How to Turn Off PvP on a Minecraft Server (26.x, Java and Bedrock)

To turn off PvP on a Minecraft Java server running 1.21.9 or newer, including every 26.x version, run gamerule pvp false in the server console. The old pvp=false line in server.properties was removed in 1.21.9, which is why editing the file no longer does anything. On Bedrock, run gamerule pvp false as well. Players then cannot hurt each other, while mobs, falls and lava still can. Below are the exact steps, the Paper detail that leaves PvP on in the Nether, and how to make PvP free zones instead of a server wide switch.

Which method works on your version?

Not sure what your server runs? On Paper or Purpur, type version in the console. On vanilla, the version is in the first lines of the server log.

Turn off PvP on a Java server (1.21.9 and newer)

1. Open the server console.
2. Type gamerule pvp false and press Enter. No slash in the console.
3. Check it worked with gamerule pvp. It should reply that the rule is false.

That is all. The change is instant and no restart is needed. Game rules are saved in the world, so it stays off after restarts and updates. To switch PvP back on, run gamerule pvp true.

If you are in game as an operator, type /gamerule pvp false in chat instead.

When an older server is updated to 1.21.9 or newer, its old pvp= setting is meant to carry over into the game rule. Run gamerule pvp once after updating to confirm the value is what you expect.

The Nether and End on Paper

On Paper, Purpur and Spigot, each dimension is a separate world with its own game rules. The console command only changes the Overworld, so players can still fight in the Nether and the End. Run the rule in all three:

execute in minecraft:overworld run gamerule pvp false
execute in minecraft:the_nether run gamerule pvp false
execute in minecraft:the_end run gamerule pvp false

Extra worlds made with Multiverse each need it too. On vanilla, Fabric, Forge and NeoForge one command covers every dimension.

Turn off PvP on older Java servers (1.21.8 and below)

1. Stop the server.
2. Open server.properties in the server's main folder.
3. Change pvp=true to pvp=false.
4. Save the file and start the server.

The server only reads server.properties on start, which is why the stop and start matter. Our server.properties guide lists the other keys that moved in recent versions.

What PvP off does and does not stop

With PvP off, players cannot damage each other with melee attacks, arrows, tridents or thrown potions. Some damage still gets through, because the game does not count it as a direct attack from a player:

• Lava placed next to someone, or fire lit under them.
• TNT and end crystals, and beds or respawn anchors exploding in the wrong dimension.
• Pushing someone off a ledge or into lava with pistons or flowing water.
• Mobs a player leads onto another player.

On a friends server that is rarely a problem. On a public server, pair PvP off with a grief protection plugin so strangers cannot set traps in someone else's base. GriefPrevention blocks lava and fire inside claims, and our kid safe server guide lists more settings for a calm world.

PvP off for some players only: teams

If you want PvP on in general but friends should not be able to hit each other, use a team with friendly fire off. Vanilla, no plugins:

team add friends
team modify friends friendlyFire false
team join friends Steve Alex

Team members can no longer damage each other, but they can still fight everyone else. team modify friends seeFriendlyInvisibles true is a nice extra. Remove someone with team leave Steve. A player can only be on one team at a time, which matters if another plugin or data pack also uses teams.

PvP free zones: spawn, towns and arenas

A whole server switch is all or nothing. Most public and SMP servers want PvP on in the wild and off at spawn, or the reverse with a PvP arena. You need a region plugin for that.

With WorldGuard (it needs WorldEdit):

1. Select the area with the WorldEdit wand, //wand, by left clicking one corner and right clicking the opposite corner.
2. Create a region: /rg define spawn.
3. Turn PvP off in it: /rg flag spawn pvp deny.

For the opposite setup, PvP off everywhere except an arena, set the global region and then allow it in the arena:

/rg flag __global__ pvp deny
/rg flag arena pvp allow

Install WorldEdit first with how to install WorldEdit. Plugins that let each player toggle PvP for themselves also exist, which suits SMPs where some people want to fight and others do not.

Turn off PvP on a Bedrock server

On Bedrock Dedicated Server, type this in the server console:

gamerule pvp false

There is no pvp key in Bedrock's server.properties. In game, the command only works for operators in a world with allow-cheats=true, and turning cheats on disables achievements for that world, so running it from the console is cleaner. More in how to change game rules on a Bedrock server.

Turning off PvP on GamezServers

On a GamezServers Minecraft server, open the Console tab and type gamerule pvp false, plus the execute in lines for the Nether and End on Paper. You can save it as one of your own custom buttons so trusted friends can switch PvP on for an event and off again without learning commands. For Bedrock, use the console on your Bedrock server. Other rules groups usually change on day one are in how to change game rules on a Minecraft server.

FAQ

Where did pvp=false go in server.properties?

It was removed in Java 1.21.9. PvP is now the pvp game rule. Run gamerule pvp false in the console, and the setting is saved with the world.

Do I need to restart after turning off PvP?

No. The game rule takes effect immediately. Only the old server.properties method on 1.21.8 and older needs a restart.

Why can players still fight in the Nether?

Your server runs Paper, Purpur or Spigot, where each dimension has its own game rules. Run the command again with execute in minecraft:the_nether run in front, and the same for the End.

Does turning off PvP stop arrows and lava?

Arrows, tridents and other projectiles fired by players stop doing damage. Lava, fire, TNT and mobs can still hurt players, since the game does not treat them as a player attack.

Can I turn off PvP for just one area?

Not with vanilla commands. Use WorldGuard and set pvp deny on a region, or pvp deny on __global__ with pvp allow in an arena.