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

# Best view-distance and simulation-distance for Java

> Choosing the right view-distance and simulation-distance is the fastest way to improve performance on a Minecraft Java server. This guide gives practical, field-tested defaults for different server types and shows how to set and fine-tune them on Paper/Spigot using the HostByte Game Panel.

## Quick Recommendations

* **Small Survival SMP (≤ 15 players):** `view-distance=8`, `simulation-distance=6`
* **Mid/Busy Survival (15–40 players):** `view-distance=8–10`, `simulation-distance=5–6`
* **Events / Large Servers (40+ players):** `view-distance=6–8`, `simulation-distance=4–5`
* **Mini-games / Lobby:** `view-distance=6–8`, `simulation-distance=4`
* **Creative Build Server:** `view-distance=10–12`, `simulation-distance=6` (raise cautiously)
* **Modded (Forge/Fabric) / Heavy Redstone:** start `view-distance=8`, `simulation-distance=4–6` then tune

**⚠️ Tip:** Lowering *simulation-distance* cuts CPU load the most (mob AI, redstone, farms). Lower *view-distance* to reduce network/memory usage and exploration lag.

## What Each Setting Affects

* **view-distance** — How many chunk rings are *sent* to players (visibility). Impacts memory and bandwidth.
* **simulation-distance** — How many chunk rings are *ticked* (mob AI, crops, redstone). Impacts CPU the most.

## How to Set These Values

1. Log in to the [<u>HostByte Game Panel</u>](https://game.hostbyte.net/).
2. Open your **Java** server and click **Stop**.
3. Go to **File Manager** → open `server.properties`.
4. Set:

   ```
   view-distance=8
   simulation-distance=6

   ```
5. Click **Save**, then **Start** the server and verify TPS.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/hostbyte/P3DJznkCpHlEnTHz/images/90_view-distance-2.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=P3DJznkCpHlEnTHz&q=85&s=47bea09ce8750fada1ad3fadb408029e" alt="View Distance" height="20" className="rounded-lg" style={{ width:"29%" }} data-path="images/90_view-distance-2.png" />

### Optional: Per-World Overrides (Paper/Spigot)

* **Paper:** `paper-world-defaults.yml` (global) or `<world>/paper-world.yml` for per-world adjustments.
* **Spigot (older/legacy):** some versions allow per-world tweaks in `spigot.yml` under `world-settings`.

## Suggested Profiles (Copy & Paste)

### Balanced Survival (small SMP)

```
# server.properties
view-distance=8
simulation-distance=6
```

### Performance Under Load (events/peaks)

```
# server.properties
view-distance=6
simulation-distance=4
```

### Creative/Building

```
# server.properties
view-distance=12
simulation-distance=6
```

### Modded / Heavy Redstone

```
# server.properties
view-distance=8
simulation-distance=5
```

## Validate & Tune

1. Join the server at normal peak and run Paper **timings**:

   ```
   /timings on
   # wait 5–10 minutes of real play
   /timings paste

   ```
2. If CPU is the bottleneck, lower **simulation-distance** by 1 and re-test. If bandwidth/exploration is heavy, lower **view-distance**.
3. Adjust one value at a time and keep notes.

## Common Pitfalls & Fixes

* **Farms stop working far away:** Simulation too low. Increase by 1 or keep players closer when AFK farming.
* **Players complain they can’t see far:** Raise *view-distance* gradually; keep simulation conservative for TPS.
* **No change after restart:** Confirm you edited the correct `server.properties`; per-world files may override on Paper.
* **Lag during exploration:** Pre-generate chunks with Chunky and keep *view-distance* moderate.

## Best Practices

* Favor reducing **simulation-distance** first for CPU relief.
* Pre-generate worlds to eliminate exploration spikes.
* Revisit settings after big player or plugin changes.
* Document final values for staff and future migrations.

## Getting Help

* **HostByte Documentation:** See related Java guides (adjust distances, reduce lag, pre-generation).
* **Support Tickets:** Join our discord server below to open a support ticket.
* **Discord:** Join our community discord here: [HostByte Discord](https://discord.gg/KUHW6QYzH6).
* **Status Page:** Check maintenance/outages: [<u>status.hostbyte.net</u>](https://status.hostbyte.net/).