("alphabetic", sort_worlds_alphabetic)
 		menudata.worldlist:set_sortmode("alphabetic")
 
-		if not core.setting_get("menu_last_game") then
-			local default_game = core.setting_get("default_game") or "minetest"
-			core.setting_set("menu_last_game", default_game)
+		if not core.settings:get("menu_last_game") then
+			local default_game = core.settings:get("default_game") or "minetest"
+			core.settings:set("menu_last_game", default_game)
 		end
 
 		mm_texture.init()
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ local function init_globals()
 	tv_main:set_fixed_size(false)
 
 	if PLATFORM ~= "Android" then
-		tv_main:set_tab(core.setting_get("maintab_LAST"))
+		tv_main:set_tab(core.settings:get("maintab_LAST"))
 	end
 	ui.set_default("maintab")
 	tv_main:show()
diff --git a/builtin/mainmenu/store.lua b/builtin/mainmenu/store.lua
index ad861082d..59391f8bc 100644
--- a/builtin/mainmenu/store.lua
+++ b/builtin/mainmenu/store.lua
@@ -233,14 +233,14 @@ function modstore.handle_buttons(parent, fields, name, data)
 
 					if not core.handle_async(
 						function(param)
-							local fullurl = core.setting_get("modstore_download_url") ..
+							local fullurl = core.settings:get("modstore_download_url") ..
 											param.moddetails.download_url
 
 							if param.version ~= nil then
 								local found = false
 								for i=1,#param.moddetails.versions, 1 do
 									if param.moddetails.versions[i].date:sub(1,10) == param.version then
-										fullurl = core.setting_get("modstore_download_url") ..
+										fullurl = core.settings:get("modstore_download_url") ..
 														param.moddetails.versions[i].download_url
 										found = true
 									end
@@ -400,7 +400,7 @@ function modstore.getscreenshot(ypos,listentry)
 		listentry.texturename = "in progress"
 
 		--prepare url and filename
-		local fullurl = core.setting_get("modstore_download_url") ..
+		local fullurl = core.settings:get("modstore_download_url") ..
 					listentry.details.screenshot_url
 		local filename = os.tempfolder() .. "_MID_" .. listentry.id
 
diff --git a/builtin/mainmenu/tab_multiplayer.lua b/builtin/mainmenu/tab_multiplayer.lua
index 0f4921b03..a9b2b35fe 100644
--- a/builtin/mainmenu/tab_multiplayer.lua
+++ b/builtin/mainmenu/tab_multiplayer.lua
@@ -39,14 +39,14 @@ local function get_formspec(tabview, name, tabdata)
 		-- Address / Port
 		"label[7.75,-0.25;" .. fgettext("Address / Port") .. "]" ..
 		"field[8,0.65;3.25,0.5;te_address;;" ..
-			core.formspec_escape(core.setting_get("address")) .. "]" ..
+			core.formspec_escape(core.settings:get("address")) .. "]" ..
 		"field[11.1,0.65;1.4,0.5;te_port;;" ..
-			core.formspec_escape(core.setting_get("remote_port")) .. "]" ..
+			core.formspec_escape(core.settings:get("remote_port")) .. "]" ..
 
 		-- Name / Password
 		"label[7.75,0.95;" .. fgettext("Name / Password") .. "]" ..
 		"field[8,1.85;2.9,0.5;te_name;;" ..
-			core.formspec_escape(core.setting_get("name")) .. "]" ..
+			core.formspec_escape(core.settings:get("name")) .. "]" ..
 		"pwdfield[10.73,1.85;1.77,0.5;te_pwd;]" ..
 
 		-- Description Background
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ local function main_button_handler(tabview, fields, name, tabdata)
 
 	if fields.te_name then
 		gamedata.playername = fields.te_name
-		core.setting_set("name", fields.te_name)
+		core.settings:set("name", fields.te_name)
 	end
 
 	if fields.favourites then
@@ -163,8 +163,8 @@ local function main_button_handler(tabview, fields, name, tabdata)
 				gamedata.serverdescription = fav.description
 
 				if gamedata.address and gamedata.port then
-					core.setting_set("address", gamedata.address)
-					core.setting_set("remote_port", gamedata.port)
+					core.settings:set("address", gamedata.address)
+					core.settings:set("remote_port", gamedata.port)
 					core.start()
 				end
 			end
@@ -187,8 +187,8 @@ local function main_button_handler(tabview, fields, name, tabdata)
 				end
 
 				if address and port then
-					core.setting_set("address", address)
-					core.setting_set("remote_port", port)
+					core.settings:set("address", address)
+					core.settings:set("remote_port", port)
 				end
 				tabdata.fav_selected = event.row
 			end
@@ -219,8 +219,8 @@ local function main_button_handler(tabview, fields, name, tabdata)
 		local port    = fav.port
 		gamedata.serverdescription = fav.description
 		if address and port then
-			core.setting_set("address", address)
-			core.setting_set("remote_port", port)
+			core.settings:set("address", address)
+			core.settings:set("remote_port", port)
 		end
 
 		tabdata.fav_selected = fav_idx
@@ -235,8 +235,8 @@ local function main_button_handler(tabview, fields, name, tabdata)
 		asyncOnlineFavourites()
 		tabdata.fav_selected = nil
 
-		core.setting_set("address", "")
-		core.setting_set("remote_port", "30000")
+		core.settings:set("address", "")
+		core.settings:set("remote_port", "30000")
 		return true
 	end
 
@@ -293,8 +293,8 @@ local function main_button_handler(tabview, fields, name, tabdata)
 			end)
 			menudata.search_result = search_result
 			local first_server = search_result[1]
-			core.setting_set("address",     first_server.address)
-			core.setting_set("remote_port", first_server.port)
+			core.settings:set("address",     first_server.address)
+			core.settings:set("remote_port", first_server.port)
 		end
 		return true
 	end
@@ -325,8 +325,8 @@ local function main_button_handler(tabview, fields, name, tabdata)
 			gamedata.serverdescription = ""
 		end
 
-		core.setting_set("address",     fields.te_address)
-		core.setting_set("remote_port", fields.te_port)
+		core.settings:set("address",     fields.te_address)
+		core.settings:set("remote_port", fields.te_port)
 
 		core.start()
 		return true
diff --git a/builtin/mainmenu/tab_server.lua b/builtin/mainmenu/tab_server.lua
index be57ad7ef..8f25ce871 100644
--- a/builtin/mainmenu/tab_server.lua
+++ b/builtin/mainmenu/tab_server.lua
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 local function get_formspec(tabview, name, tabdata)
 	
 	local index = menudata.worldlist:get_current_index(
-				tonumber(core.setting_get("mainmenu_last_selected_world"))
+				tonumber(core.settings:get("mainmenu_last_selected_world"))
 				)
 
 	local retval =
@@ -29,29 +29,29 @@ local function get_formspec(tabview, name, tabdata)
 		"button[8.5,5;3.25,0.5;start_server;" .. fgettext("Start Game") .. "]" ..
 		"label[4,-0.25;" .. fgettext("Select World:") .. "]" ..
 		"checkbox[0.25,0.25;cb_creative_mode;" .. fgettext("Creative Mode") .. ";" ..
-		dump(core.setting_getbool("creative_mode")) .. "]" ..
+		dump(core.settings:get_bool("creative_mode")) .. "]" ..
 		"checkbox[0.25,0.7;cb_enable_damage;" .. fgettext("Enable Damage") .. ";" ..
-		dump(core.setting_getbool("enable_damage")) .. "]" ..
+		dump(core.settings:get_bool("enable_damage")) .. "]" ..
 		"checkbox[0.25,1.15;cb_server_announce;" .. fgettext("Public") .. ";" ..
-		dump(core.setting_getbool("server_announce")) .. "]" ..
+		dump(core.settings:get_bool("server_announce")) .. "]" ..
 		"label[0.25,2.2;" .. fgettext("Name/Password") .. "]" ..
 		"field[0.55,3.2;3.5,0.5;te_playername;;" ..
-		core.formspec_escape(core.setting_get("name")) .. "]" ..
+		core.formspec_escape(core.settings:get("name")) .. "]" ..
 		"pwdfield[0.55,4;3.5,0.5;te_passwd;]"
 
