FIX: "ServerHangWatchdog detected that a single server tick took"!

Experiencing a "java.lang.Error: ServerHangWatchdog" error on your Minecraft server? This error indicates that a single server tick has taken an excessively long time (far exceeding the expected duration), leading to the server becoming unresponsive. This can occur when the server is performing intensive tasks such as generating new chunks or loading complex mods.

This article will guide you through addressing this issue specifically on your MintServers Minecraft server.

Understanding the "java.lang.Error: ServerHangWatchdog" Error

The error message "java.lang.Error: ServerHangWatchdog detected that a single server tick took 60.00 seconds (should be max 0.05)" essentially means that your server is temporarily overwhelmed.

A 'tick' is the fundamental unit of time in Minecraft, and usually, each tick should take only a fraction of a second. When a tick takes an unusually long time, it indicates the server is busy with a demanding task, like world generation or mod processing.

Fixing the "ServerHangWatchdog" Error on MintServers

The first step in addressing this error is to disable the mechanism that triggers the crash due to long tick times. This gives you more time to troubleshoot the underlying cause of the high server load. Here's how to do it via the MintServers game panel:

1. Log into your MintServers dashboard and access your Game Panel.
2. Stop your server before making any configuration changes. This is crucial to prevent data corruption.
3. Click on the "Server Properties" option located on the left-hand sidebar.
4. Search for "Max tick time" setting. This setting determines the maximum time (in milliseconds) a single server tick is allowed to take before the watchdog triggers a crash.
5. Change the value of "Max tick time" to -1. Setting it to -1 disables the watchdog's crash functionality, allowing your server to continue running even with long tick times. This buys you time to diagnose what processes are making the server so busy.
6. Start your server. The ServerHangWatchdog will now be disabled, preventing crashes from long tick times.

Troubleshooting Server Load Issues

While disabling the ServerHangWatchdog prevents crashes, it's essential to identify and address the underlying cause of the server load. Here are some common contributors and potential solutions:

• Resource Limitations: Your server might be hitting the limits of its allocated resources.
  • Upgrade to Unlimited MAX: Consider upgrading to the Unlimited MAX plan. This plan provides significantly more resources and is designed for demanding servers.
  • CPU Upgrades: Increase your CPU power with an addon. You can add +100%, +200%, or +300% CPU to handle larger workloads. Visit our dashboard and click "Upgrade" on your plan for more details.
• World Generation: Generating new chunks can be resource-intensive, especially in amplified or heavily modified worlds.
  • Pre-generate Chunks: Use a tool like Chunky to pre-generate your world, reducing the load on the server during player exploration.
  • Limit World Size: Consider reducing the world border size to limit the number of chunks that need to be generated.
• Mod Optimization: Certain mods are resource intensive.
  • Lithium: Install performance-enhancing mods like Lithium to optimize server performance without removing mods.
• View Distance: A high view distance forces the server to process more chunks for each player.
  • Reduce View Distance: Lower the server's view distance in the server.properties file. A lower view distance reduces the server's processing load.
• Plugin/Mod Optimization: Poorly optimized or conflicting plugins/mods can increase server load.
  • Disable Plugins/Mods: Temporarily disable plugins/mods one by one (or in small groups) to see if the load decreases. This helps you identify the problematic plugin/mod.
  • Update Plugins/Mods: Ensure all your plugins/mods are up-to-date. Outdated versions can have bugs and performance issues.
  • Consult Documentation: Read the documentation for each plugin/mod to understand its resource requirements.
• Too Many Entities: A large number of entities (mobs, items, etc.) in a single area can increase processing load.
  • Optimize Mob Spawning: Limit the number of mobs spawning in a single area. Use plugins/mods to control mob spawning rates.
  • Clean Up Entities: Use commands to remove excess entities, such as stray items lying on the ground.

What to Do If the Issue Persists

If you've tried these troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing the "java.lang.Error: ServerHangWatchdog" error, it's time to contact MintServers support for assistance. Explain the steps you've already taken and provide as much detail as possible about your server configuration and any recent changes you've made. The support team has access to server logs and diagnostic tools that can help pinpoint the cause of the problem.