Teleport & spawn

Spread players around an arena

Spread players out from a center point to reduce overlap

Edition: Java Edition
Version: Java Edition 1.20.5 - 1.21.4
Difficulty: Advanced
Prep time: 3 minutes
Copied: 0 times
Permission: Requires cheats to be enabled or operator permission

When to use it

Distribute player starting positions around center X Z 0 0, not X Y. Spreading does not build an arena or its walls; terrain must be prepared separately.

Before running

Inspect the area extending 40 blocks in each X and Z direction from the center, including hazards and arena edges. Arrange return positions before players leave the gathering point.

Follow in order

All commands

Test on yourself

/spreadplayers 0 0 8 40 false @s

Moves only the runner so you can see whether the chosen spot is safe arena ground

Wrap line

Spread the players

/spreadplayers 0 0 8 40 false @a

Uses center X Z 0 0, minimum separation 8, and a range of 40 blocks along each axis

Wrap line

What to customize

8 is the minimum separation and 40 is the spread range along each axis, not a guaranteed circle. false does not keep teammates together, and @a also includes staff.

Verify the result

Start with a small test group and check spacing and escape routes before filling the arena. Rerunning is not a passive check: it assigns new positions again.

When results differ

If valid positions cannot be found, enlarge the range, reduce separation, or select fewer players, then inspect terrain. A fixed arena cannot accommodate unlimited players at a fixed spacing.