-	local bind_addr = core.setting_get("bind_address")
+	local bind_addr = core.settings:get("bind_address")
 	if bind_addr ~= nil and bind_addr ~= "" then
 		retval = retval ..
 			"field[0.55,5.2;2.25,0.5;te_serveraddr;" .. fgettext("Bind Address") .. ";" ..
-			core.formspec_escape(core.setting_get("bind_address")) .. "]" ..
+			core.formspec_escape(core.settings:get("bind_address")) .. "]" ..
 			"field[2.8,5.2;1.25,0.5;te_serverport;" .. fgettext("Port") .. ";" ..
-			core.formspec_escape(core.setting_get("port")) .. "]"
+			core.formspec_escape(core.settings:get("port")) .. "]"
 	else
 		retval = retval ..
 			"field[0.55,5.2;3.5,0.5;te_serverport;" .. fgettext("Server Port") .. ";" ..
-			core.formspec_escape(core.setting_get("port")) .. "]"
+			core.formspec_escape(core.settings:get("port")) .. "]"
 	end
-	
+
 	retval = retval ..
 		"textlist[4,0.25;7.5,3.7;srv_worlds;" ..
 		menu_render_worldlist() ..
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ local function main_button_handler(this, fields, name, tabdata)
 			world_doubleclick = true
 		end
 		if event.type == "CHG" then
-			core.setting_set("mainmenu_last_selected_world",
+			core.settings:set("mainmenu_last_selected_world",
 				menudata.worldlist:get_raw_index(core.get_textlist_index("srv_worlds")))
 			return true
 		end
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ local function main_button_handler(this, fields, name, tabdata)
 	end
 
 	if fields["cb_creative_mode"] then
-		core.setting_set("creative_mode", fields["cb_creative_mode"])
+		core.settings:set("creative_mode", fields["cb_creative_mode"])
 		local selected = core.get_textlist_index("srv_worlds")
 		menu_worldmt(selected, "creative_mode", fields["cb_creative_mode"])
 
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ local function main_button_handler(this, fields, name, tabdata)
 	end
 
 	if fields["cb_enable_damage"] then
-		core.setting_set("enable_damage", fields["cb_enable_damage"])
+		core.settings:set("enable_damage", fields["cb_enable_damage"])
 		local selected = core.get_textlist_index("srv_worlds")
 		menu_worldmt(selected, "enable_damage", fields["cb_enable_damage"])
 
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ local function main_button_handler(this, fields, name, tabdata)
 	end
 
 	if fields["cb_server_announce"] then
-		core.setting_set("server_announce", fields["cb_server_announce"])
+		core.settings:set("server_announce", fields["cb_server_announce"])
 		local selected = core.get_textlist_index("srv_worlds")
 		menu_worldmt(selected, "server_announce", fields["cb_server_announce"])
 
@@ -120,16 +120,16 @@ local function main_button_handler(this, fields, name, tabdata)
 			gamedata.port           = fields["te_serverport"]
 			gamedata.address        = ""
 
-			core.setting_set("port",gamedata.port)
+			core.settings:set("port",gamedata.port)
 			if fields["te_serveraddr"] ~= nil then
-				core.setting_set("bind_address",fields["te_serveraddr"])
+				core.settings:set("bind_address",fields["te_serveraddr"])
 			end
 
 			--update last game
 			local world = menudata.worldlist:get_raw_element(gamedata.selected_world)
 			if world then
 				local game, index = gamemgr.find_by_gameid(world.gameid)
-				core.setting_set("menu_last_game", game.id)
+				core.settings:set("menu_last_game", game.id)
 			end
 			
 			core.start()
diff --git a/builtin/mainmenu/tab_settings.lua b/builtin/mainmenu/tab_settings.lua
index 8a97d8334..69683eaa3 100644
--- a/builtin/mainmenu/tab_settings.lua
+++ b/builtin/mainmenu/tab_settings.lua
@@ -70,39 +70,39 @@ local dd_options = {
 
 local getSettingIndex = {
 	Leaves = function()
-		local style = core.setting_get("leaves_style")
+		local style = core.settings:get("leaves_style")
 		for idx, name in pairs(dd_options.leaves[2]) do
 			if style == name then return idx end
 		end
 		return 1
 	end,
 	NodeHighlighting = function()
-		local style = core.setting_get("node_highlighting")
+		local style = core.settings:get("node_highlighting")
 		for idx, name in pairs(dd_options.node_highlighting[2]) do
 			if style == name then return idx end
 		end
 		return 1
 	end,
 	Filter = function()
-		if core.setting_get(dd_options.filters[2][3]) == "true" then
+		if core.settings:get(dd_options.filters[2][3]) == "true" then
 			return 3
-		elseif core.setting_get(dd_options.filters[2][3]) == "false" and
-				core.setting_get(dd_options.filters[2][2]) == "true" then
+		elseif core.settings:get(dd_options.filters[2][3]) == "false" and
+				core.settings:get(dd_options.filters[2][2]) == "true" then
 			return 2
 		end
 		return 1
 	end,
 	Mipmap = function()
-		if core.setting_get(dd_options.mipmap[2][3]) == "true" then
+		if core.settings:get(dd_options.mipmap[2][3]) == "true" then
 			return 3
-		elseif core.setting_get(dd_options.mipmap[2][3]) == "false" and
-				core.setting_get(dd_options.mipmap[2][2]) == "true" then
+		elseif core.settings:get(dd_options.mipmap[2][3]) == "false" and
+				core.settings:get(dd_options.mipmap[2][2]) == "true" then
 			return 2
 		end
 		return 1
 	end,
 	Antialiasing = function()
-		local antialiasing_setting = core.setting_get("fsaa")
+		local antialiasing_setting = core.settings:get("fsaa")
 		for i = 1, #dd_options.antialiasing[2] do
 			if antialiasing_setting == dd_options.antialiasing[2][i] then
 				return i
@@ -177,15 +177,15 @@ local function formspec(tabview, name, tabdata)
 	local tab_string =
 		"box[0,0;3.5,4.5;#999999]" ..
 		"checkbox[0.25,0;cb_smooth_lighting;" .. fgettext("Smooth Lighting") .. ";"
-				.. dump(core.setting_getbool("smooth_lighting")) .. "]" ..
+				.. dump(core.settings:get_bool("smooth_lighting")) .. "]" ..
 		"checkbox[0.25,0.5;cb_particles;" .. fgettext("Particles") .. ";"
-				.. dump(core.setting_getbool("enable_particles")) .. "]" ..
+				.. dump(core.settings:get_bool("enable_particles")) .. "]" ..
 		"checkbox[0.25,1;cb_3d_clouds;" .. fgettext("3D Clouds") .. ";"
-				.. dump(core.setting_getbool("enable_3d_clouds")) .. "]" ..
+				.. dump(core.settings:get_bool("enable_3d_clouds")) .. "]" ..
 		"checkbox[0.25,1.5;cb_opaque_water;" .. fgettext("Opaque Water") .. ";"
-				.. dump(core.setting_getbool("opaque_water")) .. "]" ..
+				.. dump(core.settings:get_bool("opaque_water")) .. "]" ..
 		"checkbox[0.25,2.0;cb_connected_glass;" .. fgettext("Connected Glass") .. ";"
-				.. dump(core.setting_getbool("connected_glass")) .. "]" ..
+				.. dump(core.settings:get_bool("connected_glass")) .. "]" ..
 		"dropdown[0.25,2.8;3.3;dd_node_highlighting;" .. dd_options.node_highlighting[1] .. ";"
 				.. getSettingIndex.NodeHighlighting() .. "]" ..
 		"dropdown[0.25,3.6;3.3;dd_leaves_style;" .. dd_options.leaves[1] .. ";"
@@ -201,10 +201,10 @@ local function formspec(tabview, name, tabdata)
 				.. getSettingIndex.Antialiasing() .. "]" ..
 		"label[3.85,3.45;" .. fgettext("Screen:") .. "]" ..
 		"checkbox[3.85,3.6;cb_autosave_screensize;" .. fgettext("Autosave screen size") .. ";"
-				.. dump(core.setting_getbool("autosave_screensize")) .. "]" ..
+				.. dump(core.settings:get_bool("autosave_screensize")) .. "]" ..
 		"box[7.75,0;4,4.4;#999999]" ..
 		"checkbox[8,0;cb_shaders;" .. fgettext("Shaders") .. ";"
-				.. dump(core.setting_getbool("enable_shaders")) .. "]"
+				.. dump(core.settings:get_bool("enable_shaders")) .. "]"
 
 	if PLATFORM == "Android" then
 		tab_string = tab_string ..
@@ -221,29 +221,29 @@ local function formspec(tabview, name, tabdata)
 		.. fgettext("Advanced Settings") .. "]"
 
 
-	if core.setting_get("touchscreen_threshold") ~= nil then
+	if core.settings:get("touchscreen_threshold") ~= nil then
 		tab_string = tab_string ..
 			"label[4.3,4.1;" .. fgettext("Touchthreshold (px)") .. "]" ..
 			"dropdown[3.85,4.55;3.85;dd_touchthreshold;0,10,20,30,40,50;" ..
-			((tonumber(core.setting_get("touchscreen_threshold")) / 10) + 1) .. "]"
+			((tonumber(core.settings:get("touchscreen_threshold")) / 10) + 1) .. "]"
 	end
 
