This guide assumes you use Paper as your server jar.
- Plugins
Plugins can have a huge impact on your server performance. Try to only install plugins you really need. Too many plugins = more lag.
You should also use optimization plugins. For example, plugins like Chunky can help a lot by pre-generating your world so the server doesn't lag when players explore new areas. - Server.properties
This file is very important and easy to edit.
Lower your view-distance to something like 6–8 and simulation-distance to 4–6.
This means the server has to load less chunks around players, which improves performance a lot. - Paper.yml
This is where you can really boost performance.
You don't need to understand everything, just focus on a few things:- Lower entity activation range (this reduces how many mobs are active at once)
- Lower tracking range (players won't notice much difference)
- Optimize hopper settings (helps with farms and item systems)
- Spigot.yml
Here you can also reduce entity activity.
Lower the entity activation range and adjust merge radius so items and XP combine faster.
This reduces lag caused by too many entities. - Bukkit.yml
Lower mob spawn limits (like monsters and animals).
Too many mobs can easily lag your server, especially on a free host. - World Optimization
If you haven't done it yet: pre-generate your world.
This is one of the biggest performance improvements you can get.
Without this, your server will lag every time someone explores new chunks. - Farms & Redstone
Try not to build extremely large farms or fast redstone clocks.
These can cause a lot of lag, especially if multiple players do it at the same time. - Check for Lag
Use /timings report to see what is causing lag.
If something is using too many resources (like a plugin or farm), you can fix or remove it. - Keep it Simple
Free servers are limited.
The simpler your server is (less plugins, less entities, smaller farms), the smoother it will run.