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