-	if core.setting_getbool("enable_shaders") then
+	if core.settings:get_bool("enable_shaders") then
 		tab_string = tab_string ..
 			"checkbox[8,0.5;cb_bumpmapping;" .. fgettext("Bump Mapping") .. ";"
-					.. dump(core.setting_getbool("enable_bumpmapping")) .. "]" ..
+					.. dump(core.settings:get_bool("enable_bumpmapping")) .. "]" ..
 			"checkbox[8,1;cb_tonemapping;" .. fgettext("Tone Mapping") .. ";"
-					.. dump(core.setting_getbool("tone_mapping")) .. "]" ..
+					.. dump(core.settings:get_bool("tone_mapping")) .. "]" ..
 			"checkbox[8,1.5;cb_generate_normalmaps;" .. fgettext("Normal Mapping") .. ";"
-					.. dump(core.setting_getbool("generate_normalmaps")) .. "]" ..
+					.. dump(core.settings:get_bool("generate_normalmaps")) .. "]" ..
 			"checkbox[8,2;cb_parallax;" .. fgettext("Parallax Occlusion") .. ";"
-					.. dump(core.setting_getbool("enable_parallax_occlusion")) .. "]" ..
+					.. dump(core.settings:get_bool("enable_parallax_occlusion")) .. "]" ..
 			"checkbox[8,2.5;cb_waving_water;" .. fgettext("Waving Water") .. ";"
-					.. dump(core.setting_getbool("enable_waving_water")) .. "]" ..
+					.. dump(core.settings:get_bool("enable_waving_water")) .. "]" ..
 			"checkbox[8,3;cb_waving_leaves;" .. fgettext("Waving Leaves") .. ";"
-					.. dump(core.setting_getbool("enable_waving_leaves")) .. "]" ..
+					.. dump(core.settings:get_bool("enable_waving_leaves")) .. "]" ..
 			"checkbox[8,3.5;cb_waving_plants;" .. fgettext("Waving Plants") .. ";"
-					.. dump(core.setting_getbool("enable_waving_plants")) .. "]"
+					.. dump(core.settings:get_bool("enable_waving_plants")) .. "]"
 	else
 		tab_string = tab_string ..
 			"tablecolumns[color;text]" ..
@@ -274,64 +274,64 @@ local function handle_settings_buttons(this, fields, tabname, tabdata)
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["cb_smooth_lighting"] then
-		core.setting_set("smooth_lighting", fields["cb_smooth_lighting"])
+		core.settings:set("smooth_lighting", fields["cb_smooth_lighting"])
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["cb_particles"] then
-		core.setting_set("enable_particles", fields["cb_particles"])
+		core.settings:set("enable_particles", fields["cb_particles"])
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["cb_3d_clouds"] then
-		core.setting_set("enable_3d_clouds", fields["cb_3d_clouds"])
+		core.settings:set("enable_3d_clouds", fields["cb_3d_clouds"])
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["cb_opaque_water"] then
-		core.setting_set("opaque_water", fields["cb_opaque_water"])
+		core.settings:set("opaque_water", fields["cb_opaque_water"])
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["cb_connected_glass"] then
-		core.setting_set("connected_glass", fields["cb_connected_glass"])
+		core.settings:set("connected_glass", fields["cb_connected_glass"])
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["cb_autosave_screensize"] then
-		core.setting_set("autosave_screensize", fields["cb_autosave_screensize"])
+		core.settings:set("autosave_screensize", fields["cb_autosave_screensize"])
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["cb_shaders"] then
-		if (core.setting_get("video_driver") == "direct3d8" or
-				core.setting_get("video_driver") == "direct3d9") then
-			core.setting_set("enable_shaders", "false")
+		if (core.settings:get("video_driver") == "direct3d8" or
+				core.settings:get("video_driver") == "direct3d9") then
+			core.settings:set("enable_shaders", "false")
 			gamedata.errormessage = fgettext("To enable shaders the OpenGL driver needs to be used.")
 		else
-			core.setting_set("enable_shaders", fields["cb_shaders"])
+			core.settings:set("enable_shaders", fields["cb_shaders"])
 		end
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["cb_bumpmapping"] then
-		core.setting_set("enable_bumpmapping", fields["cb_bumpmapping"])
+		core.settings:set("enable_bumpmapping", fields["cb_bumpmapping"])
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["cb_tonemapping"] then
-		core.setting_set("tone_mapping", fields["cb_tonemapping"])
+		core.settings:set("tone_mapping", fields["cb_tonemapping"])
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["cb_generate_normalmaps"] then
-		core.setting_set("generate_normalmaps", fields["cb_generate_normalmaps"])
+		core.settings:set("generate_normalmaps", fields["cb_generate_normalmaps"])
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["cb_parallax"] then
-		core.setting_set("enable_parallax_occlusion", fields["cb_parallax"])
+		core.settings:set("enable_parallax_occlusion", fields["cb_parallax"])
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["cb_waving_water"] then
-		core.setting_set("enable_waving_water", fields["cb_waving_water"])
+		core.settings:set("enable_waving_water", fields["cb_waving_water"])
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["cb_waving_leaves"] then
-		core.setting_set("enable_waving_leaves", fields["cb_waving_leaves"])
+		core.settings:set("enable_waving_leaves", fields["cb_waving_leaves"])
 	end
 	if fields["cb_waving_plants"] then
-		core.setting_set("enable_waving_plants", fields["cb_waving_plants"])
+		core.settings:set("enable_waving_plants", fields["cb_waving_plants"])
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["btn_change_keys"] then
@@ -339,7 +339,7 @@ local function handle_settings_buttons(this, fields, tabname, tabdata)
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["cb_touchscreen_target"] then
-		core.setting_set("touchtarget", fields["cb_touchscreen_target"])
+		core.settings:set("touchtarget", fields["cb_touchscreen_target"])
 		return true
 	end
 	if fields["btn_reset_singleplayer"] then
@@ -352,49 +352,49 @@ local function handle_settings_buttons(this, fields, tabname, tabdata)
 
 	for i = 1, #labels.leaves do
 		if fields["dd_leaves_style"] == labels.leaves[i] then
-			core.setting_set("leaves_style", dd_options.leaves[2][i])
+			core.settings:set("leaves_style", dd_options.leaves[2][i])
 			ddhandled = true
 		end
 	end
 	for i = 1, #labels.node_highlighting do
 		if fields["dd_node_highlighting"] == labels.node_highlighting[i] then
-			core.setting_set("node_highlighting", dd_options.node_highlighting[2][i])
+			core.settings:set("node_highlighting", dd_options.node_highlighting[2][i])
 			ddhandled = true
 		end
 	end
 	if fields["dd_filters"] == labels.filters[1] then
-		core.setting_set("bilinear_filter", "false")
-		core.setting_set("trilinear_filter", "false")
+		core.settings:set("bilinear_filter", "false")
+		core.settings:set("trilinear_filter", "false")
 		ddhandled = true
 	elseif fields["dd_filters"] == labels.filters[2] then
-		core.setting_set("bilinear_filter", "true")
-		core.setting_set("trilinear_filter", "false")
+		core.settings:set("bilinear_filter", "true")
+		core.settings:set("trilinear_filter", "false")
 		ddhandled = true
 	elseif fields["dd_filters"] == labels.filters[3] then
-		core.setting_set("bilinear_filter", "false")
-		core.setting_set("trilinear_filter", "true")
+		core.settings:set("bilinear_filter", "false")
+		core.settings:set("trilinear_filter", "true")
 		ddhandled = true
 	end
 	if fields["dd_mipmap"] == labels.mipmap[1] then
-		core.setting_set("mip_map", "false")
-		core.setting_set("anisotropic_filter", "false")
+		core.settings:set("mip_map", "false")
+		core.settings:set("anisotropic_filter", "false")
 		ddhandled = true
 	elseif fields["dd_mipmap"] == labels.mipmap[2] then
-		core.setting_set("mip_map", "true")
-		core.setting_set("anisotropic_filter", "false")
+		core.settings:set("mip_map", "true")
+		core.settings:set("anisotropic_filter", "false")
 		ddhandled = true
 	elseif fields["dd_mipmap"] == labels.mipmap[3] then
-		core.setting_set("mip_map", "true")
-		core.setting_set("anisotropic_filter", "true")
+		core.settings:set("mip_map", "true")
+		core.settings:set("anisotropic_filter", "true")
 		ddhandled = true
 	end
 	if fields["dd_antialiasing"] then
-		core.setting_set("fsaa",
+		core.settings:set("fsaa",
 			antialiasing_fname_to_name(fields["dd_antialiasing"]))
 		ddhandled = true
 	end
 	if fields["dd_touchthreshold"] then
-		core.setting_set("touchscreen_threshold", fields["dd_touchthreshold"])
+		core.settings:set("touchscreen_threshold", fields["dd_touchthreshold"])
 		ddhandled = true
 	end
 
diff --git a/builtin/mainmenu/tab_simple_main.lua b/builtin/mainmenu/tab_simple_main.lua
index 23820aab7..90a743f68 100644
--- a/builtin/mainmenu/tab_simple_main.lua
+++ b/builtin/mainmenu/tab_simple_main.lua
@@ -25,12 +25,12 @@ local function get_formspec(tabview, name, tabdata)
 	local retval =
 		"label[9.5,0;".. fgettext("Name / Password") .. "]" ..
 		"field[0.25,3.35;5.5,0.5;te_address;;" ..
-			core.formspec_escape(core.setting_get("address")) .."]" ..
+			core.formspec_escape(core.settings:get("address")) .."]" ..
 		"field[5.75,3.35;2.25,0.5;te_port;;" ..
-			core.formspec_escape(core.setting_get("remote_port")) .."]" ..
+			core.formspec_escape(core.settings:get("remote_port")) .."]" ..
 		"button[10,2.6;2,1.5;btn_mp_connect;".. fgettext("Connect") .. "]" ..
 		"field[9.8,1;2.6,0.5;te_name;;" ..
-			core.formspec_escape(core.setting_get("name")) .."]" ..
+			core.formspec_escape(core.settings:get("name")) .."]" ..
 		"pwdfield[9.8,2;2.6,0.5;te_pwd;]"
 
