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

# Minecraft server.properties Explained: Every Setting

> Minecraft server.properties explained: every setting you're likely to change, its default, what it does and where to change it in the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel.

`server.properties` is the main settings file of a Minecraft Java server. It sets the MOTD, difficulty, game mode, player slots, view distance, whitelist, online mode and world options. On a FREAKHOSTING server you change the most used settings on the **Server Properties** page in plain language, and the rest by editing `server.properties` in **Files**. Changes apply the next time the server starts.

| Works on | Panel page | File |
| - | - | - |
| Every Minecraft Java server type | **Server Properties** | `server.properties` in the main folder |

***

## How does the Server Properties page work?

* It shows the settings of `server.properties` in plain language.
* Only what you change is written. The rest of the file stays as it is.
* A setting you haven't changed shows a **DEFAULT** badge.
* The page detects your server type and Minecraft version. Settings your version doesn't have are switched off.
* The bar at the bottom has **Discard**, **Save** and **Save and restart**.

![Server Properties page in the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel with an explanation that only changed settings are written, the Allow cracked players toggle and the MOTD editor with a live preview](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc/images/games/minecraft/mc-server-properties.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc\&q=85\&s=16200db53b9791faeee4bfc4e455c16a)

The Server Properties page

***

## Settings on the Server Properties page

| Panel setting | `server.properties` key | Default | What it does |
| - | - | - | - |
| **Allow cracked players** | `online-mode` | `true` (cracked off) | On sets `online-mode=false`: accounts aren't checked with Mojang. See [non-premium players](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-allow-non-premium-players-to-join-your-minecraft-server.md). |
| **MOTD** | `motd` | `A Minecraft Server` | Two lines under your server name in the multiplayer list. See [MOTD](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-customize-the-motd-on-your-minecraft-server.md). |
| **Difficulty** | `difficulty` | `easy` | `peaceful`, `easy`, `normal` or `hard`. Peaceful removes hostile mobs. |
| **Default game mode** | `gamemode` | `survival` | The mode new players start in. |
| **Force game mode on join** | `force-gamemode` | `false` | Puts players back in the default mode every time they join. |
| **Hardcore** | `hardcore` | `false` | One life: players who die can only spectate. Set it before the world is created. |
| **Player versus player** | `pvp` | `true` | Lets players hurt each other. |
| **Allow flying** | `allow-flight` | `false` | Off kicks anyone who flies in Survival. Turn it on for fly plugins or mods with flight. |
| **Allow the Nether** | `allow-nether` | `true` | Lets players use Nether portals. |
| **Spawn monsters** | `spawn-monsters` | `true` | Hostile mobs spawn. |
| **Spawn animals**, **Spawn villagers** | `spawn-animals`, `spawn-npcs` | `true` | Older versions only (see below). |
| **Generate structures** | `generate-structures` | `true` | Villages, temples and other structures in new chunks. |
| **Player slots** | `max-players` | `20` | The most players online at once. |
| **View distance** | `view-distance` | `10` | How far players see, in chunks. The panel allows 2–32. The biggest lever on memory use. |
| **Simulation distance** | `simulation-distance` | `10` | How far from players the world keeps running, in chunks (3–32). |
| **Spawn protection** | `spawn-protection` | `16` | Radius in blocks around spawn where only operators can build. `0` turns it off. |
| **Idle kick** | `player-idle-timeout` | `0` | Kicks players idle this many minutes. `0` means never. |
| **Command blocks** | `enable-command-block` | `false` | Lets command blocks run. See [command blocks](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-enable-command-blocks-on-your-minecraft-server.md). |
| **Whitelist** | `white-list` | `false` (`true` from 26.3) | Only listed players can join. Manage the names on **Players**. See [whitelist](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-set-up-a-minecraft-whitelist.md). |
| **Enforce whitelist immediately** | `enforce-whitelist` | `false` | Kicks online players who aren't on the whitelist when it reloads. |

![Gameplay group on the Server Properties page with Difficulty, Default game mode, Force game mode on join, Hardcore, Player versus player, Allow flying and mob spawn toggles, several marked DEFAULT](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc/images/games/minecraft/mc-server-properties-gameplay.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=oRNjFa_9Ix118Tkc\&q=85\&s=6520ad55234393a1864e537f978d8010)

