# How to Turn Off PvP on a Minecraft Server

> Stop players hurting each other on your Minecraft server.

Source: https://www.beaconhosting.org/knowledgebase/how-to-turn-off-pvp-on-a-minecraft-server
Category: Minecraft
Last updated: 2026-10-22

## Turn it off

1. Open your server and go to **Files**.
2. Click **`server.properties`**. It opens in the **Minecraft Server Properties** editor.
3. Use **Search for property name...** to find the setting.
4. Turn **`pvp`** off (`false`).
5. Save and restart the server from **Console**.

Players can no longer damage each other directly. Mobs, lava, falling and TNT still hurt everyone.

## PvP in some places only

`pvp` is all or nothing. For PvP arenas with safe zones around them, use a plugin on **Paper**:

- **WorldGuard**: mark regions with `pvp allow` or `pvp deny`.
- **GriefPrevention** or **Lands**: claims where owners choose.

Install them from **Package Manager**.

## On Fabric or Forge

`server.properties` works the same. For zones, look for a claims mod in **Package Manager**.