 
@@ -89,9 +89,9 @@ local function get_formspec(tabview, name, tabdata)
 	-- checkboxes
 	retval = retval ..
 		"checkbox[8.0,3.9;cb_creative;".. fgettext("Creative Mode") .. ";" ..
-			dump(core.setting_getbool("creative_mode")) .. "]"..
+			dump(core.settings:get_bool("creative_mode")) .. "]"..
 		"checkbox[8.0,4.4;cb_damage;".. fgettext("Enable Damage") .. ";" ..
-			dump(core.setting_getbool("enable_damage")) .. "]"
+			dump(core.settings:get_bool("enable_damage")) .. "]"
 	-- buttons
 	retval = retval ..
 		"button[0,3.7;8,1.5;btn_start_singleplayer;" .. fgettext("Start Singleplayer") .. "]" ..
@@ -128,8 +128,8 @@ local function main_button_handler(tabview, fields, name, tabdata)
 				end
 
 				if address and port then
-					core.setting_set("address", address)
-					core.setting_set("remote_port", port)
+					core.settings:set("address", address)
+					core.settings:set("remote_port", port)
 				end
 				tabdata.fav_selected = event.row
 			end
@@ -145,18 +145,18 @@ local function main_button_handler(tabview, fields, name, tabdata)
 		asyncOnlineFavourites()
 		tabdata.fav_selected = nil
 
-		core.setting_set("address", "")
-		core.setting_set("remote_port", "30000")
+		core.settings:set("address", "")
+		core.settings:set("remote_port", "30000")
 		return true
 	end
 
 	if fields.cb_creative then
-		core.setting_set("creative_mode", fields.cb_creative)
+		core.settings:set("creative_mode", fields.cb_creative)
 		return true
 	end
 
 	if fields.cb_damage then
-		core.setting_set("enable_damage", fields.cb_damage)
+		core.settings:set("enable_damage", fields.cb_damage)
 		return true
 	end
 
@@ -186,12 +186,8 @@ local function main_button_handler(tabview, fields, name, tabdata)
 
 		gamedata.selected_world = 0
 
-		core.setting_set("address", fields.te_address)
-		core.setting_set("remote_port", fields.te_port)
-
-		core.start()
-		return true
-	end
+		core.settings:set("address", fields.te_address)
+		core.settings:set("remote_port", fields.te_port)
 
 	if fields.btn_config_sp_world then
 		local configdialog = create_configure_world_dlg(1)
diff --git a/builtin/mainmenu/tab_singleplayer.lua b/builtin/mainmenu/tab_singleplayer.lua
index 236de763c..c58ad4164 100644
--- a/builtin/mainmenu/tab_singleplayer.lua
+++ b/builtin/mainmenu/tab_singleplayer.lua
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 --51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301 USA.
 
 local function current_game()
-	local last_game_id = core.setting_get("menu_last_game")
+	local last_game_id = core.settings:get("menu_last_game")
 	local game, index = gamemgr.find_by_gameid(last_game_id)
 	
 	return game
@@ -36,10 +36,10 @@ local function singleplayer_refresh_gamebar()
 				if ("game_btnbar_" .. gamemgr.games[j].id == key) then
 					mm_texture.update("singleplayer", gamemgr.games[j])
 					core.set_topleft_text(gamemgr.games[j].name)
-					core.setting_set("menu_last_game",gamemgr.games[j].id)
+					core.settings:set("menu_last_game",gamemgr.games[j].id)
 					menudata.worldlist:set_filtercriteria(gamemgr.games[j].id)
 					local index = filterlist.get_current_index(menudata.worldlist,
-						tonumber(core.setting_get("mainmenu_last_selected_world")))
+						tonumber(core.settings:get("mainmenu_last_selected_world")))
 					if not index or index < 1 then
 						local selected = core.get_textlist_index("sp_worlds")
 						if selected ~= nil and selected < #menudata.worldlist:get_list() then
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ local function get_formspec(tabview, name, tabdata)
 	local retval = ""
 
 	local index = filterlist.get_current_index(menudata.worldlist,
-				tonumber(core.setting_get("mainmenu_last_selected_world"))
+				tonumber(core.settings:get("mainmenu_last_selected_world"))
 				)
 
 	retval = retval ..
@@ -99,9 +99,9 @@ local function get_formspec(tabview, name, tabdata)
 			"button[8.5,5;3.25,0.5;play;".. fgettext("Play") .. "]" ..
 			"label[4,-0.25;".. fgettext("Select World:") .. "]"..
 			"checkbox[0.25,0.25;cb_creative_mode;".. fgettext("Creative Mode") .. ";" ..
-			dump(core.setting_getbool("creative_mode")) .. "]"..
+			dump(core.settings:get_bool("creative_mode")) .. "]"..
 			"checkbox[0.25,0.7;cb_enable_damage;".. fgettext("Enable Damage") .. ";" ..
-			dump(core.setting_getbool("enable_damage")) .. "]"..
+			dump(core.settings:get_bool("enable_damage")) .. "]"..
 			"textlist[4,0.25;7.5,3.7;sp_worlds;" ..
 			menu_render_worldlist() ..
 			";" .. index .. "]"
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ local function main_button_handler(this, fields, name, tabdata)
 		end
 
 		if event.type == "CHG" and selected ~= nil then
-			core.setting_set("mainmenu_last_selected_world",
+			core.settings:set("mainmenu_last_selected_world",
 				menudata.worldlist:get_raw_index(selected))
 			return true
 		end
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ local function main_button_handler(this, fields, name, tabdata)
 	end
 
 	if fields["cb_creative_mode"] then
-		core.setting_set("creative_mode", fields["cb_creative_mode"])
+		core.settings:set("creative_mode", fields["cb_creative_mode"])
 		local selected = core.get_textlist_index("sp_worlds")
 		menu_worldmt(selected, "creative_mode", fields["cb_creative_mode"])
 
@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ local function main_button_handler(this, fields, name, tabdata)
 	end
 
 	if fields["cb_enable_damage"] then
-		core.setting_set("enable_damage", fields["cb_enable_damage"])
+		core.settings:set("enable_damage", fields["cb_enable_damage"])
 		local selected = core.get_textlist_index("sp_worlds")
 		menu_worldmt(selected, "enable_damage", fields["cb_enable_damage"])
 
diff --git a/builtin/mainmenu/tab_texturepacks.lua b/builtin/mainmenu/tab_texturepacks.lua
index 4638beaa1..2957481cf 100644
--- a/builtin/mainmenu/tab_texturepacks.lua
+++ b/builtin/mainmenu/tab_texturepacks.lua
@@ -54,9 +54,9 @@ local function get_formspec(tabview, name, tabdata)
 	local retval = "label[4,-0.25;" .. fgettext("Select texture pack:") .. "]" ..
 			"textlist[4,0.25;7.5,5.0;TPs;"
 
-	local current_texture_path = core.setting_get("texture_path")
+	local current_texture_path = core.settings:get("texture_path")
 	local list = filter_texture_pack_list(core.get_dir_list(core.get_texturepath(), true))
-	local index = tonumber(core.setting_get("mainmenu_last_selected_TP"))
+	local index = tonumber(core.settings:get("mainmenu_last_selected_TP"))
 
 	if not index then index = 1 end
 
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ local function main_button_handler(tabview, fields, name, tabdata)
 		local event = core.explode_textlist_event(fields["TPs"])
 		if event.type == "CHG" or event.type == "DCL" then
 			local index = core.get_textlist_index("TPs")
-			core.setting_set("mainmenu_last_selected_TP", index)
+			core.settings:set("mainmenu_last_selected_TP", index)
 			local list = filter_texture_pack_list(core.get_dir_list(core.get_texturepath(), true))
 			local current_index = core.get_textlist_index("TPs")
 			if current_index and #list >= current_index then
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ local function main_button_handler(tabview, fields, name, tabdata)
 				if list[current_index] == fgettext("None") then
 					new_path = ""
 				end
-				core.setting_set("texture_path", new_path)
+				core.settings:set("texture_path", new_path)
 			end
 		end
 		return true
diff --git a/builtin/mainmenu/textures.lua b/builtin/mainmenu/textures.lua
index dadbb093e..9ba4ade7e 100644
--- a/builtin/mainmenu/textures.lua
+++ b/builtin/mainmenu/textures.lua
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ function mm_texture.init()
 						DIR_DELIM .. "pack" .. DIR_DELIM
 	mm_texture.basetexturedir = mm_texture.defaulttexturedir
 	
