This guide will help you achieve better TPS (ticks per second) and reduce lag for a smoother gameplay experience.

Optimize JVM Arguments

Use optimized Java startup flags for better garbage collection and memory management:

java -Xmx4G -Xms4G -XX:+UseG1GC -XX:+ParallelRefProcEnabled \
-XX:MaxGCPauseMillis=200 -XX:+UnlockExperimentalVMOptions \
-XX:+DisableExplicitGC -XX:+AlwaysPreTouch \
-XX:G1NewSizePercent=30 -XX:G1MaxNewSizePercent=40 \
-XX:G1HeapRegionSize=8M -XX:G1ReservePercent=20 \
-XX:G1HeapWastePercent=5 -XX:G1MixedGCCountTarget=4 \
-XX:InitiatingHeapOccupancyPercent=15 \
-XX:G1MixedGCLiveThresholdPercent=90 \
-XX:G1RSetUpdatingPauseTimePercent=5 \
-XX:SurvivorRatio=32 -XX:+PerfDisableSharedMem \
-XX:MaxTenuringThreshold=1 -jar server.jar nogui

Replace 4G with your desired RAM allocation. Never allocate more than 80% of your system RAM.

Configure server.properties

Optimize key server settings for better performance:

# Performance Settings
view-distance=6
simulation-distance=6
entity-broadcast-range-percentage=100
network-compression-threshold=256

# Reduce resource usage
max-tick-time=60000
spawn-protection=0
max-world-size=10000

# Entity limits
spawn-limits.monster=50
spawn-limits.creature=15
spawn-limits.ambient=15
spawn-limits.water=5

Install Paper or Fabric

Switch from vanilla Minecraft to optimized server software:

Paper (Bukkit/Spigot fork):

Better performance than vanilla
Plugin support
Download from papermc.io

Fabric (Lightweight modding):

Excellent performance with optimization mods
Lithium, Phosphor, and Sodium server-side
Download from fabricmc.net

Optimize World Settings

Configure world generation and loaded chunks efficiently:

Pre-generate chunks: Use plugins like WorldBorder to pre-generate your world
Limit world size: Set a reasonable world border (e.g., 5000x5000 blocks)
Unload unused chunks: Configure aggressive chunk unloading
Optimize mob spawning: Reduce mob spawn rates in low-traffic areas

# Paper config - paper-world-defaults.yml
chunks:
  auto-save-interval: 6000
  delay-chunk-unloads-by: 10s
  entity-per-chunk-save-limit: 8

Manage Entities and Redstone

Control resource-intensive game mechanics:

Entity Management:

Clear dropped items regularly: /kill @e[type=item]
Limit mob farms and entity counts
Use entity clearing plugins like ClearLag

Redstone Optimization:

Limit hopper usage and item transportation
Use water streams instead of hoppers when possible
Avoid clock circuits and excessive redstone contraptions

Database and Storage Optimization

Optimize data storage for better I/O performance:

Use SSD storage: Significantly improves chunk loading times
Regular backups: Automated backups to prevent data loss
Optimize database: If using plugins with databases, ensure proper indexing
Clear old log files: Remove old logs to save disk space

Network Optimization

Reduce network lag and improve connection quality:

# server.properties network settings
network-compression-threshold=256
rate-limit=0
max-players=20

# Paper config - paper-global.yml  
packet-limiter:
  kick-threshold: 300
  max-packet-rate: 500

Monitor Performance

Use tools to monitor and identify performance bottlenecks:

Timings reports: /timings on then /timings report
Spark profiler: Advanced profiling plugin for detailed analysis
TPS monitoring: Use /tps command to check server performance
Resource monitoring: Monitor CPU, RAM, and disk usage

Target TPS: 20.0 (perfect), 19+ (good), 18+ (acceptable), below 18 (needs optimization)

With these optimizations, you should see improved TPS, reduced lag, and better overall server performance. Monitor your server regularly and adjust settings as needed.

Minecraft Server Performance Optimization