Server Optimization
Don't settle for lag. This guide will show you exactly how to squeeze every drop of performance from your Deduck server nodes.
1 Switch to Better Software
If you're still using Vanilla or Spigot, your server is essentially running on one cylinder. For modern Minecraft (1.20+) to run smoothly, you need to switch to one of these:
PaperMC
The industry standard. Hundreds of optimizations over Spigot without losing plugin compatibility.
Purpur
Built on Paper, it offers dozens of extra toggle-able options to save CPU cycles.
2 The View vs. Simulation Distance Balance
View Distance (8-10): This is how far a player can see. It's mostly visual.
Simulation Distance (4-6): This controls how far away mobs move and crops grow. Dropping this will cut your server's CPU load in half.
3 Stop Guessing with Spark
Instead of randomly deleting plugins to find the "laggy" one, install the Spark plugin. Run /spark profiler start and wait for a few minutes to see exactly which resource is slowing you down.
4 Pre-generation: Smooth Exploration
Expert Tip: Use the Chunky plugin to pre-generate your world block-by-block. This avoids the server having to calculate and generate terrain in real-time, preventing lag spikes when players explore.
5 Aikar's Flags (Advanced)
Deduck already applies optimized Aikar's Flags to all servers by default. These flags ensure that Java's "Garbage Collection" process runs smoothly in the background, preventing those annoying "stutter" spikes every few seconds.
"Optimization isn't about making everything fast; it's about making everything efficient."