Valheim
How Much RAM Does a Valheim Server Need?
Plan Valheim server RAM for a fresh world, an established base, or BepInEx mods, and separate memory problems from low FPS and connection issues.
Treat 4 GB of host RAM as a starting test for a small, unmodded Valheim server, and consider 8 GB if you want more headroom. These are community operating recommendations, not Iron Gate's official minimums or a guaranteed player capacity.
The maintainers of valheim-server-docker publish a 4 GB minimum and 8 GB recommendation for their server environment. That gives a useful planning reference, but your operating system, game build, save, and mods may behave differently. Iron Gate's dedicated-server guide doesn't give a universal RAM figure.
A fresh world isn't the whole test
Don't judge capacity only by launching an empty world and seeing that it stays online. Use the save you intend to play, visit your busiest base, and have friends join and travel as they normally would.
| Situation | What to check |
|---|---|
| New unmodded world with a few friends | Start from the reference above and observe a normal session |
| Established world with extensive building | Test the actual save and record memory peaks |
| BepInEx mods or a modpack | Check mod requirements and test the full list; don't assume 8 GB is a ceiling |
| Hosting and playing on one PC | Leave room for the game client and your other applications too |
RAM is working memory. Disk space holds the world and its backups. A larger save file is a reason to test, but its size isn't a direct RAM requirement you can multiply into a reliable answer.
Look at symptoms before paying for more memory
A server being stopped for exceeding its memory limit is evidence that its allocation or workload needs attention. Check the log and the host's memory graph around the same time.
Low FPS when one player walks into a huge base is a different symptom. It can involve that player's rendering load. Delayed interactions for several players can involve the server, network, or mods. More server RAM doesn't guarantee a fix for either case.
If the problem started after adding a mod, keep the current world safe and compare a separate test world without that change. Repeated restarts may hide the pattern without explaining it.
Leave room around the game
A machine advertised with 4 GB total doesn't give Valheim all 4 GB. The operating system and hosting tools use some too. Compare total resources and game limits when choosing a plan, and ask what a panel's memory figure represents.
Keep enough disk space for world backups as well. Iron Gate's guide documents automatic backup controls, but you should still check that you have a usable copy before a game update or a major mod change.
If you're deciding whether to add mods, read what BepInEx does first. For managed hosting, compare the resources on Jovian's Valheim page with your tested needs. The setup guide covers the name and password you'll choose.