How Much RAM Does a Valheim Server Need (With and Without Mods)
Valheim allows 10 players at most, so it isn't the number of people that decides the RAM: it's the world and the mods. Here's the rule of thumb.
The rule of thumb
For a group of friends, with no mods and a normal world, 4 GB is enough even with all 10 players. With a list of mods, or a heavily explored world with huge bases, 6 GB gives you headroom. The RAM calculator gives you the same answer in two clicks, and works for other games too.
Other hosts' guides recommend somewhat higher figures (6–8 GB without mods and 10–12 GB with very heavy modpacks). It depends on how much has been explored and built, how many objects the world has and how many hours the server has been running: they're rough guides, not a law.
Rather not set it up yourself? Valheim servers from €8 a month, no contract and a full refund within 72 hours. Or create a free Valheim server, no card needed.
Why it grows over time
The server keeps the areas in use in memory. A freshly created world is light; one with months of bases, farms and animals is quite a bit heavier. Mods that add items and creatures add to that: that's why it's worth installing them a few at a time and removing the ones you don't use.
How to tell you're running short
Stutters that get worse the longer the server has been on, disconnections when exploring new areas, or the server crashing because of memory. If the panel shows the memory in use stuck right up against what you have, it's time to go up.
Before going up, try the cheap fixes: remove the mods you don't use, add new ones a few at a time and restart the server now and then. And don't mistake a lack of RAM for lag: in Valheim, enemies that jump around are almost always the connection of whoever reached the area first (the lag guide).
Which plan to choose on NapNodes
Meadows (4 GB) for the game's ten players without many mods; Mountain (6 GB) for mods, heavily explored worlds and huge bases. There's no bigger Valheim plan because the game wouldn't make use of the RAM. The RAM you pay for is reserved for you, and on your first purchase you have 72 hours to ask for a full refund.
The RAM belongs to your account: if one day it falls short, in “My servers” you give it more with “Adjust” (from what you have free, or by taking it from another of your servers) or buy more with “Buy RAM”. It arrives on restart, with the same world.
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM does a Valheim server need for 10 players?
With a normal world and no mods, 4 GB. With mods or a heavily explored world, 6 GB.
Does the number of players matter more than the world?
The world and the mods matter more. The game caps a session at 10 players, so the number of friends is almost never the problem.
What do I do if I run short of RAM?
Remove the mods you don't use and restart. If it's still tight, on NapNodes you give it more RAM with “Adjust” in “My servers”, or buy more with “Buy RAM”; it arrives on restart.
Shall we set it up for you?
Valheim servers from €8 a month, never oversold: your RAM is yours alone. And if you'd rather start without paying, there's a free Valheim server, no card needed.
Not sure whether your server is online? Check it in a second with the Valheim server status checker: players, version and password, free.
Keep reading
- Valheim Server Ports: What to Open (2456 and 2457 UDP) and When You Don't Need To
Which ports a Valheim server uses, how to forward them on your router, why crossplay doesn't need them and what to do if it doesn't show in the list.
- Valheim Mods for Playing with Friends on a Server (Updated for 1.0)
Valheim mods that make group play on a server better: shared chests, portals, a shared map and networking. Checked on Thunderstore for 1.0.
- How to Join a Valheim Dedicated Server (IP, Join Code and Errors)
How to join a Valheim server by IP or join code, and what to do about “incompatible version”, a rejected password or a server missing from the list.