Gameplay settings

### Which settings changed in newer Minecraft versions?

| Version | Change |
| - | - |
| 1.21.2 | `spawn-animals` and `spawn-npcs` were removed from `server.properties`. |
| 1.21.9 | `pvp`, `allow-nether`, `enable-command-block` and `spawn-monsters` became game rules: `pvp`, `allow_entering_nether_using_portals`, `command_blocks_work` and `spawn_monsters`. |
| 26.3 | `white-list` is `true` by default on new servers. |

On these versions, change these settings with the game rule instead of the switch on the **Server Properties** page, for example `gamerule pvp false` in the console. See the [gamerules list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/minecraft-gamerules-list.md).

***

## Settings you change in the file

These keys aren't on the **Server Properties** page. Stop the server, open `server.properties` in **Files**, edit, click **Save Content** and start the server.

| Key | Default | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| `level-seed` | empty (random) | The seed for a new world. See [custom seed](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-use-a-custom-world-seed-on-your-minecraft-server.md). |
| `level-name` | `world` | The world folder the server loads. The **Worlds** page sets this for you with **Set active**. |
| `level-type` | `minecraft:normal` | World type for a new world, for example `minecraft:flat`, `minecraft:large_biomes` or `minecraft:amplified`. |
| `max-world-size` | `29999984` | Furthest distance in blocks from the centre the world border can go. |
| `resource-pack` | empty | Direct download link to a `.zip` resource pack players get when they join. |
| `resource-pack-sha1` | empty | SHA-1 of the pack, so players download it again when it changes. |
| `require-resource-pack` | `false` | Players who decline the pack are disconnected. |
| `op-permission-level` | `4` | Level new operators get with the `op` command. |
| `hide-online-players` | `false` | Hides the player list in the multiplayer screen. |
| `enforce-secure-profile` | `true` | Requires signed chat. Some cracked or modded clients need it off. |
| `enable-rcon` / `rcon.port` / `rcon.password` | `false` / `25575` / empty | Remote console. Needs an extra port and a strong password. |
| `enable-query` / `query.port` | `false` / `25565` | Lets server list sites read player counts. |
| `server-port` | `25565` | The server's port. Leave it as it is: the panel sets it to your server's port. |

Example `server.properties` lines:

```properties theme={null}
level-seed=-4172144997902289642
resource-pack=https://example.com/pack.zip
require-resource-pack=false
```

> [!WARNING]
>
> Edit `server.properties` only while the server is stopped. A running server can overwrite your changes when it stops.

***

## Frequently asked questions

### Where is server.properties on my server?

In the main folder (`/home/container`). Open **Files** and click `server.properties`.

### Do I need to restart after changing server.properties?

Yes. Changes apply the next time the server starts. On the **Server Properties** page, **Save and restart** does both.

### Why did my change disappear?

The server was running when you edited the file and wrote its own copy when it stopped. Stop the server, edit again and start it.

### Can I change the server port?

No. Your port is assigned to your server and set by the panel. For an extra port (for example for a web map), [open a ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php).

### How do I turn off PvP on a new Minecraft version?

On Minecraft 1.21.9 and newer, PvP is a game rule, not a `server.properties` key. On these versions, change PvP with `gamerule pvp false` (or `true`) in the console instead of the **Player versus player** switch. The same applies to the Nether, command blocks and monster spawning: use the game rules listed above.

***

## Related guides

> **[Minecraft server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/minecraft-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every Minecraft guide in one place.

> **[Gamerules list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/minecraft-gamerules-list.md)**
>
> Settings that live in the world.

> **[Server commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/minecraft-server-commands-list.md)**
>
> Change settings from the console.

> **[Custom world seed](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/how-to-use-a-custom-world-seed-on-your-minecraft-server.md)**
>
> Set level-seed for a new world.

> **[Fix server lag](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/minecraft/optimizing-minecraft-server-performance-lag-fixes.md)**
>
> The right view and simulation distance.

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Reviewed by the FREAKHOSTING team** on 29 October 2026. Game Panel steps were checked on our panel (Minecraft 26.1, Paper and Fabric). Version changes checked against the official [Minecraft release notes](https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/minecraft-java-edition-26-3); game and plugin details follow their official documentation. Steps may differ slightly if the game change.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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