Overview
So you’ve decided to set up a Minecraft server, but how much does your selected game require? Whether it is choosing from a variety of Minecraft versions or one of our many other games, each configuration will require different amounts of RAM allocated to the server. RAM is required by the server to run the software and support connected players. The more RAM, the more you can achieve with your game server. The size of your world, recommended players, and number of modifications will affect how much is needed for your specific server. If you choose a plan that has too much or too little resources, you can upgrade/downgrade your plan at any time. It can be tough to know where to start, so we have compiled this information to help you make an informed decision on how much RAM to use for your server.
How Much RAM Do I Need For a Minecraft Server?
With so many ways to configure your server with mods, plugins, and modpacks, there are many different requirements for each Modded Minecraft Server. The following outline will help you get started depending on what you are looking to achieve:
- 2GB – A fantastic plan if you are also planning to add some base plugins or mods and increase your player base on your server.
- 3GB – Use this plan if you are planning to install medium-sized modpacks or plugin packs. This is suggested for up to 25 mods or plugins.
- 4GB – This plan includes most modpacks. For modpacks up to 35-40 mods or plugins, this is the best choice for you.
- 5-10GB – These plans are able to support over 40 mods or plugins. Above 6GB of RAM includes all one-click install modpacks we offer. These are suggested if you are planning to start a big community. The bigger it is, the more RAM you should get.
- 16GB EX Series – For very large/advanced communities and extreme modpacks or plugins, this is the plan you are looking for. Make sure you know what you are doing before picking this plan. Get the extreme performance of dedicated processor cores up to 4.8 GHz with our EX Series Minecraft servers featuring 4 exclusive vCores of a Ryzen 9 5900X (US & EU) | Ryzen 7 5800X (APAC) CPU to ensure your server is operating at peak performance.
| Ram | Player Slots* | World Size* | Plugin/Mods* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2GB | Up to 10 | Up to 8GB | Up to 10 |
| 3GB | Up to 15 | Up to 10GB | Up to 25 |
| 4GB | Up to 25 | Up to 15GB | Up to 40 |
| 5GB | Up to 30 | Up to 20GB | Up to 45 |
| 6GB | Up to 40 | Up to 30GB | Up to 50 |
| 8GB | Up to 90 | Up to 60GB | 50+ |
| 10GB | 150+ | Up to 100GB | 50+ |
| 16GB | 150+ | 150+ GB | 50+ |
*We do not restrict Player Slots, World Size, or Plugins/Mods. The chart above is only what we recommend.
How Much RAM Do I Need For a Game Server?
Similar to Minecraft, each game has a different RAM requirement depending on which you are looking to play. Some games, like Terraria, only require 1GB while others may require more. While the game may run with the minimum amount, adding more players, mods, or having a large world can change this requirement.
| Game | Minimum RAM | Recommended RAM** |
|---|---|---|
| ARK: Survival Evolved | 4GB | 8GB |
| RUST | 4GB | 6GB |
| Valheim | 2GB | 4GB |
| Counter Strike: Global Offensive | 1GB | 2GB |
| Conan Exiles | 4GB | 8GB |
| Terraria | 1GB | 2GB |
| Unturned | 2GB | 4GB |
| Project Zomboid | 2GB | 4GB |
| Satisfactory | 6GB | 8GB |
| Factorio | 1GB | 4GB |
| 7 Days to Die | 2GB | 4GB |
| ARMA III | 2GB | 4GB |
| Starbound | 2GB | 3GB |
| Eco | 2GB | 4GB |
| LEAP | 2GB | 4GB |
| VRising | 4GB | 6GB |
| The Forest | 4GB | 6GB |
**Recommended RAM estimated based on potential world size, players, and mods.
How to Upgrade/Downgrade RAM
- Visit your Billing Panel and log in to your account.
- Here, select the
Servicesand select the server you wish to adjust. - In the left-hand
Actionsmenu, selectUpgrade/Downgrade.
- A page will open, allowing you to view the available RAM options.
- Once decided, press
Choose Productto proceed to the next screen.
- Continue through the prompts to complete the upgrade/downgrade process.
Conclusion
Knowing which server plan to choose from is the first step when creating a game server. Whether you are creating a friends-only Valheim server, a public CS:GO server, or anything else, RAM is a necessity. If you don’t have enough RAM, you may experience lag and other issues on your server. In some cases, you may find that you are experiencing issues after playing on a server for a long time, as a larger world will require more resources to run. Luckily with Apex, you can downgrade and upgrade your RAM at any time to ensure you have the correct balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much RAM do I need for a Minecraft server?
The amount of RAM needed depends on the number of players, world size, and whether you are using mods or plugins. Here’s a general guideline: 2GB: Basic survival server, up to 10 players; 3GB: Small plugins or mods, up to 25 total; 4GB: Medium modpacks, around 40 mods; 5–6GB: Heavily modded, growing playerbase; 8–10GB: Large modpacks and active communities; 16GB: High-performance needs, large player counts, and advanced modding.
How many players can a 2GB Minecraft server handle?
A 2GB Minecraft server can typically handle up to 10 players using a standard world and few or no plugins. Performance may decline with heavy activity or modifications.
What is the recommended RAM for modded Minecraft servers?
For light to medium modpacks, 4GB is recommended. If you’re running more than 40 mods or a large custom modpack, aim for 6GB or more. Extensive setups with 50+ mods may require 8GB or higher for stable performance.
Can I run a Minecraft server with 1GB RAM?
Running a Minecraft server with 1GB RAM is possible for very basic setups with one or two players and no mods or plugins. However, performance will be limited, and any additional load may cause lag or crashes.
How much RAM is needed for Minecraft with 50+ mods?
A server running 50 or more mods should have at least 6GB to 8GB of RAM. Higher counts, larger worlds, or more players may push the need toward 10GB or more.
What happens if I don’t allocate enough RAM to my Minecraft server?
If a Minecraft server does not have enough RAM, you may experience: Server lag and stuttering; Chunk loading issues; Crashes during startup or world generation; Poor performance under load (players, mobs, redstone).
How do I upgrade RAM on my Apex Hosting server?
To upgrade RAM on an Apex Hosting server: Log into the billing panel; Select your active server under “Services”; Click “Upgrade/Downgrade”; Choose a plan with the desired RAM amount; Confirm and complete the checkout process.
