> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://wiki.eclipseno.de/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Server Properties

> A complete guide to the `server.properties` configuration file

Each input affects the server's behavior, performance, or gameplay. Below is an overview of the properties, descriptions, and recommendations for whether or not to modify them.

### **Basic Server Settings**

| **Property**  | **Description**                                                     | **Recommended Setting**                                              |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `server-port` | The port the server listens on (default: `25565`).                  | Keep default unless changing port.                                   |
| `server-ip`   | The IP address the server binds to. Leave empty for auto-detection. | Leave empty unless hosting behind NAT.                               |
| `motd`        | Message displayed in the server list. Supports formatting codes.    | Customizable to give your server personality.                        |
| `online-mode` | Verifies player accounts through Mojang (`true` or `false`).        | **`true`** for public servers. Use `false` only for offline/LAN use. |
| `max-players` | Max concurrent players (default: `20`).                             | Adjust based on hardware and player expectations.                    |
| `level-name`  | World folder name (default: `world`).                               | Change if using custom world folders.                                |
| `level-seed`  | Custom world generation seed.                                       | Optional for unique maps.                                            |

### **World and Gameplay Settings**

| **Property**          | **Description**                                                                     | **Recommended Setting**                            |
| --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| `gamemode`            | Default gamemode for new players: `survival`, `creative`, `adventure`, `spectator`. | **Survival** for most gameplay.                    |
| `difficulty`          | Difficulty level: `peaceful`, `easy`, `normal`, `hard`.                             | **Normal** for balanced play.                      |
| `pvp`                 | Enables player vs. player combat (`true` or `false`).                               | **True** unless PvE only.                          |
| `spawn-animals`       | Allow animal spawning (`true` or `false`).                                          | **True** unless performance issues.                |
| `spawn-monsters`      | Allow monster spawning (`true` or `false`).                                         | **True** unless peaceful mode.                     |
| `spawn-npcs`          | Enables NPCs like villagers (`true` or `false`).                                    | **True** for most servers.                         |
| `hardcore`            | If enabled, players get only one life (`true` or `false`).                          | **False** unless hardcore gameplay.                |
| `generate-structures` | Enable village and dungeon generation (`true` or `false`).                          | **True** for richer worlds.                        |
| `max-world-size`      | Limits the size of generated chunks (default: 29999984).                            | Optional; limit for performance.                   |
| `view-distance`       | Sets chunk rendering distance for players (default: `10`).                          | **8-12** for a balance of visuals and performance. |
| `simulation-distance` | How far entities are updated around players (default: `10`).                        | **6-10** to optimize.                              |

### **Player Management and Permissions**

| **Property**          | **Description**                                                    | **Recommended Setting**                     |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------- |
| `whitelist`           | Use whitelist to control who can join (`true` or `false`).         | Optional for private servers.               |
| `enforce-whitelist`   | Prevents non-whitelisted players from joining (`true` or `false`). | **False** unless strict control.            |
| `op-permission-level` | Control operator permissions: `1-4`.                               | **2-3** for general admins.                 |
| `max-build-height`    | Limits how high players can build (default: `256`).                | Increase for creative builds.               |
| `spawn-protection`    | Radius around spawn point where non-ops cannot modify blocks.      | **16** for protection; **0** to disable.    |
| `allow-flight`        | Allow players to fly (`true` or `false`).                          | **True** for creative; **False** otherwise. |

### **Performance Settings**

| **Property**                    | **Description**                                                      | **Recommended Setting**                     |
| ------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| `network-compression-threshold` | Compress packets (default: `256`).                                   | **256** or lower for slower networks.       |
| `max-tick-time`                 | Max time (ms) for a tick before the server stops (default: `60000`). | **60000** unless debugging.                 |
| `max-threads`                   | Threads for parallel processing (if supported).                      | Leave default unless optimizing.            |
| `enable-jmx-monitoring`         | Enables Java monitoring (`true` or `false`).                         | **False** unless required for diagnostics.  |
| `use-native-transport`          | Optimizes performance on certain OS (`true` or `false`).             | **True** for most servers.                  |
| `rate-limit`                    | Limits packets per second per player (default: `0` = unlimited).     | Optional to prevent abuse.                  |
| `enable-command-block`          | Enables command blocks (`true` or `false`).                          | **True** for servers with custom mechanics. |

### **Advanced and Experimental Settings**

| **Property**           | **Description**                                                    | **Recommended Setting**                   |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------- |
| `sync-chunk-writes`    | Controls chunk save behavior (`true` or `false`).                  | **True** for safety, **False** for speed. |
| `allow-nether`         | Enable access to the Nether (`true` or `false`).                   | **True** for most servers.                |
| `enable-status`        | Show server status in the server list (`true` or `false`).         | **True** to attract players.              |
| `resource-pack`        | URL for server resource pack.                                      | Optional for custom textures.             |
| `resource-pack-prompt` | Ask players before downloading resource packs (`true` or `false`). | **True** for user control.                |
| `resource-pack-sha1`   | SHA-1 hash of the resource pack to ensure integrity.               | Optional but recommended.                 |

### **Conclusion**

Most properties depend on the type of server you’re running (survival, creative, PvP, etc.) and the hardware available. It’s generally recommended to:

1. **Adjust performance settings** based on your server’s hardware.
2. **Enable features** that match your intended gameplay (e.g., PvP, animals, structures).
3. **Use a whitelist or rate-limiting** if you expect a large number of players to prevent abuse.

If you’re running a small or performance-limited server, lowering the `view-distance` and `simulation-distance` will help, while settings like `online-mode` should be left enabled for security.