How to Edit Level Data with NBTExplorer
Learn how to use NBTExplorer to modify world spawn, difficulty, seed, and other level.dat settings.
NBTExplorer lets you directly edit your world's level.dat file to change spawn coordinates, difficulty, game type, and other world settings that aren't accessible through server.properties.
Editing Level Data
Download your world
Access the XGamingServer panel, stop your server, go to Files, and download your world folder.
Install NBTExplorer
Download NBTExplorer from GitHub (Windows/Mac/Linux). Open the application.
Open level.dat
In NBTExplorer, navigate to your downloaded world folder and open level.dat. Expand the Data tag to see all world settings.
Edit the values
Common edits:
| Tag | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
SpawnX, SpawnY, SpawnZ | Int | World spawn coordinates |
Difficulty | Byte | 0=Peaceful, 1=Easy, 2=Normal, 3=Hard |
GameType | Int | 0=Survival, 1=Creative, 2=Adventure, 3=Spectator |
LevelName | String | World name |
DayTime | Long | Current time of day (in ticks) |
rainTime, thunderTime | Int | Weather cycle timers |
hardcore | Byte | 0=Normal, 1=Hardcore |
Save and re-upload
Save in NBTExplorer (Ctrl+S), then re-upload the modified level.dat to your server via Files.
Start your server
Start the server to use the modified world settings.
⚠️ Warning: Always back up
level.datbefore editing. A corrupted level.dat can make your world unloadable.
💡 Tip: For simple changes like difficulty or game mode, it's easier to use
Consolecommands orStartupsettings instead of NBTExplorer.
See also: Edit Player Data | Download World
If you need help, join our Discord.
How is this guide?
