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# How do I change my server difficulty?


# 🎮 How to Change the Difficulty on Your Minecraft Server

[![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/85bc5985980c3800/helpdesk-cta_1gizt3y.png)](https://empowerservers.com/)
---

## 🧠 Difficulty Options in Minecraft:

| Difficulty | Number | Description |
| ---- |
| Peaceful | 0 | No hostile mobs, no hunger degeneration. |
| Easy | 1 | Hostile mobs spawn but don't give debuffs. Hunger will decrease. |
| Normal | 2 | Hostile mobs give debuffs. Hunger drops you to half a heart. |
| Hard | 3 | Hostile mobs are stronger, spawn more often, and hunger can kill you. |
---

## 🛠️ How to Change Your Server Difficulty:

### ✅ Option 1 — Quick Console Command:

Once your server is online, open the **Console** and type:

```
difficulty hard
```

(Replace `hard` with `peaceful`, `easy`, `normal`, or `hard`.) 
 ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/5/b/c/85bc5985980c3800/image_1r97v19.png)

> **Note:** In newer Minecraft versions (1.13+), it's better to use difficulty **names** (like `normal`) instead of numbers.

If the console method doesn't work, follow the full method below:
---

### ✅ Option 2 — Edit `server.properties`

1. **Log into the [Control Panel](https://control.empowerservers.com).**

2. **Click 'Manage'** next to your server. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/5/b/c/85bc5985980c3800/image_3h5v0r.png)

3. **Navigate to your server files.**
   ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/5/b/c/85bc5985980c3800/image_cvgzs8.png)

4. **Find and open the `server.properties` file.**
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/5/b/c/85bc5985980c3800/image_ukdnad.png)
5. **Locate the `difficulty` setting and update it.**  ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/85bc5985980c3800/image_1ukalzp.png)
   You can set difficulty in two ways depending on your server version:
   - **Minecraft 1.12.2 and earlier:**  
     Use a **number**:
     
```
difficulty=2
```
   - **Minecraft 1.13 and newer:**  
     Use the **difficulty name**:
     
```
difficulty=normal
```

6. **Press the 'Save File' button.**  ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/8/5/b/c/85bc5985980c3800/image_1hzxabk.png)

7. **Restart your server** for the changes to apply.
   Need help? [How do I restart my server?](https://help.empowerservers.com/en/article/how-do-i-restart-my-server-w5dvf0/)
---

# 🌎 Important Notes

- **Restarting the server** is required for the new difficulty setting to take effect.
- Always **make a backup** before editing important server files.
- Difficulty settings affect **mob behavior, hunger, and player survival** — choose carefully based on your gameplay style!