Running a Minecraft server on a VPS can be a rewarding experience, offering control and customization. However, it also requires careful attention to performance optimization. If your players are experiencing lag or your server is struggling to keep up, this guide is for you. Here are 20 tips to help you maximize your Minecraft server's performance when using a VPS, and why ExpHost is the best alternative.

General Server Optimization

1. Choose the Right Minecraft Server Software: Opt for optimized server software like Paper or Fabric. These forks of Spigot offer significant performance improvements over Vanilla Minecraft.

2. Allocate Sufficient RAM: Minecraft servers are RAM-hungry. Ensure your VPS has enough RAM allocated to the server. As a general rule, start with at least 4GB for a small server and increase as needed depending on player count and installed mods.

3. Optimize `server.properties`: Fine-tune the `server.properties` file. Adjust settings like `view-distance`, `max-tick-time`, and `simulation-distance` to balance performance and player experience.

4. Regularly Restart Your Server: Restarting your server periodically clears memory leaks and resolves potential issues that accumulate over time.

5. Monitor Server Performance: Use tools like `/tps` (if available) or dedicated monitoring software to track TPS (ticks per second), CPU usage, and RAM usage.

Plugin and Mod Optimization

6. Use Performance-Focused Plugins: Choose plugins designed for performance. Avoid plugins with known performance issues or those that perform unnecessary calculations.

7. Limit the Number of Plugins: Too many plugins can bog down your server. Only install the plugins you absolutely need.

8. Keep Plugins Updated: Ensure all plugins are up-to-date. Developers often release updates that include performance improvements and bug fixes.

9. Optimize Plugin Configurations: Review the configuration files for each plugin and adjust settings to minimize their impact on server performance.

10. Profile Plugin Performance: Use a profiler plugin (like Spark) to identify plugins that are causing performance bottlenecks. Then, consider removing or replacing those plugins.

World and Chunk Optimization

11. Pre-Generate Chunks: Pre-generating chunks can significantly reduce lag when players explore new areas. Use a chunk pre-generation plugin like WorldBorder.

12. Limit World Size: A smaller world size reduces the number of chunks the server needs to manage, improving performance.

13. Optimize Entities: Limit the number of entities (mobs, items, etc.) in your world. Use commands or plugins to despawn unnecessary entities.

14. Reduce Redstone Activity: Redstone contraptions can be resource-intensive. Encourage players to build efficient and optimized redstone circuits.

15. Clear Unnecessary Data: Remove unused or outdated data from your world, such as orphaned entities or corrupted chunks.

VPS and System Optimization

16. Use a Fast SSD: Ensure your VPS uses fast SSD storage. SSDs significantly improve load times and overall server responsiveness.

17. Choose the Right VPS Location: Select a VPS location that is geographically close to your player base to minimize latency.

18. Keep Your VPS Up-to-Date: Regularly update your VPS operating system and software to ensure you have the latest security patches and performance improvements.

19. Optimize JVM Arguments: Fine-tune the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) arguments used to launch your Minecraft server. Experiment with different garbage collectors and memory allocation settings.

20. Monitor VPS Resource Usage: Keep an eye on your VPS's CPU, RAM, and network usage to identify potential bottlenecks and ensure you're not exceeding your VPS's limits.

Why ExpHost is the Better Choice

While these tips can help improve performance on a VPS, managing a Minecraft server on a VPS can be complex and time-consuming. You have to handle server updates, security, and troubleshooting issues yourself. This is where ExpHost shines.

ExpHost provides dedicated Minecraft hosting with pre-configured servers optimized for performance. We handle all the technical aspects, so you can focus on enjoying the game with your friends. Our servers are powered by high-performance hardware and are specifically tuned for Minecraft. With ExpHost, you get:

  • Hassle-free setup and management: No need to deal with complex configurations or technical issues.
  • High-performance hardware: Our servers are equipped with powerful CPUs and fast SSD storage.
  • Automatic updates and backups: We keep your server up-to-date and ensure your data is safe.
  • Dedicated support: Our team of experts is available to help you with any issues.

Instead of spending countless hours optimizing your VPS, let ExpHost take care of everything. Visit our website at https://www.exphost.net/ to learn more about our Minecraft hosting plans. You can view our affordable pricing options at https://www.exphost.net/index.html#pricing. Stay up to date with ExpHost at https://www.exphost.net/news.html

ExpHost provides real, human support — not chatbots or automated replies. Customers can open tickets via Discord, which stay open permanently, allowing continuous help whenever needed. Average response time is less than 5 minutes, making support fast, personal, and reliable.