What is Chunk Loading in Minecraft? All You Need to Know.

Chunk loading is the process of loading 16×16 block regions (chunks) into memory when players are near them or the server needs them. This system allows Minecraft to efficiently manage massive worlds by only keeping nearby areas active, rather than processing the entire world at once. Understanding chunk loading helps you optimize server performance and build more efficient farms and machines.

What Are Chunks?

Chunks are the fundamental building blocks of Minecraft worlds and each one is a 16×16 area that extends from bedrock to the build limit. When you explore, the server loads chunks around you into memory so the game can process blocks, entities, redstone, and mobs within them.​

When you move far away, those chunks unload from memory to save resources. This constant loading and unloading keeps servers running smoothly, even with massive worlds containing millions of blocks.

How Chunk Loading Works

Minecraft uses different chunk loading levels based on distance from players:​

• Fully Ticked Chunks: These are closest to the player and process everything to redstone, entities, crops growing, furnaces smelting. This is where all game mechanics work normally.​
• Entity-Ticking Chunks: Slightly farther out, these chunks still handle mobs and dropped items, but skip some block updates.​
• Lazy Chunks: These are loaded into memory but don't process entities or block updates. They're essentially "frozen" in time.​

The number of loaded chunks around you depends on your simulation distance setting. Higher simulation distance means more chunks stay active, but also increases server load.

Comparison: Simulation Distance vs. Render Distance

These two settings control different aspects of chunk loading:​

For example, with a render distance of 16 chunks and simulation distance of 8 chunks, you can see 16 chunks away but only the nearest 8 chunks will actually run farms, spawn mobs, or process redstone. This lets you enjoy distant views without overloading the server.

Chunk Loaders

Chunk loaders are mechanisms that keep specific chunks loaded even when no players are nearby. This is essential for automated farms, mob grinders, and other machines that need to run continuously.

Common chunk loading methods include:

• Nether portal chunk loaders: Use portal mechanics to keep chunks active across dimension
• Spawn chunks: The area around world spawn stays loaded automatically
• Plugin-based chunk loaders: Commands like /forceload or dedicated plugins keep specific chunks active​
• Modded chunk loaders: Items or blocks from mods that force-load areas​

Most chunk loaders keep a 3×3 grid of chunks (the central chunk plus surrounding chunks) fully active.​

Performance Considerations

Chunk loading directly impacts server performance:​

• Too many loaded chunks drain server resources, causing lag​
• Chunk loaders with entity-heavy farms (like chicken farms or mob grinders) cause more lag than empty loaded chunks​
• Reducing simulation distance improves performance by processing fewer chunks

Best practices for optimal performance:

• Limit chunk loaders to only essential farms​
• Use auto-shutoff systems when farms reach target production​
• Adjust simulation distance to 6-8 chunks for most servers​
• Monitor entity counts in loaded chunks as entities cause more lag than terrain​

Optimizing Chunk Loading

To improve server performance related to chunk loading:​

• Lower render distance: Set to 8-10 chunks for most servers to reduce visual load​
• Reduce simulation distance: Fewer active chunks means less processing​
• Allocate sufficient RAM: At least 5GB for small servers, 6-8GB for larger communities​
• Turn off unused chunk loaders: Only keep farms running when needed​
• Optimize farm designs: Build compact farms that fit within fewer chunks​

The Bottom Line

Chunk loading is how Minecraft manages its virtually infinite worlds without overwhelming your server. By understanding the difference between render and simulation distance, using chunk loaders strategically, and optimizing your settings, you can keep your server running smoothly while still enjoying automated farms and active builds across your world.