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Sandbox / Building Guide

Minecraft Java

Detailed connection, admin, file, settings, mods, backup, wipe, and troubleshooting notes for Minecraft Java dedicated servers.

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Connect & First Checks

Before editing files

  • In Minecraft Java, go to Multiplayer > Add Server and enter IP:PORT.
  • If using a non-default port, include it after the IP.
  • Modded servers require matching mod loader and mod versions on the client.

Files & Folders

Stop server before edits

server.propertiesPrimary config: motd, max-players, difficulty, gamemode, online-mode, whitelist, view-distance, simulation-distance, pvp.
ops.jsonOperators. Usually managed with /op and /deop.
whitelist.jsonAllowlist. Managed with /whitelist commands.
worldDefault world folder unless level-name changes.
pluginsPaper/Spigot/Bukkit plugins.
modsForge/Fabric/NeoForge mods.

Common Settings

High-use values

motdServer list text. Supports formatting codes in many clients.
max-playersPlayer cap. Match purchased slots.
difficulty / gamemodeWorld defaults. Existing players may keep some state.
online-modeKeep true for normal authenticated public servers.
white-listRequires players to be on whitelist.
view-distance / simulation-distancePerformance-sensitive. Lower values reduce CPU/RAM usage.
level-nameWorld folder name. Changing it starts/loads a different world.

Admin Setup

Staff access

  • Use console command op PlayerName.
  • Use deop PlayerName to remove operator.
  • Use whitelist on, whitelist add PlayerName, whitelist reload for private servers.

Mods & Plugins

Install carefully

  • Paper/Spigot plugins go in plugins and usually require restart.
  • Forge/Fabric mods go in mods and must match client-side loader/version.
  • Do not mix plugin loaders and mod loaders unless using a known hybrid server and accepting risk.

Backups, Wipes, Rollbacks

Protect player data

  • Back up world, server.properties, ops.json, whitelist.json, plugins, and mods before updates.
  • For version upgrades, test a copy first if possible. Downgrades can corrupt worlds.
  • For wipe, stop server, archive world folder, then start with a new level-name or empty world folder.

Troubleshooting

Common tickets

Outdated server/clientMinecraft versions or mod loader versions do not match.
Not whitelistedAdd player and reload whitelist.
Cannot use commandsPlayer is not op or command block/admin level config is wrong.
Lag after adding pluginsCheck timings/profiler and remove newest plugin first.