Articles on: Minecraft

How to Add a World Border in Minecraft Server

Unlike Bedrock Edition servers, you don't need plugins to set the world border feature in your Minecraft Java Edition server. It is a simple yet powerful way to optimize your server for performance by limiting chunk loading. It helps guide player exploration, reduces lag, keeps adventures focused, and gives a new gameplay experience. Limiting how far players can travel can create a more manageable Minecraft world.

In this guide, we'll show you how to add a world border in Minecraft server and help you manage your world boundaries effectively.

Method 1: Using Commands

The following commands can be used on your console and in-game. If used in-game, add a / before typing the commands, and make sure to have OP on the Minecraft server to use them.

To add a world border in a Minecraft server, use the following commands:

Open your Apollo Panel

Type worldborder center <X> <Z>, which will set the world border's center

Example of setting the X and Z as 20 and 45: worldborder center 20 45

Type worldborder <set>, which will set the world border size

Example of setting the number of blocks to 30: worldborder set 30

Advanced World Border Commands

/worldborder damage amount <value>
Causes players to take damage when they are near the border.
Example: /worldborder damage amount 5 (players in the worldborder take 5 damage per tick)
/worldborder damage buffer <distance>
Sets the buffer distance within which players won’t take damage.
Example: /worldborder damage buffer 10 (players 10 blocks inside the border will not take damage)
/worldborder warning distance <distance>
Sets the world border warning distance from the border where players are notified.
Example: /worldborder warning distance 50 (warns players within 50 blocks)

/worldborder warning time /worldborder warning time /worldborder warning time /worldborder warning time <seconds></s>
Sets the world border warning time when near the border.
Example: /worldborder warning time 10 (warning lasts 10 seconds)

/worldborder add <radius> [time]
Expands the world border to a new radius over a specified time.
Example: /worldborder add 2000 300 (expands to 2000 blocks in 5 minutes)

Method 2: Using WorldBorder Plugin

In this method, we use the WorldBorder plugin and make sure to use the compatible server version, Spigot/Bukkit. To add plugins to your Minecraft server, click here.

NOTE: If you are using multiple worlds, type your world's name after the /wb <worldname> set <values> while using the commands.

To set the world border type /wb set <value>

Example of setting the world border to 30: /wb set 30

Now, when you walk 30 blocks from where you set the world border, you'll get this warning

To set the raduis type `wb set <X> <Z>
To clear the world border created, type /wb clear
To change the border's shape to elliptic/round or square/rectangle type /wb shape <shape>
To fill the world up to the world border, this will generate all the chunks around, which could help increase the performance if done before the server is launched. Type /wb fill then to confirm /wb fill confirm
To trim the world that is outside the world border, type /wb trim then to confirm /wb trim confirm
To change the knockback done due to the world border, type /wb knockback <value>

Example of setting the knockback to 10 blocks away from the border

To change the warning message type /wb setmsg <warning>

Method 3: Using World Border Mod

In this method, we will use the World Border Mod. Ensure you are using a compatible server version with your mod. You can change your server version here.

NOTE: To use the world border mod, you must also add the Collective mod to your mods folder.

Open your Files tab and locate the config folder
Now, open the folder named worldborder.json5

You can now configure and edit all the mod settings with the following configurations

enableCustomOverworldBorder (default: true): Enables the custom border in the Overworld.
enableCustomNetherBorder (default: false): Enables the custom border in the Nether.
overworldBorderCoords (default: [(-5000, -5000), (5000, 5000)]): Sets the Overworld border coordinates.
netherBorderCoords (default: [(-625, -625), (625, 625)]): Sets the Nether border coordinates.
loopAroundBorder (default: false): When enabled, players hitting the border are teleported to the opposite side, creating a looping world effect

Still have some questions about setting the world border?

If you want answers to your questions, you can file a ticket here
By: Ali A.

Updated on: 11/04/2025

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