How to change the max player slots in Java Print

This guide shows you how to change the maximum player slots on a Minecraft Java server using the HostByte Game Panel. You’ll edit server.properties to set max-players and then restart the server.

Before You Start

• Performance note: Increasing slots doesn’t increase performance. More players require more CPU/RAM and good timings.
• Back up recent configs (optional but recommended).

Step 1: Stop Your Server

1. Log in to the HostByte Game Panel.
2. Open your Java server and click Stop until status is Offline.

Step 2: Edit server.properties

1. Go to File Manager.
2. Open server.properties.
3. Find (or add) the line for max-players and set your desired number, for example:

   max-players=40

4. Click Save.

Step 3: Start the Server

1. Return to the server dashboard and click Start.
2. Watch the Console for any startup errors.

Optional Settings & Notes

• Whitelist/Allowlist: If enabled, players must be on the whitelist even if slots are available.
• Proxies (BungeeCord/Velocity): The proxy may also cap players. Ensure the proxy’s player limit ≥ your backend server’s max-players.
• Reserved slots: Use a permissions plugin (e.g., LuckPerms) with a “reserved slots” plugin if you want VIP/admin access when full.
• Server list display: The number shown in the multiplayer list is derived from max-players unless a proxy/plugin customizes it.

Common Issues & Fixes

Players still can’t join after increasing slots

• Confirm you restarted after editing server.properties.
• Check whitelist and bans.
• Verify proxy limits if using BungeeCord/Velocity.
• Review performance (TPS). If TPS is low, consider lowering view-distance/simulation-distance or upgrading plan resources.

File saves but no change

• Ensure you edited the correct server.properties file for this server.
• Make sure there isn’t another instance overwriting configs on start (startup scripts, panel templates).

Best Practices

• Scale slots gradually (e.g., +10 at a time) and monitor TPS with timings/spark.
• Plan capacity around peak hours and plugin load (claims, minigames, farms).
• Document slot changes in your staff notes/changelog.

Getting Help

• Knowledge Base: See related Java guides (whitelist, performance tuning).
• Support Ticket: Log in to your HostByte account to open a ticket.
• Discord: Join our community:
• Status Page: Check maintenance/outages: status.hostbyte.net.