AfkViewDistance

AfkViewDistance is a lightweight Paper/Purpur plugin that saves server RAM by quietly lowering the chunk render distance of inactive players. Instead of all players holding full view distance while standing still, idle players are stepped down across three configurable stages the longer they remain AFK.

By default, a player idle for one minute drops to 3 chunks, three minutes drops to 2 chunks, and five minutes drops to 1 chunk. The moment any tracked activity is detected — movement, interaction, chat, commands, or opening an inventory — the player is silently restored to their original view distance and the timer resets.

Everything is configurable in config.yml — stage timings, chunk values, what counts as activity, and per-stage messages. A bypass permission is available for staff or VIP players who should never have their view distance touched.

Compatible software

• Paper 1.21+
• Purpur 1.21+
• Pufferfish 1.21+
• Leaves 1.21+
• Any other Paper fork 1.21+
• Spigot — not supported
• Forge / Fabric — not supported

Commands and permissions

| Command | Description | Permission |
|---|---|---|
| /avd reload | Reloads the config | afkviewdistance.admin |
| /avd status [player] | Check AFK stage and idle time | afkviewdistance.admin |
| afkviewdistance.bypass | Exempt a player from reduction | default: false |