AfkViewDistance
Automatically reduces the view distance of AFK players in configurable stages to free up server memory. When the player returns, their original view…
⬇ Download on ModrinthAfkViewDistance is a lightweight Paper/Purpur plugin that saves server RAM by quietly lowering the chunk render distance of inactive players. Instead of all players holding full view distance while standing still, idle players are stepped down across three configurable stages the longer they remain AFK.
By default, a player idle for one minute drops to 3 chunks, three minutes drops to 2 chunks, and five minutes drops to 1 chunk. The moment any tracked activity is detected — movement, interaction, chat, commands, or opening an inventory — the player is silently restored to their original view distance and the timer resets.
Everything is configurable in config.yml — stage timings, chunk values, what counts as activity, and per-stage messages. A bypass permission is available for staff or VIP players who should never have their view distance touched.
Compatible software
- Paper 1.21+
- Purpur 1.21+
- Pufferfish 1.21+
- Leaves 1.21+
- Any other Paper fork 1.21+
- Spigot — not supported
- Forge / Fabric — not supported
Commands and permissions
| Command | Description | Permission |
|---|---|---|
| /avd reload | Reloads the config | afkviewdistance.admin |
| /avd status [player] | Check AFK stage and idle time | afkviewdistance.admin |
| afkviewdistance.bypass | Exempt a player from reduction | default: false |
- Edition: Minecraft Java
- File type: .jar
- Minecraft versions listed: 1.21, 1.21.1, 1.21.2
- How to install: Install the matching mod loader (Forge, Fabric or NeoForge) for your Minecraft version. → Download the .jar. → Put it in the .minecraft/mods folder and launch that loader profile.
- Where to get it: Opens on Modrinth — not every file is mirrored on our own servers.
Install steps are the general flow for this file type — How to install Minecraft Java mods & modpacks walks through it step by step.
- Ships as AfkViewDistance-1.0.0.jar — drop this file into the mods folder
- Download size: 12 KB
- Download link checked 14 Sept 2026 — working
These come from our own check of the pack file, not from the source page.