A command is a text instruction run in chat or the server console to control the server. Commands let you manage players, modify gameplay, teleport, change settings, and perform administrative tasks, all without leaving the game or needing to edit configuration files. Whether you're banning a griefer, changing the time of day, or saving your world, commands are your go-to tool for server management.

What Are Commands?

Commands are special text strings that tell your Minecraft server to perform specific actions. They start with a forward slash (/) when typed in-game, but use no slash when entered directly into the server console. For example, typing /op PlayerName in chat gives that player operator status, while typing op PlayerName in the console does the same thing.

Commands can do everything from simple tasks like checking who's online (/list) to complex operations like modifying game rules (/gamerule) or managing whitelists (/whitelist add).

👉

How to Use Commands?

In-Game Chat

The easiest way to run commands is through the in-game chat window. Simply:

Press T (or your chat key) to open the chat
Type / followed by your command
Hit Enter to execute

For example: /gamemode creative PlayerName switches that player to creative mode. You can also press the up arrow key to cycle through previously used commands which is handy for frequently repeated actions.

Server Console

The server console gives you more power and control, especially when you're not logged into the game. You can access it through:

Your hosting control panel (like WiseHosting's Console tab)
SSH/terminal access to your server
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for Windows servers

When using the console, don't include the forward slash. Just type the command directly, like stop or ban PlayerName.

Console commands are especially useful for server restarts, automated backups, or managing the server when no admins are online.

Command Permissions

Not all players can use every command. Minecraft uses a permission system to control who can do what:

Regular players: Can only use basic commands like /help or /list
Operators (OPs): Have access to all server commands and can bypass restrictions
Plugin-based permissions: Servers with plugins like LuckPerms can create custom permission groups (like Moderator, Admin, VIP) with specific command access

To give someone operator status, use /op PlayerName in-game or op PlayerName in the console. To revoke it, use /deop PlayerName.

👉

Essential Minecraft Commands

Player Management

/op [player] – Grant operator rights
/deop [player] – Remove operator rights
/kick [player] – Remove a player from the server
/ban [player] – Permanently ban a player
/pardon [player] – Unban a player
/whitelist add/remove [player] – Manage the server whitelist

Server Management

/stop – Safely shut down the server
/save-all – Force save all world data
/reload – Reload server settings without restarting
/list – Show all connected players

Gameplay Commands

/tp [player] [target] – Teleport players
/gamemode [mode] [player] – Change game mode (survival, creative, adventure, spectator)
/time set [value] – Change the time of day (0 = dawn, 12000 = dusk)
/difficulty [level] – Change difficulty (peaceful, easy, normal, hard)
/gamerule [rule] [value] – Modify game rules like mob griefing or fire spread
/give [player] [item] [amount] – Give items to players

Why Commands Are Useful

Commands give you instant control over your server without requiring restarts or file edits. They're essential for:

Moderation: Quickly ban troublemakers or kick AFK players
Administration: Manage permissions, whitelists, and server settings on the fly
Gameplay enhancement: Teleport players, change weather, spawn items
Maintenance: Save worlds, reload configs, and safely stop the server

At WiseHosting, you can run commands directly from the server console in your control panel without the need to log into the game or use external tools.

Login

What are Commands in Minecraft? Everything You Need to Know.