What is View Distance?

View distance determines how many chunks around each player are loaded and visible. This affects what players can see and interact with.

Default Values

• Single Player: 12 chunks (192 blocks)
• Multiplayer: 10 chunks (160 blocks)
• Server Default: 10 chunks

Performance Impact

Higher view distance means more chunks loaded per player, increasing memory usage and CPU load. Each additional chunk requires significant resources.

What is Simulation Distance?

Simulation distance controls how far from players the server processes game logic like mob AI, redstone, and block updates.

Default Values

• Default: 10 chunks
• Range: 4-12 chunks
• Recommended: 6-8 chunks for most servers

What Gets Simulated

• Mob AI and behavior
• Redstone contraptions
• Crop growth and block updates
• Item despawn timers
• Fire spread and other natural processes

Method 1: server.properties File

Edit your server.properties file in the File Manager:

Method 2: Using Commands

You can change distances while the server is running using these commands:

Small Server (1-10 players)

Medium Server (10-25 players)

Large Server (25+ players)

1. Monitor TPS

Use commands like /tps or plugins like LagAssist to monitor your server's performance. If TPS drops below 18, consider reducing distances.

2. Use Chunk Pre-generation

Pre-generate chunks around spawn and popular areas to reduce chunk generation lag during gameplay.

3. Consider Server Software

Use optimized server software like Paper or Purpur, which handle chunk loading more efficiently than vanilla.

4. Limit World Size

Set a world border to prevent players from exploring too far and generating excessive chunks.

Server Lag with High Distances

Problem: Server TPS drops when players are spread out.
Solution: Reduce view-distance and simulation-distance, or upgrade server resources.

Players Can't See Far

Problem: Players complain about limited visibility.
Solution: Increase view-distance if server performance allows, or explain the performance trade-offs.

Redstone Not Working at Distance

Problem: Redstone contraptions stop working when players move away.
Solution: Increase simulation-distance or use plugins that keep redstone active.

Paper/Purpur Optimizations

If using Paper or Purpur, you can fine-tune chunk loading behavior in the paper.yml or purpur.yml files:

Plugin-Based Solutions

Consider using plugins like Chunky for chunk pre-generation or ChunkMaster for advanced chunk management to optimize your server's chunk loading behavior.