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Introduction to Minecraft Server Optimization

Running a smooth, lag-free Minecraft server requires proper optimization. This guide covers various techniques to improve your server’s performance on Wasabi Hosting’s Gamepanel platform.

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Java Flags Optimization

Java flags significantly impact your server’s performance. At Wasabi Hosting, RAM allocation is fixed based on your selected plan - if you need more resources, you’ll need to upgrade your hosting package. For optimal performance, we recommend using Aikar’s Flags which are available directly in the Wasabi Hosting Gamepanel under the Startup tab:
Simply select “Aikar’s Flags” from the ADDITIONAL FLAGS dropdown in the Wasabi Hosting Gamepanel. These flags are optimized for maximum performance and garbage collection efficiency.
Aikar’s Flags are carefully tuned Java arguments that significantly improve server performance by optimizing garbage collection and memory allocation.

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Server.properties Optimization

The server.properties file contains essential settings that affect server performance: 
# Reduces CPU usage by limiting chunk generation
view-distance=8
simulation-distance=6

# Improves performance while still allowing mobs
entity-broadcast-range-percentage=75

# Reduces lag from structure generation
max-tick-time=60000

# Balances between performance and usability
network-compression-threshold=256
Lowering view-distance too much can affect gameplay experience. Find a balance between performance and player experience.

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Spigot/Paper Configuration

If you’re using Spigot or Paper (recommended for better performance), optimize these additional configuration files:

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spigot.yml

world-settings:
  default:
    # Reduces entity spawning and activation range
    entity-activation-range:
      animals: 16
      monsters: 24
      raiders: 48
      misc: 8
    # Reduces entity tracking range
    entity-tracking-range:
      players: 48
      animals: 32
      monsters: 48
      misc: 32
      other: 64
    # Prevents hoppers from checking for items too frequently
    hopper-transfer: 8
    hopper-check: 8
    # Consolidates explosions for better TPS
    merge-radius:
      item: 4.0
      exp: 6.0
    # Reduces chunk loading time
    chunks-per-tick: 300
    # Improves mob spawning performance
    mob-spawn-range: 6

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paper.yml (Paper servers only)

max-auto-save-chunks-per-tick: 10
optimize-explosions: true
mob-spawner-tick-rate: 2
disable-chest-cat-detection: true
container-update-tick-rate: 3
grass-spread-tick-rate: 4
despawn-ranges:
  soft: 28
  hard: 96
hopper:
  disable-move-event: true

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World Pre-Generation

Pre-generating your world reduces lag caused by chunk generation during gameplay:
  1. Install a world pre-generation plugin like Chunky
  2. Set world borders to define generation limits
  3. Run pre-generation commands: 
    /chunky radius 5000
/chunky start

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Plugin Selection

Choose plugins wisely as they can impact server performance:
  • PaperMC - Highly optimized server software
  • Lithium (for Fabric) - Game logic/server optimization
  • Spark - Performance profiling and monitoring
  • ClearLagg - Entity and item cleaning
  • EntityCulling - Reduces entity rendering

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Plugin Management Tips

  1. Use fewer, well-maintained plugins
  2. Avoid redundant plugins with overlapping features
  3. Update plugins regularly for bug fixes and optimizations
  4. Monitor plugin impact with timings reports

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Timings Analysis

Regularly check timings data to identify performance bottlenecks.
  1. Run /timings report in-game or via console
  2. Wait for the link to generate
  3. Look for:
    • Red areas indicating high tick usage
    • Plugins consuming excessive resources
    • World regions causing lag
  4. Address the specific issues identified

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Redstone & Automation Limitations

Redstone contraptions are known performance killers:
  1. Set max redstone per chunk limits using plugins
  2. Encourage players to use more efficient designs
  3. Limit automated farms in one area
  4. Use hoppers sparingly or replace with droppers
  5. Disable or optimize TNT explosions

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Regular Maintenance

Implement these maintenance practices:
  1. Schedule automatic restarts every 6-12 hours
  2. Clear entities periodically using plugins like ClearLagg
  3. Backup and trim worlds regularly to keep file sizes manageable
  4. Update server software to benefit from performance improvements
  5. Monitor RAM usage and adjust allocation as needed

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Hardware Considerations

If you’re still experiencing performance issues, consider:
  1. Upgrading your Wasabi Hosting plan for more RAM/CPU
  2. Using SSD storage for faster world loading/saving
  3. Dedicating more CPU threads to your server
RAM is fixed per hosting plan and cannot be manually adjusted. If you’re experiencing memory-related issues, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher-tier plan with more allocated RAM.

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Advanced Techniques

For experienced administrators:
  1. Use a profiling tool like Spark or VisualVM
  2. Implement server-side resource packs to reduce client-side lag
  3. Set up proxy networks with Velocity/BungeeCord for large player bases
  4. Use world border plugins to limit exploration
Following these optimization techniques will help ensure your Minecraft server runs smoothly even under heavy load on Wasabi Hosting. If you continue to experience performance issues, contact our support team for assistance.