Minecraft Java · 1.16+
/worldborder
Configure the world border, gradual shrinking, damage and warnings.
How to set arena boundaries
Stand at the center of the arena and run /worldborder center ~ ~ in chat. Then set the diameter to 1000 blocks. This is the length of one side, about 500 blocks from the center to each edge.
Buffer, damage and warnings
The buffer is how far players can go outside without damage. Damage increases with distance beyond the buffer. Distance warnings tint the screen near the border; time warnings show that a shrinking border is approaching.
Shrink the border for the final
For a 1000-block arena, set the new diameter to 250 and the transition to 60 seconds. From Java 1.21.11 use 60s; earlier versions use 60. For a Nether arena, select the Nether under Dimension from Java 1.21.9.
/worldborder set 250 60sFAQ Frequently asked questions 30 questions
Essential questions 5
What is /worldborder used for?
It manages the world border, defining the accessible area and allowing size, centre and warning configuration.
How do I check the border size?
Use /worldborder get. The command returns the border diameter rather than the distance from centre to edge.
How do I set a 1000-block border?
Run /worldborder set 1000. This specifies the full border diameter as 1000 blocks.
How do I change the border centre?
Use /worldborder center followed by X Z coordinates. The vertical Y coordinate is not required.
Can I shrink the border gradually?
Yes. Specify a duration when setting the new size to make the border change gradually.
Syntax and arguments 5
What is the syntax for changing border size?
Use /worldborder set <diameter> [time]. Without a time argument, the border changes immediately.
What does worldborder add do?
It adjusts the current diameter by a specified amount instead of assigning a completely new absolute size.
Which coordinates are used for the centre?
Only X and Z are needed, for example /worldborder center 0 0. This sets the square border's horizontal centre.
How is time specified in Java 1.21.11?
Unsuffixed values use ticks, while seconds and in-game days use the s and d suffixes respectively.
Why is the size a diameter rather than a radius?
The set value controls the full width, so each side is approximately half that distance from the centre.
Practical examples 5
How do I centre the border at 0 0?
Use /worldborder center 0 0. The command moves the border's horizontal centre to the coordinate origin.
How do I shrink the border to 500 in one minute?
In Java 1.21.11 use /worldborder set 500 60s. The s suffix explicitly specifies seconds.
How can I expand the border instantly?
Run /worldborder set 2000 without a transition duration. The border immediately adopts the requested diameter.
How do I add 100 blocks to the diameter?
Run /worldborder add 100. The command increases the existing border diameter by that amount.
How do I set a ten-block warning distance?
Use /worldborder warning distance 10. Players receive a visual warning when approaching the border.
Advanced usage 5
How can I configure damage beyond the border?
Use /worldborder damage amount with an allowed non-negative damage value.
What is damage buffer for?
It defines a distance beyond the border where border damage is not yet applied, and it can be configured separately.
What does warning time mean?
It controls the warning for an approaching moving border. Java 1.21.11 requires the appropriate time format.
Can the border change during an event?
Yes, but check player locations, important buildings and safe areas before shrinking the world border.
Is the border equally wide along X and Z?
The normal world border is square, and its diameter controls both horizontal dimensions.
Troubleshooting 4
Why is an extremely small size rejected?
The border has defined minimum and maximum sizes, and values outside those limits are rejected.
Why does the game report no size change?
The requested diameter may already match the current one. Check it using /worldborder get.
Why is the transition too fast?
Check the time unit. In Java 1.21.11 an unsuffixed number means ticks rather than seconds.
Why is a player taking damage outside the border?
Border damage applies beyond the allowed area and buffer. Check damage settings and the player's coordinates.
Minecraft versions 3
What changed in Java 1.21.11?
Time arguments use ticks by default and support explicit suffixes for seconds and in-game days.
Why do older time examples behave differently?
Older versions treated unsuffixed transition time as seconds. Java 1.21.11 interprets that number as ticks.
Does /worldborder work in Bedrock?
The described command is specific to Java Edition. Its syntax should not be assumed available in normal Bedrock Edition.
Permissions and safety 3
What permissions are required to change the border?
Java Edition normally requires permission level 2. Global border management should be limited to trusted staff.
Why is sudden border shrinking dangerous?
Players and structures may end up outside the new border, and characters can take border damage.
How do I change the server border safely?
Record the original diameter and centre, back up the world and test the change before applying it live.
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