-	mm_texture.texturepack = core.setting_get("texture_path")
+	mm_texture.texturepack = core.settings:get("texture_path")
 	
 	mm_texture.gameid = nil
 end
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ function mm_texture.reset()
 	mm_texture.set_generic("header")
 	
 	if not have_bg then
-		if core.setting_getbool("menu_clouds") then
+		if core.settings:get_bool("menu_clouds") then
 			core.set_clouds(true)
 		else
 			mm_texture.set_dirt_bg()
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ function mm_texture.update_game(gamedetails)
 	
 	if not have_bg then
 		
-		if core.setting_getbool("menu_clouds") then
+		if core.settings:get_bool("menu_clouds") then
 			core.set_clouds(true)
 		else
 			mm_texture.set_dirt_bg()
diff --git a/builtin/profiler/init.lua b/builtin/profiler/init.lua
index c1597d280..874950364 100644
--- a/builtin/profiler/init.lua
+++ b/builtin/profiler/init.lua
@@ -15,10 +15,18 @@
 --with this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
 --51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-1301 USA.
 
+local function get_bool_default(name, default)
+	local val = core.settings:get_bool(name)
+	if val == nil then
+		return default
+	end
+	return val
+end
+
 local profiler_path = core.get_builtin_path()..DIR_DELIM.."profiler"..DIR_DELIM
 local profiler = {}
 local sampler = assert(loadfile(profiler_path .. "sampling.lua"))(profiler)
-local instrumentation  = assert(loadfile(profiler_path .. "instrumentation.lua"))(profiler, sampler)
+local instrumentation  = assert(loadfile(profiler_path .. "instrumentation.lua"))(profiler, sampler, get_bool_default)
 local reporter = dofile(profiler_path .. "reporter.lua")
 profiler.instrument = instrumentation.instrument
 
@@ -27,7 +35,7 @@ profiler.instrument = instrumentation.instrument
 -- Is called later, after `core.register_chatcommand` was set up.
 --
 function profiler.init_chatcommand()
-	local instrument_profiler = core.setting_getbool("instrument.profiler") or false
+	local instrument_profiler = get_bool_default("instrument.profiler", false)
 	if instrument_profiler then
 		instrumentation.init_chatcommand()
 	end
diff --git a/builtin/profiler/instrumentation.lua b/builtin/profiler/instrumentation.lua
index 4311215b2..be3a460e5 100644
--- a/builtin/profiler/instrumentation.lua
+++ b/builtin/profiler/instrumentation.lua
@@ -17,8 +17,9 @@
 
 local format, pairs, type = string.format, pairs, type
 local core, get_current_modname = core, core.get_current_modname
-local profiler, sampler = ...
-local instrument_builtin = core.setting_getbool("instrument.builtin") or false
+local profiler, sampler, get_bool_default = ...
+
+local instrument_builtin = get_bool_default("instrument.builtin", false)
 
 local register_functions = {
 	register_globalstep = 0,
@@ -137,7 +138,7 @@ local function instrument_register(func, func_name)
 end
 
 local function init_chatcommand()
-	if core.setting_getbool("instrument.chatcommand") or true then
+	if get_bool_default("instrument.chatcommand", true) then
 		local orig_register_chatcommand = core.register_chatcommand
 		core.register_chatcommand = function(cmd, def)
 			def.func = instrument {
@@ -153,8 +154,7 @@ end
 -- Start instrumenting selected functions
 --
 local function init()
-	local is_set = core.setting_getbool
-	if is_set("instrument.entity") or true then
+	if get_bool_default("instrument.entity", true) then
 		-- Explicitly declare entity api-methods.
 		-- Simple iteration would ignore lookup via __index.
 		local entity_instrumentation = {
@@ -180,7 +180,7 @@ local function init()
 		end
 	end
 
-	if is_set("instrument.abm") or true then
+	if get_bool_default("instrument.abm", true) then
 		-- Wrap register_abm() to automatically instrument abms.
 		local orig_register_abm = core.register_abm
 		core.register_abm = function(spec)
@@ -193,7 +193,7 @@ local function init()
 		end
 	end
 
-	if is_set("instrument.lbm") or true then
+	if get_bool_default("instrument.lbm", true) then
 		-- Wrap register_lbm() to automatically instrument lbms.
 		local orig_register_lbm = core.register_lbm
 		core.register_lbm = function(spec)
@@ -206,13 +206,13 @@ local function init()
 		end
 	end
 
-	if is_set("instrument.global_callback") or true then
+	if get_bool_default("instrument.global_callback", true) then
 		for func_name, _ in pairs(register_functions) do
 			core[func_name] = instrument_register(core[func_name], func_name)
 		end
 	end
 
-	if is_set("instrument.profiler") or false then
+	if get_bool_default("instrument.profiler", false) then
 		-- Measure overhead of instrumentation, but keep it down for functions
 		-- So keep the `return` for better optimization.
 		profiler.empty_instrument = instrument {
diff --git a/builtin/profiler/reporter.lua b/builtin/profiler/reporter.lua
index 5b38ed4df..fed47a36b 100644
--- a/builtin/profiler/reporter.lua
+++ b/builtin/profiler/reporter.lua
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
 local DIR_DELIM, LINE_DELIM = DIR_DELIM, "\n"
 local table, unpack, string, pairs, io, os = table, unpack, string, pairs, io, os
 local rep, sprintf, tonumber = string.rep, string.format, tonumber
-local core, setting_get = core, core.setting_get
+local core, settings = core, core.settings
 local reporter = {}
 
 ---
@@ -229,7 +229,7 @@ end
 
 local worldpath = core.get_worldpath()
 local function get_save_path(format, filter)
-	local report_path = setting_get("profiler.report_path") or ""
+	local report_path = settings:get("profiler.report_path") or ""
 	if report_path ~= "" then
 		core.mkdir(sprintf("%s%s%s", worldpath, DIR_DELIM, report_path))
 	end
@@ -249,7 +249,7 @@ end
 --
 function reporter.save(profile, format, filter)
 	if not format or format == "" then
-		format = setting_get("profiler.default_report_format") or "txt"
+		format = settings:get("profiler.default_report_format") or "txt"
 	end
 	if filter == "" then
 		filter = nil
diff --git a/builtin/profiler/sampling.lua b/builtin/profiler/sampling.lua
index 1d1ef256d..4b53399a5 100644
--- a/builtin/profiler/sampling.lua
+++ b/builtin/profiler/sampling.lua
@@ -185,7 +185,7 @@ end
 function sampler.init()
 	sampler.reset()
 
-	if core.setting_getbool("instrument.profiler") then
+	if core.settings:get_bool("instrument.profiler") then
 		core.register_globalstep(function()
 			if logged_time == 0 then
 				return
diff --git a/doc/lua_api.txt b/doc/lua_api.txt
index 1550a78be..166cc024a 100644
--- a/doc/lua_api.txt
+++ b/doc/lua_api.txt
@@ -172,8 +172,8 @@ The main Lua script. Running this script should register everything it
 wants to register. Subsequent execution depends on minetest calling the
 registered callbacks.
 
-`minetest.setting_get(name)` and `minetest.setting_getbool(name)` can be used
-to read custom or existing settings at load time, if necessary.
+`minetest.settings` can be used to read custom or existing settings at load
+time, if necessary. (See `Settings`)
 
 ### `models`
 Models for entities or meshnodes.
@@ -2177,16 +2177,10 @@ Call these functions only at load time!
     * See `minetest.builtin_auth_handler` in `builtin.lua` for reference
 
 ### Setting-related
-* `minetest.setting_set(name, value)`
-    * Setting names can't contain whitespace or any of `="{}#`.
-    * Setting values can't contain the sequence `\n"""`.
-    * Setting names starting with "secure." can't be set.
-* `minetest.setting_get(name)`: returns string or `nil`
-* `minetest.setting_setbool(name, value)`
-    * See documentation on `setting_set` for restrictions.
-* `minetest.setting_getbool(name)`: returns boolean or `nil`
-* `minetest.setting_get_pos(name)`: returns position or nil
-* `minetest.setting_save()`, returns `nil`, save all settings to config file
+* `minetest.settings`: Settings object containing all of the settings from the
+  main config file (`minetest.conf`).
+* `minetest.setting_get_pos(name)`: Loads a setting from the main settings and
+  parses it as a position (in the format `(1,2,3)`). Returns a position or nil.
 
