---
title: "server.properties Explained: Every Setting and What It Does"
description: "A complete guide to Minecraft server.properties: every setting, default value and recommended change for performance, security and gameplay."
url: "https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/server-properties-explained-every-setting"
updated: "2026-10-28T18:44:48.151659+00:00"
source: "ZCraft Studios"
---
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# server.properties Explained: Every Setting and What It Does
ZCraft StudiosOct 28, 2026
A complete guide to Minecraft server.properties: every setting, default value and recommended change for performance, security and gameplay.
## In this guide
- [Edit it safely](#edit-it-safely)
- [Settings most servers change](#settings-most-servers-change)
- [World settings](#world-settings)
- [Player and gameplay settings](#player-and-gameplay-settings)
- [Network and performance settings](#network-and-performance-settings)
- [Query, status and remote console](#query-status-and-remote-console)
- [Resource pack and datapack settings](#resource-pack-and-datapack-settings)
- [Security settings](#security-settings)
- [Settings that do not apply on a proxy network](#settings-that-do-not-apply-on-a-proxy-network)
- [Common mistakes](#common-mistakes)
- [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
- [Related reading](#related-reading)
## server.properties Explained: Every Setting and What It Does
**Quick answer:** `server.properties` is the main settings file of a Minecraft Java server, in the server's root folder. Edit it while the server is **stopped**, save it, and start the server again. The settings most owners change are `motd`, `max-players`, `difficulty`, `gamemode`, `white-list`, `view-distance`, `simulation-distance` and `online-mode`.
_Defaults below are the vanilla defaults. Paper and other software add settings in other files, and some options change between versions. Check the [Paper server.properties reference](https://docs.papermc.io/paper/reference/server-properties/) for your version._
## Edit it safely
1. Stop the server.
2. Back up the file.
3. Change one setting at a time.
4. Start the server and read the console.
See [Minecraft Server Files Explained](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-files-folders-explained) for the other files in your folder.
## Settings most servers change
| Setting | Default | What it does |
| ------------------- | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| motd | A Minecraft Server | Text in the server list. See [MOTD and Icon Setup](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-motd-icon-setup) |
| max-players | 20 | Player limit |
| gamemode | survival | Default game mode for new players |
| difficulty | easy | Peaceful, easy, normal or hard |
| white-list | false | Only listed players can join. See [Whitelist Not Working?](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-whitelist-not-working) |
| enforce-whitelist | false | Kicks non-listed players when the whitelist reloads |
| online-mode | true | Verifies accounts with Mojang. Leave on unless you use a login plugin and understand the risk. See [Authentication Models](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-authentication-methods) |
| pvp | true | Allow player fighting |
| view-distance | 10 | Chunks sent to players. Lower improves performance |
| simulation-distance | 10 | Chunks around players where entities tick. Lower improves performance |
| server-port | 25565 | Port players connect to. See [Port 25565 Not Working](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-port-25565-not-working) |
| spawn-protection | 16 | Radius around spawn where non-operators cannot build |
## World settings
| Setting | Default | What it does |
| ------------------- | -------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| level-name | world | Folder name of the world |
| level-seed | blank | Seed, used only when the world is first created. See [Can You Change a Server Seed?](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-seed-existing-server-change) |
| level-type | normal | World type |
| generate-structures | true | Villages, temples and other structures |
| generator-settings | blank | Custom generator settings |
| allow-nether | true | Enable the Nether |
| hardcore | false | Hardcore mode |
| max-world-size | 29999984 | Maximum world radius. See [WorldBorder Setup](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/worldborder-setup-guide) |
## Player and gameplay settings
| Setting | Default | What it does |
| ------------------------- | ------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| allow-flight | false | Stops kicking players for flying. Needed for some mods and plugins |
| force-gamemode | false | Reset players to the default game mode on join |
| player-idle-timeout | 0 | Minutes before idle players are kicked. 0 disables it |
| hide-online-players | false | Hide the player list in the server list |
| enable-command-block | false | Allow command blocks |
| op-permission-level | 4 | Permission level for new operators |
| function-permission-level | 2 | Permission level for functions |
## Network and performance settings
| Setting | Default | What it does |
| --------------------------------- | ------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| network-compression-threshold | 256 | Packet size above which data is compressed |
| rate-limit | 0 | Maximum packets per second per connection. 0 disables it |
| max-tick-time | 60000 | Watchdog time in milliseconds before the server stops. See [Crash Reports](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-crash-report-guide) |
| entity-broadcast-range-percentage | 100 | How far entities are sent to players |
| sync-chunk-writes | true | Synchronous chunk writes. See [sync-chunk-writes](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/sync-chunk-writes-server-properties) |
| use-native-transport | true | Optimized Linux networking |
| region-file-compression | deflate | Compression for region files |
| max-chained-neighbor-updates | 1000000 | Limits chained block updates |
For lag, start with [How to Fix Minecraft Server Lag](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/reduce-minecraft-server-lag) and lower `view-distance` and `simulation-distance` first.
