How much RAM does an ARK dedicated server use? An ARK dedicated server typically requires 6-8 GB of RAM for 10-20 players. However, this varies based on mods, map size, and player activity. For larger communities or modded setups, 16 GB or more is recommended to prevent lag and ensure smooth gameplay.
What Is Dedicated Hosting and How Does It Work?
How Does Player Count Affect RAM Usage?
Player count directly impacts RAM consumption. A server with 10 players may use 6 GB, while 50 players can require 16+ GB. More players increase entity spawns, structures, and interactions, demanding higher memory allocation. Overcrowding without sufficient RAM causes lag spikes and crashes.
Player behavior also plays a role. Intensive activities like tribe wars or massive building projects create temporary RAM spikes. Servers with frequent dinosaur breeding operations may require an additional 2-3 GB due to complex genetic data tracking. Consider these usage patterns when planning capacity:
| Players | Base RAM | Modded RAM |
|---|---|---|
| 1-10 | 6 GB | 8-10 GB |
| 11-25 | 8 GB | 12-14 GB |
| 26-50 | 16 GB | 20+ GB |
How Do Mods Impact Server RAM Needs?
Mods like Structures Plus or Primal Fear add complex assets and mechanics, increasing RAM usage by 2-4 GB. Heavy modpacks may require 16-32 GB. Always test modded servers incrementally and monitor memory usage via tools like Ark Server Manager or Task Manager.
Script-heavy mods particularly strain resources. A single AI modification mod can add 1.5 GB of RAM usage due to constant pathfinding calculations. Texture packs vary in impact – 4K texture overhauls may require 3-4 GB extra, while optimized 2K packs might only need 1 GB. Popular mod combinations to watch include:
- Automated farming systems (increases item tracking)
- New creature spawners (expands entity lists)
- Building collision mods (requires physics calculations)
“ARK’s RAM demands are often underestimated. I recommend over-provisioning by 25%—if you expect 8 GB, allocate 10 GB. Mod conflicts and memory fragmentation can silently eat resources. Use Linux-based servers for better memory management, and always schedule daily restarts to clear residual data.” — John Carter, Senior Hosting Engineer at SurvivalServers
FAQ
- Does ARK Server RAM Usage Differ Between Platforms?
- Yes. Linux servers use RAM more efficiently than Windows, often needing 1-2 GB less. Consoles like Xbox have fixed RAM allocation, limiting player counts to 50.
- Can I Run an ARK Server on 4 GB RAM?
- Technically yes, but only for 2-4 players with minimal settings. Expect frequent crashes during exploration or combat. 8 GB is the practical minimum.
- How Often Should I Restart the Server?
- Restart every 12-24 hours to clear memory leaks. Schedule during low activity—use automated tools like CRON (Linux) or Task Scheduler (Windows).