Minecraft server.properties Explained (2026)
The server.properties file controls every core setting of your Minecraft server. It generates automatically on the first server start. Here is what every setting does.
Most Important Settings
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| server-port | 25565 | The port players connect to |
| max-players | 20 | Maximum simultaneous players |
| view-distance | 10 | Render distance in chunks |
| simulation-distance | 10 | Tick distance in chunks |
| difficulty | easy | peaceful, easy, normal, hard |
| gamemode | survival | survival, creative, adventure, spectator |
| online-mode | true | Verify Mojang accounts |
| motd | A Minecraft Server | Server description in server list |
Performance Settings
| Setting | Recommended | Description |
|---|---|---|
| view-distance | 8 to 10 | Lower = less CPU. 8 is fine for most servers |
| simulation-distance | 6 to 8 | Distance where mobs and blocks tick |
| max-tick-time | 60000 | Crash timeout (ms). -1 to disable |
| network-compression-threshold | 256 | Packet compression. 256 is efficient |
| entity-broadcast-range-percentage | 100 | Lower for better network performance |
Gameplay Settings
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| pvp | true | Allow player combat |
| spawn-protection | 16 | Radius around spawn where only ops can build |
| allow-flight | false | Kick flying players (set true with mods) |
| spawn-monsters | true | Hostile mob spawning |
| spawn-animals | true | Animal spawning |
| spawn-npcs | true | Villager spawning |
| hardcore | false | Permanent death, locks to hard difficulty |
| enable-command-block | false | Allow command blocks (set true for maps) |
| force-gamemode | false | Force default gamemode on join |
World Settings
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| level-name | world | World folder name |
| level-seed | (blank) | World generation seed |
| level-type | minecraft:normal | normal, flat, large_biomes, amplified |
| generate-structures | true | Villages, temples, etc. |
| max-world-size | 29999984 | World border radius |
| allow-nether | true | Enable nether dimension |
Security Settings
| Setting | Recommended | Description |
|---|---|---|
| online-mode | true | Always true for public servers |
| white-list | false | Restrict to approved players |
| enforce-whitelist | false | Kick non-whitelisted on reload |
| rate-limit | 0 | Packet rate limit per player |
Warning: Setting online-mode=false disables account verification. Anyone can connect with any username. Only disable this if you use an authentication plugin.
How to Edit
- Stop the server
- Open
server.propertiesin a text editor - Change values after the
=sign - Save the file
- Start the server
Changes only take effect after a server restart.
Configure your server right. View Minecraft Hosting Plans