## Query, status and remote console
| Setting | Default | What it does |
| ------------------------ | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| enable-status | true | Respond to server list pings |
| enable-query | false | Enable GameSpy4 query |
| query.port | 25565 | Query port |
| enable-rcon | false | Enable remote console. See [RCON Security](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-rcon-security-guide) |
| rcon.port | 25575 | RCON port |
| rcon.password | blank | Set a strong password before enabling RCON |
| broadcast-console-to-ops | true | Send console output to operators |
| broadcast-rcon-to-ops | true | Send RCON output to operators |
## Resource pack and datapack settings
| Setting | What it does |
| ---------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| resource-pack | URL of the pack |
| resource-pack-sha1 | SHA-1 hash of the pack file |
| resource-pack-prompt | Message shown when asking players to download |
| require-resource-pack | Kick players who decline |
| initial-enabled-packs | Datapacks enabled when the world is created |
| initial-disabled-packs | Datapacks disabled when the world is created |
If the pack fails to download, see [Resource Pack Download Failed](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-resource-pack-download-failed-fix) and [Resource Pack Hosting](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/custom-resource-pack-hosting-setup).
## Security settings
| Setting | Default | Why it matters |
| ------------------------- | ------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| online-mode | true | Account verification |
| enforce-secure-profile | true | Requires signed chat from verified accounts |
| prevent-proxy-connections | false | Blocks some proxy and VPN connections |
| log-ips | true | Logs player IP addresses. Check your privacy rules |
| server-ip | blank | Binds to a specific IP. Leave blank unless you need it |
Pair these with a firewall. See [Firewall Hardening](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-firewall-hardening).
## Settings that do not apply on a proxy network
On a Velocity or BungeeCord network, backends are usually set to offline mode with forwarding enabled, and the proxy handles player verification. Lock backends so only the proxy can reach them. See [Velocity Modern Forwarding Checklist](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/velocity-modern-forwarding-setup-checklist).
## Common mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
| ---------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Editing while the server runs | Stop first, or changes are overwritten |
| online-mode=false to fix a login error | Fix the cause instead. It removes account verification |
| Changing level-seed on an existing world | It does not change existing terrain |
| Setting very high view distance | Hurts performance. Lower it |
| Forgetting to forward the port | See [Connection Refused](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-connection-refused-fix) |
## Frequently asked questions
**Where is server.properties?** In the root folder of your server, next to the server jar.
**Do I need to restart after editing it?** Yes.
**What is the best view distance for a server?** Lower values improve performance. Start with a smaller value, test, and adjust. See [Fix Server Lag](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/reduce-minecraft-server-lag).
**Can I change online-mode?** Yes, but changing it breaks existing player UUIDs. See [Authentication Models](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-authentication-methods).
**Does Paper have its own settings?** Yes, in `config/` files. See [PaperMC Config Files Explained](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-paper-configuration-files-explained).
## Related reading
- [How to Start a Minecraft Server](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/start-minecraft-server)
- [Minecraft Server Commands List](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-commands-list-operators-admins)
- [Common Server Setup Mistakes](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-mistakes)
## Continue reading
- [Minecraft Server Files Explained: Properties and Logs](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-files-folders-explained)
- [Hostinger Minecraft Hosting: VPS Game Panel Explained](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/hostinger-minecraft-hosting-vps-game-panel)
- [PaperMC Config Files Explained: Global and Per-World](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-paper-configuration-files-explained)
- [Minecraft RCON Explained: Errors and Security Checklist](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-rcon-security-guide)
[ Previous guide Minecraft Server Commands: Operator and Admin Command List](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-commands-list-operators-admins)