Overview
Minecraft: Java Edition servers need a stable JVM, enough RAM for your world and plugins, and fast storage for chunk loading. Shard game hosting is designed around low latency, backups, and room to grow with your community.
Choosing server software
- Vanilla / official: Simplest path; best for small groups.
- Paper / Purpur: Performance-oriented forks; great for plugins.
- Forge / Fabric: Use when you need mod loaders on the server.
Plugins and mods
Match your plugin set to your server version. Update regularly and remove unused plugins to reduce CPU and memory use. For modpacks, use the exact loader and Minecraft version the pack expects.
Performance tips
- Pre-generate large worlds if you expect heavy exploration.
- Cap view distance in server.properties if you’re tight on RAM.
- Schedule restarts during off-peak hours to clear memory leaks from plugins.
Backups
Keep backups before major updates or plugin changes. Test restores on a copy when possible so you’re not surprised during an incident.
Need more help?
Contact support with your server name, software version, and a short description of the issue—screenshots or logs help us respond faster.