7 Proven Ways to Fix Minecraft Server Lag on VPS (2025)

You’ve got your own Minecraft server running on a VPS. Awesome! But there’s a problem: lag.

Lag is the enemy of any Minecraft experience. It’s like trying to sprint through mud. No one wants to deal with choppy gameplay, rubberbanding Steve, or disappearing blocks.

But don’t rage quit just yet! I’m here to give you the ultimate guide to slaying that lag monster and getting back to smooth, enjoyable Minecraft.

This isn’t some random “top 10” list with generic tips. This is about results. These are the proven strategies I’ve used myself to optimize countless servers.

Let’s get started.

What Causes Lag?

Lag is that frustrating delay between your actions and what happens in the game.

But what actually causes this digital plague?

Let’s break it down. Understanding the root causes of lag is the first step to conquering it.

1. Server-Side Issues (The Usual Suspect)

Most of the time, lag stems from problems with the server itself. Think of it like a waiter in a busy restaurant. Too many orders, and things start to slow down.

Here are the main culprits:

Overloaded CPU: The server’s brain is working too hard. Too many players, complex plugins, or inefficient code can push the CPU to its limits, causing delays.
Insufficient RAM: The server’s memory is full. Minecraft needs RAM to store world data, player information, and more. If there’s not enough, things start to slow down.
Slow Storage: The server’s hard drive is a bottleneck. Slow read/write speeds mean delays in loading chunks, saving data, and accessing files.
Network Congestion: Too much data is trying to move through the server’s network connection. This can happen with a lot of players or if the server’s internet connection is slow.

A struggling server is like a car with a flat tire. It doesn’t matter how good the driver is, it’s not going anywhere fast.

2. Client-Side Problems (It’s Not Always the Server’s Fault)

Sometimes, the lag monster isn’t lurking on the server. It might be hiding on your own computer.

Here’s what to look for:

Weak Hardware: Your computer is struggling to keep up. Minecraft can be demanding, especially with high graphics settings. If your CPU, GPU, or RAM aren’t up to the task, you’ll experience lag.
Slow Internet Connection: Your internet speed is the bottleneck. A slow or unstable connection can cause delays in sending and receiving data from the server.
Background Applications: Other programs are hogging resources. Streaming videos, downloading files, or running demanding applications can steal resources from Minecraft, causing lag.
Outdated Drivers: Your graphics drivers are out of date. Outdated drivers can lead to performance issues and lag.

A powerful server is useless if your own computer can’t keep up. Make sure your machine is optimized for Minecraft.

3. The Environment (External Factors)

Sometimes, lag is caused by factors outside of your control. It’s like trying to drive fast in a blizzard.

Here are some environmental factors that can cause lag:

Distance from Server: The further you are from the server, the higher the latency. This is the time it takes for data to travel between your computer and the server.
Network Issues: Problems with your internet service provider (ISP) or the server’s ISP can cause lag. This could be anything from network congestion to outages.
Server Location: The server’s physical location can affect performance. A server located in a data center with poor infrastructure or network connectivity can cause lag.

Sometimes, lag is simply out of your hands. But by understanding the potential causes, you can be better prepared to troubleshoot and minimize its impact.

How to Fix Minecraft Server Lag on VPS

1. Optimize Your Server Settings

Think of your server settings like the control panel for a high-performance machine. Tweak them right, and you unlock raw speed. Mess them up, and you’re headed for a crash.

Here’s the deal:

View Distance: This controls how far players can see. Lower it! Less to render means less strain on your server. Start with 10 and adjust based on your server’s power and player count.
Server Tick Rate: This is how often the server processes updates. The standard is 20 ticks per second (TPS). Don’t go higher unless you have a beast of a VPS. A lower tick rate can actually improve performance for some servers.
Network Compression: Enable this! It shrinks the data sent between the server and players, reducing lag. It’s like zipping a file before you send it.
Java Arguments: These are advanced settings that control how Java (what Minecraft runs on) uses resources. Look up optimized Java arguments for Minecraft servers. There are tons of resources online.

Key Takeaway: Don’t just stick with the default settings. Experiment! Find what works best for your server and players.

2. Choose the Right VPS

Your VPS is the foundation of your Minecraft server. A weak foundation means a shaky house.

