
How Much RAM does a Valheim Server need?

Short answer: At minimum 4GB RAM We recommend 8GB RAM or more for an ensured smooth experience.
How much memory does a Valheim server need?
Valheim, the popular open-world survival game developed by Iron Gate AB, has taken the gaming community by storm. With its expansive world, cooperative gameplay, and enticing exploration mechanics, it's no wonder that players are flocking to set up their own dedicated Valheim servers. These servers provide a space for friends and fellow players to venture into the Viking-inspired landscape together. However, a common question arises: how much memory is required for a Valheim server to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience?
We have the answer.
Understanding Valheim Server Requirements
Valheim is a game that emphasizes both its open-world exploration aspects and cooperative gameplay. This means that when setting up and hosting a dedicated gameserver, it's important to have sufficient resources to handle the demands of multiple players interacting within the virtual world simultaneously. One of the critical components that dictate the server's performance is its memory (RAM) capacity.
Our official recommendations from Gateway.gg suggest a minimum of 4GB of RAM for hosting a dedicated Valheim server. This level of memory can support a basic server setup with a limited number of players. However, for a more robust and lag-free experience, it is highly recommended to have at least 8GB of RAM. This extra memory allows the server to handle more players, more entities in the game world, and more complex interactions without suffering from significant performance drops if you're exploring different parts of the world at the same time.
The Benefits of Optimal Memory Allocation
Choosing to allocate 8GB or more of RAM to your Valheim server brings several benefits:
Smooth Gameplay:
Additional memory ensures that the server can process player actions, environmental changes, and other in-game events seamlessly. This results in a smoother gameplay experience, with reduced instances of lag and slowdowns.
Room for Growth:
A server with ample memory can comfortably accommodate a growing number of players. As your gaming community expands, you won't have to worry about upgrading your hardware immediately to keep up with the demand.
Reduced Downtime:
Servers with insufficient memory might crash or experience issues, negatively impacting the gaming experience for all players. With adequate memory, the likelihood of such issues is minimized.
Support for Mods:
Many Valheim players love to enhance their gaming experience with mods. Modded servers often require more memory to handle the additional content and scripting, making 8GB or more RAM even more valuable in this context.
Future-Proofing:
Game updates, patches, and expansions can introduce new features and mechanics that demand more resources from the server. By starting with a server that has 8GB or more of RAM, you're better prepared for the game's evolving demands.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the amount of memory you allocate to your Valheim server can significantly impact the gaming experience of all players involved. While the minimum requirement of 4GB will get the server running, it's strongly recommended to opt for at least 8GB of RAM to ensure a lag-free, smooth, and enjoyable gameplay environment. This decision not only caters to your current needs but also positions your server for growth, modding, and handling future updates. By investing in optimal memory allocation, you're setting the stage for an epic Viking adventure that your gaming community will remember fondly.
Host your server today with Gateway.gg!