Sometimes you want a fresh start with a brand new Minecraft world. Perhaps the current world has grown too large, you want to use a different seed, or a major update calls for a clean slate. Resetting the world on your server is straightforward, but always make a backup first.
Step 1: create a backup
Before deleting anything, back up the current world. Use the Backups tab in the game panel or download the world folder via SFTP. This way you can always go back if you change your mind.
Step 2: stop the server
Stop the server from the Console tab using the Stop button or the stop command. Never delete files while the server is running; this can cause corruption.
Step 3: delete the world folders
Open the Files tab in the game panel. The default world folder is called world. On Paper and Spigot, there are additional folders for the Nether and the End:
world(the overworld)world_nether(the Nether)world_the_end(the End)
Select these folders and delete them. On Vanilla Minecraft, everything is inside a single world folder.
Step 4: start the server
Start the server from the Console tab. It automatically generates a completely new world with a random seed.
Using a specific seed
If you want a particular seed for the new world, open server.properties before starting the server and enter your seed at level-seed=. Leave the field empty for a random seed.
Resetting only the Nether or End
You do not have to reset the entire world. If you only want the Nether or the End to regenerate, delete just the corresponding folder (world_nether or world_the_end). The overworld stays intact and the deleted dimension is regenerated on the next startup.
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Will I lose player data when I reset the world?
Inventories and player positions are stored inside the world folder. After a reset, all players start fresh. Statistics and advancements are preserved only if the stats and advancements folders are stored outside the world folder, but on most servers they sit inside it.
Can I reset the world without losing my plugins?
Yes. Plugins are stored in the plugins folder, separate from the world folder. After a reset, all your plugins and their configuration files remain intact. Some plugins store data inside the world folder or a database; check the plugin documentation if you are unsure.
How often should I reset the world?
That depends on your server. Many SMP servers never reset. Minigame and anarchy servers sometimes reset monthly or after major updates. Only reset when there is a good reason to do so.