 ### Authentication
 * `minetest.notify_authentication_modified(name)`
@@ -3536,10 +3530,15 @@ It can be created via `Settings(filename)`.
 * `get(key)`: returns a value
 * `get_bool(key)`: returns a boolean
 * `set(key, value)`
+    * Setting names can't contain whitespace or any of `="{}#`.
+    * Setting values can't contain the sequence `\n"""`.
+    * Setting names starting with "secure." can't be set on the main settings object (`minetest.settings`).
+* `set_bool(key, value)`
+    * See documentation for set() above.
 * `remove(key)`: returns a boolean (`true` for success)
 * `get_names()`: returns `{key1,...}`
 * `write()`: returns a boolean (`true` for success)
-    * write changes to file
+    * Writes changes to file.
 * `to_table()`: returns `{[key1]=value1,...}`
 
 Mapgen objects
diff --git a/src/script/cpp_api/s_async.cpp b/src/script/cpp_api/s_async.cpp
index 080ae887c..722359066 100644
--- a/src/script/cpp_api/s_async.cpp
+++ b/src/script/cpp_api/s_async.cpp
@@ -76,14 +76,9 @@ AsyncEngine::~AsyncEngine()
 }
 
 /******************************************************************************/
-bool AsyncEngine::registerFunction(const char* name, lua_CFunction func)
+void AsyncEngine::registerStateInitializer(StateInitializer func)
 {
-	if (initDone) {
-		return false;
-	}
-
-	functionList[name] = func;
-	return true;
+	stateInitializers.push_back(func);
 }
 
 /******************************************************************************/
@@ -204,11 +199,9 @@ void AsyncEngine::pushFinishedJobs(lua_State* L) {
 /******************************************************************************/
 void AsyncEngine::prepareEnvironment(lua_State* L, int top)
 {
-	for (UNORDERED_MAP<std::string, lua_CFunction>::iterator it = functionList.begin();
-			it != functionList.end(); ++it) {
-		lua_pushstring(L, it->first.c_str());
-		lua_pushcfunction(L, it->second);
-		lua_settable(L, top);
+	for (std::vector<StateInitializer>::iterator it = stateInitializers.begin();
+			it != stateInitializers.end(); it++) {
+		(*it)(L, top);
 	}
 }
 
diff --git a/src/script/cpp_api/s_async.h b/src/script/cpp_api/s_async.h
index 93e9759b4..dbe0654e2 100644
--- a/src/script/cpp_api/s_async.h
+++ b/src/script/cpp_api/s_async.h
@@ -75,16 +75,16 @@ private:
 // Asynchornous thread and job management
 class AsyncEngine {
 	friend class AsyncWorkerThread;
+	typedef void (*StateInitializer)(lua_State *L, int top);
 public:
 	AsyncEngine();
 	~AsyncEngine();
 
 	/**
-	 * Register function to be used within engine
-	 * @param name Function name to be used within Lua environment
+	 * Register function to be called on new states
 	 * @param func C function to be called
 	 */
-	bool registerFunction(const char* name, lua_CFunction func);
+	void registerStateInitializer(StateInitializer func);
 
 	/**
 	 * Create async engine tasks and lock function registration
@@ -140,8 +140,8 @@ private:
 	// Variable locking the engine against further modification
 	bool initDone;
 
-	// Internal store for registred functions
-	UNORDERED_MAP<std::string, lua_CFunction> functionList;
+	// Internal store for registred state initializers
+	std::vector<StateInitializer> stateInitializers;
 
 	// Internal counter to create job IDs
 	unsigned int jobIdCounter;
diff --git a/src/script/lua_api/l_base.cpp b/src/script/lua_api/l_base.cpp
index dfe743b72..5d7ba9640 100644
--- a/src/script/lua_api/l_base.cpp
+++ b/src/script/lua_api/l_base.cpp
@@ -74,17 +74,13 @@ std::string ModApiBase::getCurrentModPath(lua_State *L)
 }
 
 
-bool ModApiBase::registerFunction(
-	lua_State *L,
-	const char *name,
-	lua_CFunction fct,
-	int top)
+bool ModApiBase::registerFunction(lua_State *L, const char *name,
+		lua_CFunction func, int top)
 {
-	//TODO check presence first!
+	// TODO: Check presence first!
 
-	lua_pushstring(L,name);
-	lua_pushcfunction(L,fct);
-	lua_settable(L, top);
+	lua_pushcfunction(L, func);
+	lua_setfield(L, top, name);
 
 	return true;
 }
diff --git a/src/script/lua_api/l_base.h b/src/script/lua_api/l_base.h
index cd382629d..af89afd93 100644
--- a/src/script/lua_api/l_base.h
+++ b/src/script/lua_api/l_base.h
@@ -68,9 +68,8 @@ public:
 
 	static bool registerFunction(lua_State *L,
 			const char* name,
-			lua_CFunction fct,
-			int top
-			);
+			lua_CFunction func,
+			int top);
 };
 
 #endif /* L_BASE_H_ */
diff --git a/src/script/lua_api/l_internal.h b/src/script/lua_api/l_internal.h
index b7627619e..e9b689931 100644
--- a/src/script/lua_api/l_internal.h
+++ b/src/script/lua_api/l_internal.h
@@ -31,8 +31,7 @@ with this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
 
 #define luamethod(class, name) {#name, class::l_##name}
 #define luamethod_aliased(class, name, alias) {#name, class::l_##name}, {#alias, class::l_##name}
-#define API_FCT(name) registerFunction(L, #name, l_##name,top)
-#define ASYNC_API_FCT(name) engine.registerFunction(#name, l_##name)
+#define API_FCT(name) registerFunction(L, #name, l_##name, top)
 
 #define MAP_LOCK_REQUIRED
 #define NO_MAP_LOCK_REQUIRED
diff --git a/src/script/lua_api/l_mainmenu.cpp b/src/script/lua_api/l_mainmenu.cpp
index 4d0be257c..dc8654960 100644
--- a/src/script/lua_api/l_mainmenu.cpp
+++ b/src/script/lua_api/l_mainmenu.cpp
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ with this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
 #include <IFileArchive.h>
 #include <IFileSystem.h>
 
+
 /******************************************************************************/
 std::string ModApiMainMenu::getTextData(lua_State *L, std::string name)
 {
@@ -1141,23 +1142,24 @@ void ModApiMainMenu::Initialize(lua_State *L, int top)
 }
 
 /******************************************************************************/
-void ModApiMainMenu::InitializeAsync(AsyncEngine& engine)
+void ModApiMainMenu::InitializeAsync(lua_State *L, int top)
 {
 
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(get_worlds);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(get_games);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(get_favorites);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(get_mapgen_names);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(get_modpath);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(get_gamepath);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(get_texturepath);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(get_texturepath_share);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(create_dir);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(delete_dir);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(copy_dir);
-	//ASYNC_API_FCT(extract_zip); //TODO remove dependency to GuiEngine
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(download_file);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(get_modstore_details);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(get_modstore_list);
-	//ASYNC_API_FCT(gettext); (gettext lib isn't threadsafe)
+	API_FCT(get_worlds);
+	API_FCT(get_games);
+	API_FCT(get_favorites);
+	API_FCT(get_mapgen_names);
+	API_FCT(get_modpath);
+	API_FCT(get_gamepath);
+	API_FCT(get_texturepath);
+	API_FCT(get_texturepath_share);
+	API_FCT(create_dir);
+	API_FCT(delete_dir);
+	API_FCT(copy_dir);
+	//API_FCT(extract_zip); //TODO remove dependency to GuiEngine
+	API_FCT(download_file);
+	API_FCT(get_modstore_details);
+	API_FCT(get_modstore_list);
+	//API_FCT(gettext); (gettext lib isn't threadsafe)
 }
+
diff --git a/src/script/lua_api/l_mainmenu.h b/src/script/lua_api/l_mainmenu.h
index e31ac0112..d4946bab1 100644
--- a/src/script/lua_api/l_mainmenu.h
+++ b/src/script/lua_api/l_mainmenu.h
@@ -142,6 +142,7 @@ private:
 	static int l_do_async_callback(lua_State *L);
 
 public:
+
 	/**
 	 * initialize this API module
 	 * @param L lua stack to initialize
@@ -149,7 +150,7 @@ public:
 	 */
 	static void Initialize(lua_State *L, int top);
 
-	static void InitializeAsync(AsyncEngine& engine);
+	static void InitializeAsync(lua_State *L, int top);
 
 };
 
diff --git a/src/script/lua_api/l_settings.cpp b/src/script/lua_api/l_settings.cpp
index 809f7d115..70807f3d2 100644
--- a/src/script/lua_api/l_settings.cpp
+++ b/src/script/lua_api/l_settings.cpp
@@ -23,6 +23,47 @@ with this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
 #include "settings.h"
 #include "log.h"
 
