# Chunk Pregeneration

World pregeneration helps improve performance and reduce lag spikes by generating chunks **before** players explore them. This prevents real-time world generation from consuming CPU and I/O during gameplay.

This guide explains how to **pregenerate your Minecraft worlds** depending on whether you’re using **Spigot/Paper** (plugin-based) or **Forge/Fabric** (mod-based) servers.

Pregeneration tools are available only for **Java-based servers** such as:

* **Spigot**
* **Paper**
* **Purpur**
* **Forge**
* **Fabric**
* **NeoForge**

{% hint style="info" %}
 **Bedrock servers are not compatible** with pregeneration plugins or mods.
{% endhint %}

***

### Plugin Method

#### Recommended Plugin: Chunky

**Chunky** – a fast, efficient world pregenerator that works across most Bukkit-compatible servers.

#### Installation via One-Click Plugin Installer

1. Log into your **Pterodactyl panel**.
2. Open your **server** and go to the **“Plugins”** tab.
3. Search for **Chunky**.
4. Click **Install Plugin** to add it automatically.
5. Restart the server once installation completes.

***

### How to Pregenerate with Chunky

After the plugin is installed:

1. Join your server as an **operator (OP)** or via the console.
2. Use the following commands:

```
/chunky radius 5000
/chunky start
```

* `radius` defines how far from spawn chunks will be generated.
* Example: `5000` blocks creates a 10,000×10,000 area.

3. You can monitor progress with:

```
/chunky status
```

4. To pause or cancel pregeneration:

```
/chunky pause
/chunky cancel
```

***

### Disk Space Considerations

| Radius        | Approx. Size |
| ------------- | ------------ |
| 2,500 blocks  | \~1 GB       |
| 5,000 blocks  | \~4 GB       |
| 10,000 blocks | \~16 GB      |

***

### Mod Method

If you are running a **Forge, Fabric, or NeoForge** server, use a mod instead of a plugin.

#### Recommended Mod: Chunky 

#### Installation

1. Visit [Modrinth](https://modrinth.com/plugin/chunky).
2. Download the version compatible with your **Minecraft and Forge/Fabric** build.
3. Upload the `.jar` file to your server’s `/mods/` directory using the **File Manager** or **SFTP**.
4. Restart your server.

***

### Pregeneration Commands 

Once in-game or using console:

```
/chunky radius 5000
/chunky start
```

### Tips and Warnings

* Always **backup your world** before pregeneration.
* Pregeneration can cause high CPU and disk I/O, run it during **low player activity**.
* Do not pregenerate dimensions you don’t need (e.g., Nether, End) unless necessary.
* Stop pregeneration before shutting down to prevent corruption.