Updated:
Syntax (Java)
/forceload add 100 200
/forceload add 0 0 63 63
/forceload remove 100 200
/forceload remove all
/forceload queryadd X Zkeeps the chunk (16×16 blocks) containing that position loaded. There is no Y.add X1 Z1 X2 Z2adds every chunk between two corners; the example covers 4×4, 16 chunks.removereleases chunks, andremove allreleases every one.querylists the force-loaded chunks in the current dimension.
/forceload add ~ ~ uses your current position. Check chunk borders on the F3 screen first (see showing coordinates).
How many chunks
One add can cover at most 256 chunks. Every chunk adds server work, so load only the chunks your machine sits in.
What keeps running
| Keeps running | Needs a player nearby |
|---|---|
| Redstone, hoppers, furnaces, command blocks, mobs and items moving | Random ticks such as crop and sapling growth, natural mob spawning |
On Java, crop growth and natural spawning need a player close by, so mob farms and crop farms do not work with /forceload alone. It suits furnaces, item sorters and clocks.
Nether and End
/execute in minecraft:the_nether run forceload add 0 0/forceload works in the dimension where the command runs. Use execute in for another one (see dimension commands).
Spawn chunks are already loaded
On Java, the chunks around world spawn stay loaded with no one there. From 1.20.5 the spawnChunkRadius gamerule (default 2) sets how far. Newer versions may list it under a different name, so use tab completion after /gamerule. Building near spawn is another option.
Bedrock: /tickingarea
/tickingarea add ~ ~ ~ ~32 ~ ~32 farm
/tickingarea add circle ~ ~ ~ 4 base
/tickingarea list
/tickingarea remove farm- Bedrock has no /forceload. It uses ticking areas instead.
- Give a box, or
circlewith a radius in chunks (up to 4). The last word is the area's name. - A world can have up to 10 ticking areas, each up to 100 chunks.
Common problems
- "Too many chunks in the specified area": more than 256. Split it.
- The machine still stops: check /forceload query. A machine across two chunks stops if only one is loaded.
- Crops do not grow, mobs do not spawn: those need a player nearby, as above.
- The server got slow: list chunks with query and remove the ones you no longer use.
Common questions
- Does it survive a restart? Yes. It is saved with the world until you remove it.
- Single player? Yes, with cheats on. Servers need operator level 2.
- How much is too much? A few chunks is usually fine. Areas full of mobs or dropped items are heavy even when small.
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