+
+#define SET_SECURITY_CHECK(L, name) \
+	if (o->m_settings == g_settings && ScriptApiSecurity::isSecure(L) && \
+			name.compare(0, 7, "secure.") == 0) { \
+		throw LuaError("Attempt to set secure setting."); \
+	}
+
+LuaSettings::LuaSettings(Settings *settings, const std::string &filename) :
+	m_settings(settings),
+	m_filename(filename),
+	m_is_own_settings(false),
+	m_write_allowed(true)
+{
+}
+
+LuaSettings::LuaSettings(const std::string &filename, bool write_allowed) :
+	m_filename(filename),
+	m_is_own_settings(true),
+	m_write_allowed(write_allowed)
+{
+	m_settings = new Settings();
+	m_settings->readConfigFile(filename.c_str());
+}
+
+LuaSettings::~LuaSettings()
+{
+	if (m_is_own_settings)
+		delete m_settings;
+}
+
+
+void LuaSettings::create(lua_State *L, Settings *settings,
+		const std::string &filename)
+{
+	LuaSettings *o = new LuaSettings(settings, filename);
+	*(void **)(lua_newuserdata(L, sizeof(void *))) = o;
+	luaL_getmetatable(L, className);
+	lua_setmetatable(L, -2);
+}
+
+
 // garbage collector
 int LuaSettings::gc_object(lua_State* L)
 {
@@ -31,6 +72,7 @@ int LuaSettings::gc_object(lua_State* L)
 	return 0;
 }
 
+
 // get(self, key) -> value
 int LuaSettings::l_get(lua_State* L)
 {
@@ -74,12 +116,30 @@ int LuaSettings::l_set(lua_State* L)
 	std::string key = std::string(luaL_checkstring(L, 2));
 	const char* value = luaL_checkstring(L, 3);
 
+	SET_SECURITY_CHECK(L, key);
+
 	if (!o->m_settings->set(key, value))
 		throw LuaError("Invalid sequence found in setting parameters");
 
 	return 0;
 }
 
+// set_bool(self, key, value)
+int LuaSettings::l_set_bool(lua_State* L)
+{
+	NO_MAP_LOCK_REQUIRED;
+	LuaSettings* o = checkobject(L, 1);
+
+	std::string key = std::string(luaL_checkstring(L, 2));
+	bool value = lua_toboolean(L, 3);
+
+	SET_SECURITY_CHECK(L, key);
+
+	o->m_settings->setBool(key, value);
+
+	return 1;
+}
+
 // remove(self, key) -> success
 int LuaSettings::l_remove(lua_State* L)
 {
@@ -88,6 +148,8 @@ int LuaSettings::l_remove(lua_State* L)
 
 	std::string key = std::string(luaL_checkstring(L, 2));
 
+	SET_SECURITY_CHECK(L, key);
+
 	bool success = o->m_settings->remove(key);
 	lua_pushboolean(L, success);
 
@@ -147,19 +209,6 @@ int LuaSettings::l_to_table(lua_State* L)
 	return 1;
 }
 
-LuaSettings::LuaSettings(const char* filename, bool write_allowed)
-{
-	m_write_allowed = write_allowed;
-	m_filename = std::string(filename);
-
-	m_settings = new Settings();
-	m_settings->readConfigFile(m_filename.c_str());
-}
-
-LuaSettings::~LuaSettings()
-{
-	delete m_settings;
-}
 
 void LuaSettings::Register(lua_State* L)
 {
@@ -190,7 +239,7 @@ void LuaSettings::Register(lua_State* L)
 }
 
 // LuaSettings(filename)
-// Creates an LuaSettings and leaves it on top of stack
+// Creates a LuaSettings and leaves it on top of the stack
 int LuaSettings::create_object(lua_State* L)
 {
 	NO_MAP_LOCK_REQUIRED;
@@ -209,8 +258,9 @@ LuaSettings* LuaSettings::checkobject(lua_State* L, int narg)
 	NO_MAP_LOCK_REQUIRED;
 	luaL_checktype(L, narg, LUA_TUSERDATA);
 	void *ud = luaL_checkudata(L, narg, className);
-	if(!ud) luaL_typerror(L, narg, className);
-	return *(LuaSettings**)ud;  // unbox pointer
+	if (!ud)
+		luaL_typerror(L, narg, className);
+	return *(LuaSettings**) ud;  // unbox pointer
 }
 
 const char LuaSettings::className[] = "Settings";
@@ -218,6 +268,7 @@ const luaL_Reg LuaSettings::methods[] = {
 	luamethod(LuaSettings, get),
 	luamethod(LuaSettings, get_bool),
 	luamethod(LuaSettings, set),
+	luamethod(LuaSettings, set_bool),
 	luamethod(LuaSettings, remove),
 	luamethod(LuaSettings, get_names),
 	luamethod(LuaSettings, write),
diff --git a/src/script/lua_api/l_settings.h b/src/script/lua_api/l_settings.h
index b90f0a8f2..f3bc7410b 100644
--- a/src/script/lua_api/l_settings.h
+++ b/src/script/lua_api/l_settings.h
@@ -42,6 +42,9 @@ private:
 	// set(self, key, value)
 	static int l_set(lua_State *L);
 
+	// set_bool(self, key, value)
+	static int l_set_bool(lua_State* L);
+
 	// remove(self, key) -> success
 	static int l_remove(lua_State *L);
 
@@ -54,16 +57,20 @@ private:
 	// to_table(self) -> {[key1]=value1,...}
 	static int l_to_table(lua_State *L);
 
-	bool m_write_allowed;
 	Settings *m_settings;
 	std::string m_filename;
+	bool m_is_own_settings;
+	bool m_write_allowed;
 
 public:
-	LuaSettings(const char *filename, bool write_allowed);
+	LuaSettings(Settings *settings, const std::string &filename);
+	LuaSettings(const std::string &filename, bool write_allowed);
 	~LuaSettings();
 
+	static void create(lua_State *L, Settings *settings, const std::string &filename);
+
 	// LuaSettings(filename)
-	// Creates an LuaSettings and leaves it on top of stack
+	// Creates a LuaSettings and leaves it on top of the stack
 	static int create_object(lua_State *L);
 
 	static LuaSettings *checkobject(lua_State *L, int narg);
diff --git a/src/script/lua_api/l_util.cpp b/src/script/lua_api/l_util.cpp
index 809a2eb68..c4a988e07 100644
--- a/src/script/lua_api/l_util.cpp
+++ b/src/script/lua_api/l_util.cpp
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ with this program; if not, write to the Free Software Foundation, Inc.,
 
 #include "lua_api/l_util.h"
 #include "lua_api/l_internal.h"
+#include "lua_api/l_settings.h"
 #include "common/c_converter.h"
 #include "common/c_content.h"
 #include "cpp_api/s_async.h"
@@ -77,71 +78,6 @@ int ModApiUtil::l_get_us_time(lua_State *L)
 	return 1;
 }
 
-#define CHECK_SECURE_SETTING(L, name) \
-	if (ScriptApiSecurity::isSecure(L) && \
-			name.compare(0, 7, "secure.") == 0) { \
-		throw LuaError("Attempt to set secure setting."); \
-	}
-
-// setting_set(name, value)
-int ModApiUtil::l_setting_set(lua_State *L)
-{
-	NO_MAP_LOCK_REQUIRED;
-	std::string name = luaL_checkstring(L, 1);
-	std::string value = luaL_checkstring(L, 2);
-	CHECK_SECURE_SETTING(L, name);
-	g_settings->set(name, value);
-	return 0;
-}
-
-// setting_get(name)
-int ModApiUtil::l_setting_get(lua_State *L)
-{
-	NO_MAP_LOCK_REQUIRED;
-	const char *name = luaL_checkstring(L, 1);
-	try{
-		std::string value = g_settings->get(name);
-		lua_pushstring(L, value.c_str());
-	} catch(SettingNotFoundException &e){
-		lua_pushnil(L);
-	}
-	return 1;
-}
-
-// setting_setbool(name)
-int ModApiUtil::l_setting_setbool(lua_State *L)
-{
-	NO_MAP_LOCK_REQUIRED;
-	std::string name = luaL_checkstring(L, 1);
-	bool value = lua_toboolean(L, 2);
-	CHECK_SECURE_SETTING(L, name);
-	g_settings->setBool(name, value);
-	return 0;
-}
-
-// setting_getbool(name)
-int ModApiUtil::l_setting_getbool(lua_State *L)
-{
-	NO_MAP_LOCK_REQUIRED;
-	const char *name = luaL_checkstring(L, 1);
-	try{
-		bool value = g_settings->getBool(name);
-		lua_pushboolean(L, value);
-	} catch(SettingNotFoundException &e){
-		lua_pushnil(L);
-	}
-	return 1;
-}
-
-// setting_save()
-int ModApiUtil::l_setting_save(lua_State *L)
-{
-	NO_MAP_LOCK_REQUIRED;
-	if(g_settings_path != "")
-		g_settings->updateConfigFile(g_settings_path.c_str());
-	return 0;
-}
-
 // parse_json(str[, nullvalue])
 int ModApiUtil::l_parse_json(lua_State *L)
 {
@@ -493,12 +429,6 @@ void ModApiUtil::Initialize(lua_State *L, int top)
 
