Minecraft
How much RAM does a Minecraft server really need?
Players, plugins and mods all change the answer. Here is a simple way to pick the right amount without paying for memory you never use.
KingOps Team 5 min read
Choosing RAM is the most common question we get. Too little and the server lags or crashes; too much and you pay for memory that sits idle.
A quick rule of thumb
| Server type | Players | Suggested RAM |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla / Paper | up to 10 | 2 GB |
| Paper with plugins | 10–30 | 4 GB |
| Light modpack | up to 20 | 6–8 GB |
| Heavy modpack (200+ mods) | any | 10–16 GB |
What actually uses memory
- Loaded chunks. Every player loads the world around them. Lower the view-distance to 8 and simulation-distance to 6 to save a lot of memory.
- Plugins and mods. Big mods like Create or Mekanism add hundreds of megabytes on their own.
- Pre-generation. Exploring new land is expensive; pre-generate the world before you open it to players.
Start small, upgrade later
On KingOps you can move to a bigger plan at any time and only pay the difference for the days left. Start with the plan that matches today's players, not next year's.
Tip: Paper and Purpur use noticeably less memory than vanilla for the same world.
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