Tick Troubleshooting Guide: Resolving High Tick Rates on Minecraft Servers

06/04/2022

Minecraft servers provide a platform for players to come together and enjoy the immersive world of blocks, adventures, and creativity. However, server performance issues can arise, leading to high tick rates that result in lag and poor gameplay experience. Tick rates refer to the speed at which the server processes game logic and updates the game world. When tick rates are consistently high, it can negatively impact server performance and disrupt gameplay. In this article, we will provide a tick troubleshooting guide to help you identify and resolve high tick rates on Minecraft servers.

Understanding Tick Rates:

Tick rates in Minecraft servers are measured in ticks per second (TPS). The default tick rate is 20 TPS, meaning the server updates and processes game logic 20 times per second. When the tick rate drops below 20 TPS, it indicates server lag and delayed gameplay. High tick rates, on the other hand, refer to tick rates that exceed the default 20 TPS, resulting in server overload and excessive resource consumption.

Identifying High Tick Rates:

To identify high tick rates on your Minecraft server, you can make use of server monitoring tools and plugins. These tools provide real-time information about server performance, including the current TPS. If you notice consistently high TPS values above 20, it indicates a high tick rate issue that needs to be addressed.

Resolving High Tick Rates:

Here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve high tick rates on your Minecraft server:

1. Optimize Server Hardware:

   Ensure that your server hardware meets the minimum requirements for running Minecraft servers. Insufficient hardware resources can lead to high tick rates and performance issues. Upgrade your server hardware if necessary, including the CPU, RAM, and storage, to provide a smoother gameplay experience.

2. Reduce Server Load:

   Identify any server activities or processes that may be causing high tick rates. Common culprits include excessive redstone contraptions, entity overloading (e.g., too many mobs or item entities), and complex command block systems. Limit or optimize these activities to reduce the strain on server resources and lower tick rates.

3. Limit Chunk Loading:

   Minecraft divides the game world into chunks that are loaded and processed by the server. Large numbers of loaded chunks can contribute to high tick rates. Use server configuration settings or plugins to limit the number of loaded chunks, especially in areas with low player activity, to alleviate server load and improve performance.

4. Manage Plugins and Mods:

   Plugins and mods can enhance gameplay, but an excessive number of them can negatively impact server performance. Evaluate the plugins and mods installed on your server and remove any unnecessary or resource-intensive ones. Regularly update your plugins and mods to ensure compatibility with the server version and optimal performance.

5. Adjust View Distance:

   View distance determines how far players can see in the game world. Higher view distances require more server resources to render and process, potentially leading to high tick rates. Adjust the view distance setting in your server configuration file to a lower value, balancing performance and player experience.

6. Regularly Monitor and Optimize:

   Continuously monitor your server's performance using monitoring tools or plugins. Pay attention to TPS values and identify any patterns or events that cause high tick rates. Regularly optimize your server by reviewing and adjusting server settings, removing unnecessary processes, and fine-tuning configurations to maintain stable tick rates.