Here’s what to look for:

CPU: The brain of your server. More cores and higher clock speed mean better performance. Look for at least 2 cores and 3GHz clock speed.
RAM: This is where your server stores data. More RAM means smoother gameplay, especially with lots of players or plugins. 4GB is a good starting point, but 8GB or more is ideal for larger servers.
Storage: SSD (Solid State Drive) is a must! It’s way faster than traditional HDDs, which means faster loading times and less lag.
Location: Choose a VPS location close to your players. This reduces latency (the time it takes for data to travel).

Top VPS Providers for Minecraft:

Truehost: Affordable and reliable, with great customer support.
Vultr: Powerful servers and a wide range of locations to choose from.
Linode: Excellent performance and a user-friendly interface.

GET $2.99/MONTH MINECRAFT SERVER LAUNCH

Key Takeaway: Don’t skimp on your VPS. It’s an investment in a smooth Minecraft experience.

3. Optimize Your World

Your Minecraft world is constantly changing. Players build, explore, and generate new chunks. All of this puts a load on your server.

Here’s how to lighten the load:

Pre-generate Chunks: This loads chunks before players even get there, reducing lag when exploring new areas. Use a plugin like WorldBorder to do this.
Limit World Size: A smaller world means less for your server to handle. Use WorldBorder to set boundaries and prevent players from venturing too far.
Clear Unused Chunks: Over time, your world can accumulate unused chunks. Use a plugin like ChunkMaster to clear them out and free up resources.

Key Takeaway: A well-maintained world is a happy world (and a lag-free one).

4. Control Your Plugins

Plugins add cool features to your server, but they can also be resource hogs. It’s like adding more weight to a car – it’ll slow down.

Here’s how to manage your plugins:

Only Install What You Need: Don’t go crazy with plugins. Choose only the essential ones.
Keep Them Updated: Outdated plugins can cause lag and security issues. Always use the latest versions.
Optimize Plugin Configurations: Many plugins have settings that can be tweaked to improve performance. Take the time to understand these settings.

Top Plugins for Optimization:

ClearLagg: Removes unnecessary entities and items to reduce lag.
NoLagg: Optimizes various aspects of the server to improve performance.
Spark: A powerful performance monitoring tool that helps you identify lag sources.

Key Takeaway: Plugins are powerful, but use them wisely. Don’t let them bog down your server.

5. Limit Player Count

This one’s simple: more players = more lag. It’s like trying to fit too many people on a bus.

Here’s the deal:

Set a Reasonable Player Limit: Don’t overload your server. Start with a lower limit and increase it gradually as you monitor performance.
Use a Queue System: If your server is full, a queue system can prevent players from joining and causing lag. Plugins like Queues can help with this.

Key Takeaway: Know your server’s limits. Don’t sacrifice performance for popularity.

6. Monitor Your Server

You can’t fix what you can’t see. Monitoring your server is crucial for identifying lag sources and optimizing performance.

Here’s how to keep an eye on things:

Use Server Monitoring Tools: These tools provide real-time data on CPU usage, RAM usage, and other key metrics. Many VPS providers offer built-in monitoring tools.
Check Server Logs: The server logs contain valuable information about errors and performance issues. Learn how to read them and identify potential problems.
Pay Attention to Player Feedback: Your players are the best source of information about lag. Listen to their feedback and investigate any issues they report.

Top Server Monitoring Tools:

Prometheus: A powerful open-source monitoring system.
Grafana: A beautiful and customizable dashboard for visualizing server data.
Zabbix: A comprehensive monitoring solution with a wide range of features.

Key Takeaway: Don’t fly blind. Monitor your server and stay ahead of any potential problems.

7. Keep Everything Updated

Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes. Staying up-to-date is essential for optimal performance.

Here’s what to keep updated:

Minecraft Server Software: Always use the latest version of the server software.
Plugins: As mentioned earlier, keep your plugins updated to avoid lag and security issues.
Server Operating System: Regularly update your server’s operating system to ensure it’s running smoothly.

Key Takeaway: Don’t fall behind. Keep everything updated for the best possible performance.

Conclusion

Lag is a beast, but it’s a beatable one.

Following these 7 proven strategies can tame that lag monster and create a smooth, enjoyable Minecraft experience for your players.

Remember, optimization is an ongoing process. Keep experimenting, monitoring, and running your server at its best.

Author

Kevin

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7 Proven Ways to Fix Minecraft Server Lag on VPS