ChunkCleaner

Free plan LinuxWindows

What ChunkCleaner is

ChunkCleaner is a free Windows and Linux utility for cleaning Minecraft Java Edition worlds by processing .mca region files. It reads each chunk’s InhabitedTime value to judge whether the chunk has enough playtime to count as used. The -path option selects the directory, while -mode compares chunks individually or by region total; perChunk is the default. The default -minInhabitedTicks threshold is 250 and can be changed. Matching region files are deleted unless -newPath moves them elsewhere. The -dryRun option processes files without making changes, and -v increases processing details; both are off by default. ChunkCleaner supports batch operations on .mca region files but does not edit terrain or entities. The README warns that InhabitedTime may increase more slowly than expected in some chunks, naming Minecraft versions 1.12.2, 1.17.1, and 1.18.2 as examples. The repository includes an MIT license, and the software is provided without warranties or liability.

Who it suits

ChunkCleaner suits Minecraft Java Edition world owners who want to remove low-playtime region files on Windows or Linux. It is intended for users comfortable with command-line options and file cleanup behavior.

What it does well

Free and MIT licensed
Windows and Linux support
Per-chunk or region-sum modes
Dry-run option
Can move files instead of deleting

What to know first

Defaults to deleting matching files
InhabitedTime may rise slowly
Terrain and entity editing unavailable
Additional terrain flags remain planned

Verdict

ChunkCleaner provides threshold-based cleanup for Minecraft Java .mca regions, with comparison modes, dry runs, verbose output, and optional file relocation. Its decisions depend on InhabitedTime, whose behavior can vary in some Minecraft versions.

Facts from ChunkCleaner's own pages

Comparison modes: The -mode option supports perChunk and regionSum, and defaults to perChunk. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Dry run: The -dryRun option performs a trial run without making changes and defaults to false. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Example platform: The README’s command example invokes a binary named ChunkCleaner-Linux64. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
File handling: The -newPath option moves region files to a specified directory; if it is omitted, the files are deleted. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
How it judges use: It uses each chunk’s InhabitedTime to determine whether it is used. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
How it measures use: It uses a chunk’s InhabitedTime value to decide whether it has been played in enough. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Input: The -path option specifies the directory containing the .mca files to clean. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Intended users: The README describes it as a tool for deleting unused chunks or regions from Minecraft worlds based on playtime. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Known caveat: The README warns that Minecraft’s InhabitedTime may update more slowly than expected in some chunks, including in versions 1.12.2, 1.17.1 and 1.18.2. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
License: The repository includes an MIT license, which permits use, copying, modification, distribution and sale subject to its conditions. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Planned features: The project lists adding LightPopulated and TerrainPopulated as options in its TODO section. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Planned options: The README lists adding `LightPopulated` and `TerrainPopulated` as TODOs. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Purpose: ChunkCleaner automatically deletes Minecraft region files (.mca) with low playtime to reduce storage use and improve performance. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Threshold: The default minimum inhabited tick threshold is 250. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Verbose output: The -v option increases the amount of information shown during processing and defaults to false. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Warranty: The README says the software is provided as is without warranties and disclaims liability for claims or damages connected with its use. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026

Where ChunkCleaner stands on Freedom251

Minecraft World Editors#20 of 35