What “Can’t keep up!” means in a Minecraft server log

This warning tells you that the server is behind schedule. It is not possible to understand which plugin or setting is responsible with a single line.

Step by step

  1. Note when the alert appears. Does it come only at startup, during new world exploration, or constantly during rush hours?

  2. At that time, take spark profile and MSPT measurement. Check if the machine also has backups, disk fullness, swap usage, and processor restrictions.

  3. Make one change for the dominant job in the profile. If new chunk production is dominant, first examine world production, if plugin work is dominant, examine the relevant configuration.

  4. Test again at the same load and compare long tick count. If the stimulation has decreased, see if the stuttering players feel has also decreased.

Keep in mind

Hiding the alert from the log does not fix the tick delay.

Source and tools