How much RAM does a Minecraft server need?

RAM is the biggest factor in how smoothly a Minecraft server runs. Too little and you get lag or crashes; too much and you pay for memory you don't use. Here are simple starting points.

Quick recommendations

These are starting points. Exploring a lot, big redstone builds and farms all use more. You can always move to a bigger plan later.

What uses RAM

• Loaded chunks: every area players are near is kept in memory, so spread-out players use more than players together.
• View distance: each step up loads many more chunks. Lowering it from 10 to 8 saves a lot.
• Mods: each mod adds items, blocks and code that live in memory.
• Entities: big mob farms and lots of dropped items add up.

Tips to use less RAM

• Use Paper instead of Vanilla. It's much more efficient.
• Pre-generate your world with Chunky so the server isn't generating chunks while people play.
• Lower the view and simulation distance a little.
• Remove plugins or mods you don't use.

Our plans

VantaHost Minecraft plans go from 1 GB to 24 GB, and you can try a free 1.5 GB server first. See all Minecraft plans.