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GamemodeCommandsSurvivalCreative2 min read

Change the game mode (survival, creative, etc.)

Switch between survival, creative, adventure and spectator modes for your server or individual players.

Available game modes

ModeDescription
SurvivalGather resources, craft, fight mobs
CreativeUnlimited resources, flight, no damage
AdventureCannot break/place blocks (for maps)
SpectatorInvisible, fly through blocks

Change default game mode

The default mode applies to new players joining for the first time.

Via server.properties

  1. Open server.properties in the panel file manager
  2. Set:
properties
gamemode=survival

Options: survival, creative, adventure, spectator

  1. Save and restart

Via console command

terminal
defaultgamemode creative

Change a specific player's mode

From the console or as an OP in-game:

terminal
gamemode survival PlayerName
gamemode creative PlayerName
gamemode adventure PlayerName
gamemode spectator PlayerName

Change your own mode (in-game as OP)

terminal
/gamemode creative
/gamemode survival

Force all current players to a mode

terminal
gamemode survival @a

Tips

  • Players keep their game mode between sessions unless changed
  • Use permissions plugins (LuckPerms) to control who can change their own game mode
  • Adventure mode is great for custom maps — players can only interact with blocks you allow
  • Spectator mode is useful for moderators watching for rule violations
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