If you’re running a server on Aternos and feeling like you’re stuck in a fog with a tiny render distance, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there trying to explore a dope mountain range or spot that sweet village, only to see… well, not much. Low render distance can make your game feel like you’re playing with blinders on, and honestly, it’s a vibe killer.
But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! In this super casual, no-stress guide, I’m gonna walk you through how to increase render distance in Aternos step-by-step. We’ll tweak some settings, optimize your server, and get you seeing farther than ever.
Plus, I’ll throw in some pro tips to keep your server running smooth while you’re at it. Ready to level up your Minecraft views? Let’s dive in!
Why Does Render Distance Even Matter?
First off, let’s chat about what render distance actually is. In Minecraft, it’s how far you can see before the world just kinda… stops loading. It’s measured in chunks (those 16×16 block squares that make up the game).
A low render distance, like the default 8 or 10 chunks on Aternos, means you’re only seeing a tiny slice of the world. Cool for performance, sure, but not so cool when you’re flying with an elytra or trying to admire your epic builds from afar.
Bumping up that render distance? Oh, it’s a game-changer. You’ll spot distant biomes, catch those sneaky creepers from a mile away, and just soak in the full beauty of your server.
But here’s the catch, Aternos is free (bless them), so there’s a limit to how much you can push it without lag creeping in. Don’t sweat it, though we’ll find that sweet spot together.
Step-by-Step: How to Increase Render Distance in Aternos
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s how you can crank up that render distance on your Aternos server. It’s easier than you think, and you don’t need to be a tech wizard to pull it off.
Step 1: Log Into Your Aternos Account
Head over to Aternos.org and log in. If you don’t have an account yet, sign up—it’s free and takes like two seconds. Once you’re in, you’ll see your server dashboard. Pick the server you wanna tweak (if you’ve got more than one).
Step 2: Hit Up the Server Settings
On your server’s main page, look for the “Options” tab on the left. Click that bad boy, and you’ll see a bunch of settings. Don’t get overwhelmed it’s all chill. We’re just here for one thing right now: the render distance.
Step 3: Find the “View Distance” Slider
Scroll down a bit, and you’ll spot something called “View Distance.” This is the magic number that controls how far your server renders chunks. By default, it’s probably set to 8 or 10 chunks fine for basic survival, but we’re aiming higher.
Step 4: Crank It Up (But Not Too Crazy)
Slide that View Distance up to something like 12 or 14 chunks to start. Aternos caps it at 32 chunks, but here’s the tea: going too high might tank your server’s performance, especially if it’s busy or you’ve got a big crew playing. I’d say 12-16 is the sweet spot for most peeps far enough to enjoy the view, but not so far that your server starts crying.
Step 5: Save and Restart
Once you’ve picked your new view distance, hit “Save” at the bottom. Then, head back to the main server page and restart your server (stop it, then start it again). This locks in the changes. Pro tip: make sure the server’s off when you tweak settings, or they might not stick.
Step 6: Jump In and Test It
Fire up Minecraft, join your server, and take a look around. Can you see those distant hills now? If you’re using an elytra, glide around a bit those extra chunks should make exploring way more epic. If it’s still not far enough, head back and nudge it up a bit more.
Bonus: Tweak Your Client Settings Too
Here’s a little secret: your server’s view distance is only half the story. Your Minecraft client (aka your game) has its own render distance setting, and it’ll cap what you see if it’s lower than the server’s. Let’s fix that real quick.
- Open Minecraft and hit “Options” from the main menu.
- Go to “Video Settings.”
- Find “Render Distance” and slide it up to match or beat your server’s view distance (like 16 chunks or more).
- Click “Done” and hop back into your server.
Boom….. now your game and server are vibing on the same wavelength, and you’ll see everything the server’s throwing at you.
Keeping It Smooth: Performance Tips
Alright, so you’ve got a beefier render distance now sweet! But if your server starts lagging or chunks load slower than a snail, we’ve gotta optimize a bit. Aternos is awesome, but it’s not a supercomputer, so here’s how to keep things running smooth:
1. Don’t Go Overboard
Yeah, 32 chunks sounds tempting, but unless your server’s basically empty, it’s gonna struggle. Stick to 12-16 chunks for a solid balance of view and performance.
2. Lower Other Graphics Settings
If your PC’s feeling the heat, drop stuff like fancy particles or shadows in your client’s video settings. It’ll take some load off while still letting you enjoy that sweet render distance.
3. Limit Players (If You Can)
More players = more strain on the server. If you’re running a big SMP, maybe cap the slots to keep things stable with a higher render distance.
4. Use PaperMC (Optional Hack)
Aternos lets you switch your server type to PaperMC it’s a lightweight version of Minecraft that handles higher render distances better. Go to the “Software” tab, pick PaperMC, and restart. It’s not mandatory, but it’s a flex if you wanna push the limits.
Troubleshooting: What If It’s Still Foggy?
Sometimes, even after all this, you might still feel like you’re stuck in a haze. Here’s what to check:
- Fog Settings: Some Minecraft versions add fog that cuts off your view, even with a high render distance. There’s no direct fix on Aternos, but bumping the view distance higher can push it back a bit.
- Server Lag: If chunks aren’t loading fast enough, it’s probably the server struggling. Lower the view distance by a chunk or two and test again.
- Client Mismatch: Double-check your game’s render distance. If it’s still at 8 chunks while your server’s at 16, you won’t see the full effect.
Why Aternos Rocks (Even With Limits)
Let’s give a quick shoutout to Aternos. It’s free, it’s easy, and it lets you mess with settings like this without breaking the bank. Sure, it’s not gonna handle 32 chunks with 20 players like a paid host might, but for a casual server with your buds? It’s perfect. Tweaking the render distance is just one way to make it feel more yours.
Wrap-Up: Enjoy Your New Horizon
And there you have it, fam! You’ve just unlocked a bigger, better view of your Aternos server. Whether you’re building a mega castle, soaring with an elytra, or just vibing in survival, that extra render distance is gonna make everything pop. Play around with the settings, find what works for you, and don’t be afraid to tweak as you go.
Got questions? Hit me up in the comments—I’m here to help. And if this guide worked for you, share it with your crew so they can see the world in all its blocky glory too. Now go explore, build, and have a blast—those distant chunks are calling your name!
