LEVEL 2Improve Your Server
Useful server settings
Change the important server.properties options safely.
About 10 minEasyReviewed Aug 18, 2026
Useful server.properties options#
| Setting | Beginner meaning |
|---|---|
| motd | The server-list message |
| max-players | Connection limit, not a performance guarantee |
| view-distance | How far chunks are sent to players |
| simulation-distance | How far entities and game logic tick |
| difficulty / gamemode | Default play rules |
| pvp | Whether players can damage one another |
| spawn-protection | Protected radius around world spawn |
| allow-flight | Prevents some modded flight false positives when true |
| online-mode | Verifies Minecraft identities; keep true |
| white-list | Limits joining to approved names |
| server-port | The listening port, normally 25565 |
| enable-command-block | Enables command blocks when needed |
| enforce-whitelist | Disconnects players removed from the whitelist |
A calm starting point#
properties
view-distance=8
simulation-distance=6
max-players=10
online-mode=true
white-list=true
enforce-whitelist=true
enable-rcon=falseStop the server before editing server.properties, save, then start again. Crafty may also expose a properties editor. The best distances depend on CPU, mods, farms, exploration and player count.