Table of Contents
Who this is for: Minecraft players wanting to understand default game settings and server administrators optimizing performance.
Ready to jump in? Play minecraft games and put your knowledge to the test!
Play free games on Playgama.com
Default Simulation Distance Values
The default simulation distance in Minecraft varies depending on which edition you’re playing and your platform setup.
Java Edition Defaults
In Minecraft Java Edition, the default simulation distance is 10 chunks for single-player worlds. This means the game actively processes blocks, entities, and redstone mechanisms within a 10-chunk radius around each player.
For multiplayer servers, many hosting providers set the default to 8 chunks to balance performance with gameplay experience. Server administrators can adjust this value in the server.properties file using the “simulation-distance” setting.
Bedrock Edition Defaults
Minecraft Bedrock Edition typically defaults to 4 chunks simulation distance. This lower default helps maintain smooth performance across various devices, from mobile phones to gaming consoles.
The reduced simulation distance in Bedrock Edition reflects the platform’s focus on cross-device compatibility and performance optimization.
What Simulation Distance Controls
Simulation distance determines how far from players the game continues to:
- Process redstone circuits and mechanisms
- Update crop growth and block changes
- Move entities like mobs and items
- Execute command blocks and game logic
Areas beyond the simulation distance remain loaded visually but become “frozen” until a player moves closer.
Performance Impact
Higher simulation distances require more processing power and memory. Each additional chunk in the simulation radius increases the computational load on your device or server.
Most players find the default settings provide a good balance between functionality and performance, though you can adjust these values based on your hardware capabilities and gameplay needs.
Understanding these default settings helps you optimize your Minecraft experience, whether you’re building complex redstone contraptions or exploring vast worlds with friends.
TL;DR
Minecraft Java Edition defaults to 10 chunks simulation distance in single-player, while Bedrock Edition defaults to 4 chunks for better cross-platform performance.
