How many servers/plans do I need for a network?

Building a network means running one service per component. Here's a practical breakdown of what you'll need and roughly how much RAM each piece wants.

One service per component

• Proxy — small (1–2GB), it just routes players.
• Lobby: a backend server like any other; a light lobby on 1.21+ starts at 4GB.
• Each game mode / survival: sized like a single server, with the same table: 4GB for a small SMP, 6–10GB for 10–30 players, 12GB+ for 30–60 players with lots of plugins (see the plugin sizing guide).
• Auth/limbo — small (1GB).

Those are numbers for modern Minecraft (1.21+). Backends on 1.12 or older need much less, and our Budget plan is aimed at those versions.

A sensible starting point

Start with a proxy + lobby + one game server, then add more backends as you grow. There's no need to build the whole network on day one.

Tip: Open a ticket for help sizing the network, pricing the multiple services, and setting up the extra ports each backend needs.

Frequently asked questions

What's the smallest network I can start with? A proxy, a lobby, and one game server. Add more backends later as your player base grows.

How much RAM does the proxy need? Only 1–2GB — it routes players and runs no world of its own.

Can you help me size and price it? Yes. Open a ticket and our team will help you plan the services, RAM, and ports.