How to optimize Minecraft servers

30 December, 2022

Minecraft servers are one of its most popular features, allowing players worldwide to enjoy the game simultaneously.

A Minecraft server can be set up in a matter of minutes and is free if it's hosted locally. One of the biggest problems with Minecraft servers, however, is the poor optimization of the server code. This leads to more performance issues than you would expect.

This guide will show server admins and owners how to improve their Minecraft server's performance.

These are the best ways to make Minecraft servers run faster and not lag.

5) Install a paper spigot

Many server owners already have a paper spigot. In this case, you can skip this step.

Paper spigot, which is highly optimized Minecraft server software, was created by a large community of experienced developers to increase the efficiency of vanilla Minecraft server software.

It is easy to install a paper spigot. In most cases, you will only need to replace the server jar file. All other functions should work automatically.

Here's a paper spigot.

4) Check the timings report

A “timings report” can be produced by Spigot (and paper Minecraft servers). This report shows server administrators exactly what's happening inside their server, and allows them to dive deep under the hood.

This report provides information that shows what's slowing down the server, which allows for easy identification of laggy plug-ins. Although it can be difficult to read a timings report at first, it is a skill that will pay off in the long-term.

3) Create a spark report

Players who are still not sure what is causing the delay in their Minecraft server's performance after reviewing the timings report can take a spark plugin report.

A spark report is essentially a timings report that logs all Java processes executed on the Minecraft server's main thread.

A spark report is a powerful tool to identify the root cause of lag issues on Minecraft servers.

Get the spark plugin here

2) Upgrade hardware

It is an easy task to upgrade hardware. In some cases, it will also be the most practical and logical way to resolve lag issues.

A Minecraft server can only be optimized so far. The returns on a Minecraft server will eventually diminish. It is best to invest in more powerful hardware.

Server administrators will often get the most bang for their buck when they increase their server RAM and upgrade their CPU. It is important to remember that Minecraft is a single-threaded program.

Administrators should therefore look for a CPU that can perform well in single-threaded benchmarks.

1) Optimize server properties

The best way to improve the performance (TPS), of a Minecraft server in most cases, is to optimize its parameters.

If they are using paper spigot, players should verify that there are no unoptimized settings in these files.