 	API_FCT(get_us_time);
 
-	API_FCT(setting_set);
-	API_FCT(setting_get);
-	API_FCT(setting_setbool);
-	API_FCT(setting_getbool);
-	API_FCT(setting_save);
-
 	API_FCT(parse_json);
 	API_FCT(write_json);
 
@@ -524,6 +454,9 @@ void ModApiUtil::Initialize(lua_State *L, int top)
 	API_FCT(decode_base64);
 
 	API_FCT(get_version);
+
+	LuaSettings::create(L, g_settings, g_settings_path);
+	lua_setfield(L, top, "settings");
 }
 
 void ModApiUtil::InitializeClient(lua_State *L, int top)
@@ -548,34 +481,31 @@ void ModApiUtil::InitializeClient(lua_State *L, int top)
 	API_FCT(get_version);
 }
 
-void ModApiUtil::InitializeAsync(AsyncEngine& engine)
+void ModApiUtil::InitializeAsync(lua_State *L, int top)
 {
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(log);
+	API_FCT(log);
 
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(get_us_time);
+	API_FCT(get_us_time);
 
-	//ASYNC_API_FCT(setting_set);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(setting_get);
-	//ASYNC_API_FCT(setting_setbool);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(setting_getbool);
-	//ASYNC_API_FCT(setting_save);
+	API_FCT(parse_json);
+	API_FCT(write_json);
 
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(parse_json);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(write_json);
+	API_FCT(is_yes);
 
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(is_yes);
+	API_FCT(get_builtin_path);
 
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(get_builtin_path);
+	API_FCT(compress);
+	API_FCT(decompress);
 
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(compress);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(decompress);
+	API_FCT(mkdir);
+	API_FCT(get_dir_list);
 
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(mkdir);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(get_dir_list);
+	API_FCT(encode_base64);
+	API_FCT(decode_base64);
 
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(encode_base64);
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(decode_base64);
+	API_FCT(get_version);
 
-	ASYNC_API_FCT(get_version);
+	LuaSettings::create(L, g_settings, g_settings_path);
+	lua_setfield(L, top, "settings");
 }
 
diff --git a/src/script/lua_api/l_util.h b/src/script/lua_api/l_util.h
index 7325a841a..c36c054e6 100644
--- a/src/script/lua_api/l_util.h
+++ b/src/script/lua_api/l_util.h
@@ -45,21 +45,6 @@ private:
 	// get us precision time
 	static int l_get_us_time(lua_State *L);
 
-	// setting_set(name, value)
-	static int l_setting_set(lua_State *L);
-
-	// setting_get(name)
-	static int l_setting_get(lua_State *L);
-
-	// setting_setbool(name, value)
-	static int l_setting_setbool(lua_State *L);
-
-	// setting_getbool(name)
-	static int l_setting_getbool(lua_State *L);
-
-	// setting_save()
-	static int l_setting_save(lua_State *L);
-
 	// parse_json(str[, nullvalue])
 	static int l_parse_json(lua_State *L);
 
@@ -109,8 +94,9 @@ private:
 	static int l_get_version(lua_State *L);
 
 public:
-	static void Initialize(lua_State *L, int top);
 
+	static void Initialize(lua_State *L, int top);
+	static void InitializeAsync(lua_State *L, int top);
 	static void InitializeClient(lua_State *L, int top);
 
 	static void InitializeAsync(AsyncEngine &engine);
diff --git a/src/script/scripting_client.cpp b/src/script/scripting_client.cpp
index b5a5085be..24f70b8c1 100644
--- a/src/script/scripting_client.cpp
+++ b/src/script/scripting_client.cpp
@@ -62,17 +62,17 @@ ClientScripting::ClientScripting(Client *client):
 
 void ClientScripting::InitializeModApi(lua_State *L, int top)
 {
-	ModApiUtil::InitializeClient(L, top);
-	ModApiClient::Initialize(L, top);
-	ModApiStorage::Initialize(L, top);
-	ModApiEnvMod::InitializeClient(L, top);
-
 	LuaItemStack::Register(L);
 	StorageRef::Register(L);
 	LuaMinimap::Register(L);
 	NodeMetaRef::RegisterClient(L);
 	LuaLocalPlayer::Register(L);
 	LuaCamera::Register(L);
+
+	ModApiUtil::InitializeClient(L, top);
+	ModApiClient::Initialize(L, top);
+	ModApiStorage::Initialize(L, top);
+	ModApiEnvMod::InitializeClient(L, top);
 }
 
 void ClientScripting::on_client_ready(LocalPlayer *localplayer)
diff --git a/src/script/scripting_mainmenu.cpp b/src/script/scripting_mainmenu.cpp
index d79864a95..48957b472 100644
--- a/src/script/scripting_mainmenu.cpp
+++ b/src/script/scripting_mainmenu.cpp
@@ -59,23 +59,28 @@ MainMenuScripting::MainMenuScripting(GUIEngine* guiengine)
 /******************************************************************************/
 void MainMenuScripting::initializeModApi(lua_State *L, int top)
 {
+	registerLuaClasses(L, top);
+
 	// Initialize mod API modules
 	ModApiMainMenu::Initialize(L, top);
 	ModApiUtil::Initialize(L, top);
 	ModApiSound::Initialize(L, top);
 
-	// Register reference classes (userdata)
-	LuaSettings::Register(L);
-
-	// Register functions to async environment
-	ModApiMainMenu::InitializeAsync(asyncEngine);
-	ModApiUtil::InitializeAsync(asyncEngine);
+	asyncEngine.registerStateInitializer(registerLuaClasses);
+	asyncEngine.registerStateInitializer(ModApiMainMenu::InitializeAsync);
+	asyncEngine.registerStateInitializer(ModApiUtil::InitializeAsync);
 
 	// Initialize async environment
 	//TODO possibly make number of async threads configurable
 	asyncEngine.initialize(MAINMENU_NUM_ASYNC_THREADS);
 }
 
+/******************************************************************************/
+void MainMenuScripting::registerLuaClasses(lua_State *L, int top)
+{
+	LuaSettings::Register(L);
+}
+
 /******************************************************************************/
 void MainMenuScripting::step()
 {
diff --git a/src/script/scripting_mainmenu.h b/src/script/scripting_mainmenu.h
index 9aacd55d6..7b3a6eba8 100644
--- a/src/script/scripting_mainmenu.h
+++ b/src/script/scripting_mainmenu.h
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ public:
 			const std::string &serialized_params);
 private:
 	void initializeModApi(lua_State *L, int top);
+	static void registerLuaClasses(lua_State *L, int top);
 
 	AsyncEngine asyncEngine;
 	DISABLE_CLASS_COPY(MainMenuScripting);
diff --git a/src/script/scripting_server.cpp b/src/script/scripting_server.cpp
index ce56fcf19..cd01b0773 100644
--- a/src/script/scripting_server.cpp
+++ b/src/script/scripting_server.cpp
@@ -82,19 +82,6 @@ ServerScripting::ServerScripting(Server* server)
 
 void ServerScripting::InitializeModApi(lua_State *L, int top)
 {
-	// Initialize mod api modules
-	ModApiCraft::Initialize(L, top);
-	ModApiEnvMod::Initialize(L, top);
-	ModApiInventory::Initialize(L, top);
-	ModApiItemMod::Initialize(L, top);
-	ModApiMapgen::Initialize(L, top);
-	ModApiParticles::Initialize(L, top);
-	ModApiRollback::Initialize(L, top);
-	ModApiServer::Initialize(L, top);
-	ModApiUtil::Initialize(L, top);
-	ModApiHttp::Initialize(L, top);
-	ModApiStorage::Initialize(L, top);
-
 	// Register reference classes (userdata)
 	InvRef::Register(L);
 	ItemStackMetaRef::Register(L);
@@ -111,6 +98,19 @@ void ServerScripting::InitializeModApi(lua_State *L, int top)
 	ObjectRef::Register(L);
 	LuaSettings::Register(L);
 	StorageRef::Register(L);
+
+	// Initialize mod api modules
+	ModApiCraft::Initialize(L, top);
+	ModApiEnvMod::Initialize(L, top);
+	ModApiInventory::Initialize(L, top);
+	ModApiItemMod::Initialize(L, top);
+	ModApiMapgen::Initialize(L, top);
+	ModApiParticles::Initialize(L, top);
+	ModApiRollback::Initialize(L, top);
+	ModApiServer::Initialize(L, top);
+	ModApiUtil::Initialize(L, top);
+	ModApiHttp::Initialize(L, top);
+	ModApiStorage::Initialize(L, top);
 }
 
 void log_deprecated(const std::string &message)