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Optimization 1 min read Updated

Best server.properties Settings for Small SMP

Recommended server.properties settings for a small Minecraft SMP, including online-mode, max players, view distance, simulation distance, whitelist, and safety.

Server Configuration server.properties smp configuration view-distance online-mode

A small SMP should feel comfortable without wasting resources. The best settings are safe, predictable, and easy to explain to players.

online-mode=true
enable-command-block=false
max-players=20
view-distance=8
simulation-distance=6
difficulty=normal
allow-flight=false
spawn-protection=0
enable-status=true
server-ip=
server-port=25565

Use the server.properties generator if you want a clean copyable baseline.

Settings Table

| Setting | Small SMP starting point | Why | | --- | --- | --- | | online-mode | true | Protects player identity | | max-players | Realistic community size | Slots do not create performance | | view-distance | 8 to 10 | Good visibility without excessive chunk load | | simulation-distance | 6 | Reduces active ticking work | | enable-command-block | false | Safer unless you intentionally use command blocks | | white-list | true for private SMP | Keeps access controlled |

Whitelist for Private SMPs

If the SMP is for friends, enable whitelist:

whitelist on
whitelist add PlayerName

Read how to enable whitelist if players get blocked incorrectly.

Do not lower simulation distance too far without warning players

Very low simulation distance can affect farms, mobs, and redstone expectations. Explain the change before making a private SMP feel broken.

Performance Notes

Small SMPs often suffer from farms and villagers more than raw player count. If TPS drops, do not immediately buy more RAM. Check entities, chunks, and plugins with the TPS drops guide.

For a larger public survival server, use best server.properties settings for survival.

FAQ

What view distance is good for a small SMP?

A small SMP can often start around view-distance 8 to 10 and simulation-distance 6, then adjust after watching TPS and player experience.

Should a small SMP use whitelist?

For private friend servers, whitelist is usually a good idea. It reduces random joins and protects the launch period.

Should online-mode stay true?

Yes for normal public or private Java servers unless you are behind a correctly configured authenticated proxy.

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