Set game rules on a Java server

Last updated: July 23, 2026

This guide shows you how to change Minecraft Java Edition game rules through World Manager, the NolimitHost console, or in-game chat.

A game rule is a world setting that controls a specific behavior, such as whether players keep their inventory after death. Use gamerule to change world mechanics without restarting the Java server. Game rule names are case-sensitive.

Change game rules in World Manager

Stop the server — Stop the Java server before editing its world settings, so the running server does not overwrite your changes.
Open World Manager — Log in to the NolimitHost Game Panel at https://panel.nolimithost.cc/ and select your Minecraft Java server, then go to World Manager.
Edit the active world — Find the world currently used by the server and select Edit.
Open Game Rules — Go to Game Rules and change the rules you need.
Save and restart — Save the world settings, start the server, and confirm the new behavior in-game.

Set a game rule with a command

Game panel console

Start the server, then open the Console in the NolimitHost Game Panel (log in at https://panel.nolimithost.cc/ and select your server first) and enter the command without /:

gamerule keepInventory true

In Minecraft

Join as an operator (an operator, or OP, is a player with admin powers), open chat, and include /:

/gamerule keepInventory true

Use this format for another rule:

gamerule <rule> <value>

Common Java game rules

Rule	Value	What it controls
`keepInventory`	`true` or `false`	Whether players retain inventory and experience after death.
`mobGriefing`	`true` or `false`	Whether mobs can change blocks or collect items.
`doFireTick`	`true` or `false`	Whether fire spreads and extinguishes naturally.
`playersSleepingPercentage`	Percentage	Players required to sleep before skipping the night.
`randomTickSpeed`	Number	Frequency of random block ticks.
`doMobSpawning`	`true` or `false`	Whether mobs spawn naturally.
`doDaylightCycle`	`true` or `false`	Whether time and moon phases advance.
`doWeatherCycle`	`true` or `false`	Whether weather changes naturally.
`showDeathMessages`	`true` or `false`	Whether death messages appear in chat.
`commandBlockOutput`	`true` or `false`	Whether command-block output is sent to operators.

Check the current value

Enter a rule without a value:

gamerule keepInventory

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