# Minecraft Java server.properties Guide

> What every common setting in a Minecraft Java server's server.properties does, and how to change it on Beacon.

Source: https://www.beaconhosting.org/knowledgebase/minecraft-java-server-properties-guide
Category: Minecraft
Last updated: 2026-10-22

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

## Players and joining

| Setting | Default | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| `max-players` | `20` | The most players online at once |
| `white-list` | `false` | Only players on the whitelist can join |
| `enforce-whitelist` | `false` | Kick players who aren't on the whitelist when it's turned on |
| `online-mode` | `true` | Check players own Minecraft. Keep it `true` unless a proxy (Velocity) handles logins |
| `motd` | `A Minecraft Server` | The text under your server in the multiplayer list |
| `player-idle-timeout` | `0` | 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 each time they join |
| `difficulty` | `easy` | `peaceful`, `easy`, `normal` or `hard` |
| `hardcore` | `false` | Players are banned when they die |
| `pvp` | `true` | Players can hurt each other |
| `allow-flight` | `false` | Don't kick players for flying |
| `spawn-monsters` | `true` | Hostile mobs spawn |
| `enable-command-block` | `false` | Command blocks work |
| `spawn-protection` | `16` | Blocks around spawn only operators can change |

## World

| Setting | Default | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| `level-name` | `world` | The world folder to load |
| `level-seed` | blank | Seed for a **new** world |
| `level-type` | `minecraft:normal` | World type for a **new** world |
| `generate-structures` | `true` | Villages, temples and other structures generate |
| `allow-nether` | `true` | The Nether is enabled |
| `max-world-size` | `29999984` | How far the world border can go |

## Performance

| Setting | Default | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| `view-distance` | `10` | How many chunks players can see |
| `simulation-distance` | `10` | How many chunks around players are active |
| `network-compression-threshold` | `256` | Packet size before compression |
| `entity-broadcast-range-percentage` | `100` | How far away entities are sent to players |

Lowering `simulation-distance` to 6–8 is one of the best ways to reduce lag without making the world look smaller.

## Leave these alone

| Setting | Why |
|---|---|
| `server-port`, `server-ip` | Beacon sets your address; changing them stops players connecting |
| `enable-query`, `query.port` | The panel's **Players** page uses query to list online players |
| `enable-rcon`, `rcon.password` | Only turn on if you need RCON; use a strong password |