# Minecraft Bedrock server.properties Guide

> What each setting in a Bedrock Dedicated Server's server.properties does, and how to change it on Beacon.

Source: https://www.beaconhosting.org/knowledgebase/minecraft-bedrock-server-properties-guide
Category: Minecraft
Last updated: 2026-11-05

On Beacon, click `server.properties` in **Files** to open it in the **Minecraft Server Properties** editor. Restart the server from **Console** after saving.

## Players and joining

| Setting | Default | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| `server-name` | `Dedicated Server` | The name shown in the server list |
| `max-players` | `10` | The most players online at once |
| `allow-list` | `false` | Only players on the allowlist can join |
| `online-mode` | `true` | Players must be signed in to Xbox. Keep it on |
| `player-idle-timeout` | `30` | Minutes before idle players are kicked (`0` = never) |

## Gameplay

| Setting | Default | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| `gamemode` | `survival` | Game mode for new players |
| `force-gamemode` | `false` | Put players back in the default mode when they join |
| `difficulty` | `easy` | `peaceful`, `easy`, `normal` or `hard` |
| `allow-cheats` | `false` | Operators can use commands like `/gamemode` in game |
| `default-player-permission-level` | `member` | New players' level: `visitor`, `member` or `operator` |

## World

| Setting | Default | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| `level-name` | `Bedrock level` | The world folder in `worlds` to load |
| `level-seed` | blank | Seed for a **new** world |
| `level-type` | `DEFAULT` | `DEFAULT`, `FLAT` or `LEGACY` for a **new** world |

## Performance

| Setting | Default | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| `view-distance` | `32` | How far players can see, in chunks |
| `tick-distance` | `4` | How many chunks around players are active (4–12) |
| `max-threads` | `8` | CPU threads the server uses |
| `compression-threshold` | `1` | Smallest packet that gets compressed |

Lowering `view-distance` and `tick-distance` is the best way to reduce lag.

## Packs

| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| `texturepack-required` | Players must download the world's resource packs to join |

## Leave these alone

| Setting | Why |
|---|---|
| `server-port`, `server-portv6` | Beacon sets your port; changing it stops players connecting |