Understanding Minecraft Server Lag (TPS, MSPT, Network)

Not all lag is the same. Understanding the type of lag helps you apply the right fix.

Types of Lag

Server Lag (Low TPS)

What it is: The server can't process game ticks fast enough. Measured in TPS (ticks per second) and MSPT (milliseconds per tick).

Symptoms: Delayed block breaking/placing, slow mob movement, delayed chat messages, rubber-banding affecting all players.

TPS Reference:

Common causes: Too many entities, heavy redstone, world generation, bad plugins, insufficient RAM.

Diagnosis: Use /spark tps and /spark profiler to identify the cause. See Install Spark.

Network Lag (High Ping)

What it is: Slow connection between the player and server.

Symptoms: Delayed actions, rubber-banding affecting individual players, block breaking resets.

Common causes: Player's distance from server, ISP issues, Wi-Fi instead of ethernet, server bandwidth limits.

Diagnosis: Check individual player ping with /list or player list. If only specific players lag, it's their network.

Client Lag (Low FPS)

What it is: The player's computer can't render the game fast enough. This is NOT a server issue.

Symptoms: Choppy visuals, stuttering — only affects one player.

Common causes: Weak GPU/CPU, high render distance, shaders, too many client mods.

Diagnosis: Press F3 in-game and check FPS. If FPS is low but TPS is 20, it's a client issue.

Quick Diagnosis Guide

See also: Performance Guide | Install Spark | Best Lag Plugins

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