# Best Plugins to Reduce Minecraft Server Lag (/docs/minecraft/use-plugins-reduce-lag)



These plugins help identify and reduce lag on your Minecraft server. Install only what you need — more plugins means more overhead.

Essential Performance Plugins [#essential-performance-plugins]

| Plugin                 | Purpose                               | Link                                      |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| **Spark**              | Performance profiling, TPS monitoring | [spark.lucko.me](https://spark.lucko.me/) |
| **ClearLag**           | Remove dropped items and entities     | SpigotMC                                  |
| **ViewDistanceTweaks** | Dynamic view distance based on TPS    | SpigotMC                                  |
| **FarmLimiter**        | Limit entities in farms               | SpigotMC                                  |
| **EntityTrackerFixer** | Optimize entity tracking              | SpigotMC                                  |

What Each Plugin Does [#what-each-plugin-does]

Spark [#spark]

Diagnoses what's causing lag. Start here — always profile before adding optimization plugins. See [Install Spark](/docs/minecraft/setup-spark).

ClearLag [#clearlag]

Periodically removes dropped items and excess entities. Essential for survival servers with lots of players. See [Install ClearLag](/docs/minecraft/setup-clearlag).

ViewDistanceTweaks [#viewdistancetweaks]

Automatically reduces view distance when TPS drops and increases it when the server is healthy. Transparent to players.

FarmLimiter [#farmlimiter]

Caps the number of animals/mobs in a chunk. Prevents massive farms from tanking TPS.

EntityTrackerFixer [#entitytrackerfixer]

Optimizes how the server sends entity data to players. Reduces network load.

Non-Plugin Optimizations [#non-plugin-optimizations]

Before adding plugins, try these free optimizations:

1. Apply [Aikar's Flags](/docs/minecraft/jvm-flags)
2. [Pre-generate your world](/docs/minecraft/pregenerate-chunks)
3. Reduce view-distance in `server.properties`
4. Enable Paper's [anti-xray engine mode 2](/docs/minecraft/stop-xray) (minimal cost)
5. Optimize [bukkit.yml and spigot.yml](/docs/minecraft/edit-bukkit-spigot-paper-configs) settings

> 💡 **Tip:** Always profile with Spark FIRST to identify the actual cause of lag. Don't blindly install optimization plugins — they may not address your specific issue.

See also: [Performance Guide](/docs/minecraft/optimize-server) | [Types of Server Lag](/docs/minecraft/types-of-server-lag)

If you need help, join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/).