SkyFactory 4 throws players into the void with nothing but a tree and a dream—but your server needs solid ground to stand on. This automation-heavy modpack pushes hardware harder than most Minecraft experiences, and underestimating its requirements is the fastest way to turn your skyblock paradise into a laggy nightmare.
SkyFactory 4 Server Requirements: Quick Answer
For a stable SkyFactory 4 server, allocate minimum 6GB RAM for 2-5 players, with 8-10GB recommended for smoother performance. You’ll need a modern CPU (3.5GHz+ per core), at least 10GB storage space, and Java 8 64-bit. Player count, automation complexity, and chunk loading significantly impact these baseline requirements—expect to scale up as your world grows.
Why SkyFactory 4 Demands More Than Standard Minecraft
SkyFactory 4 isn’t your typical modpack. It contains over 30 major mods including Applied Energistics 2, Industrial Foregoing, and Refined Storage—all running simultaneously. Unlike vanilla Minecraft where you explore and build, SkyFactory encourages massive automation systems that constantly process items, generate resources, and perform calculations.
Every automated cobblestone generator, every sieve operation, every mob farm adds computational load. When you’ve got five players each running their own compact machine dimensions with dozens of machines, the server CPU works overtime. The void world setup actually helps performance compared to normal terrain generation, but the automation more than compensates.
Breaking Down the Hardware Requirements
RAM Allocation Guidelines
Memory is your first bottleneck with SkyFactory 4. Here’s what actually works in practice:
- 4GB RAM: Technically boots, but you’ll hit memory errors within hours of gameplay
- 6GB RAM: Functional for 2-3 players in early-game stages
- 8GB RAM: Sweet spot for small groups (3-5 players) with moderate automation
- 10-12GB RAM: Recommended for 5-10 players or heavy automation setups
- 16GB+ RAM: Large servers or players who’ve built extensive ME systems and multiple dimensions
The modpack itself consumes about 3-4GB just to load. Active gameplay, chunk loading, and entity processing eat the rest. Don’t allocate all your system RAM—leave at least 2GB for the operating system.
CPU Requirements That Actually Matter
Minecraft runs primarily on single-thread performance, and SkyFactory 4 is no exception. A modern CPU with 3.5GHz+ clock speed per core makes the difference between 20 TPS (ticks per second) and constant lag spikes.
Intel i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 processors from recent generations handle the load well. Older CPUs or budget chips struggle when multiple players activate their automation systems simultaneously. The server tick rate drops, machines slow down, and everyone notices.
More cores help with background tasks, but that single-thread speed determines your gameplay experience. A 4-core CPU at 4.0GHz outperforms an 8-core CPU at 2.5GHz for SkyFactory 4.
Storage and Network Considerations
You’ll need minimum 10GB storage space, though worlds grow quickly. An active server with multiple players can balloon to 15-20GB after a few weeks. SSD storage isn’t mandatory but dramatically improves chunk loading times and reduces stuttering when players teleport or explore new areas.
Network requirements are standard—any modern internet connection works. Upload speed matters more than download for hosting; aim for at least 5Mbps upload for smooth multiplayer.
Optimization Strategies That Prevent Lag
Chunk Loading Management
FTB Utilities in SkyFactory 4 lets players claim and force-load chunks. This keeps automation running but murders server performance if misused. Limit force-loaded chunks to 4-9 chunks per player maximum. One chunk (16×16 blocks) is often enough for a compact automation setup.
Players love loading entire islands, but that’s how you crash a server. Set clear rules about chunk loading before problems start.
Entity and Item Management
Mob farms generate entities. Item pipes create item entities. Both tank performance when excessive. Use vacuum hoppers and item collectors to minimize ground items. Configure mob farm spawn rates reasonably—you don’t need 200 chickens for resource generation.
Applied Energistics 2 autocrafting creates temporary items during processing. Large crafting operations with insufficient channels cause lag spikes. Design ME systems with proper channel management and use crafting co-processors.
Dimension Hopping and Compact Machines
Compact Machines are brilliant for organization but create separate dimensions. Each active compact machine dimension adds overhead. Players entering and exiting these dimensions causes chunk loading operations. It’s not prohibitive, but running 20 compact machines simultaneously impacts performance more than having everything in the overworld.
Scaling for Player Count
Player count affects requirements non-linearly. One player might use 6GB comfortably, but five players don’t need 30GB. Here’s realistic scaling:
| Players | Recommended RAM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 6-8GB | Early to mid-game progression |
| 4-6 | 8-10GB | Multiple automation systems active |
| 7-10 | 10-12GB | Established bases with heavy machinery |
| 10+ | 12-16GB | Requires active moderation of automation |
These numbers assume reasonable automation practices. If every player builds resource-intensive setups without optimization, bump these figures up by 2-4GB.
Hosting Options: Self-Host vs. Game Server Provider
Self-hosting works if you’ve got the hardware and technical knowledge. You’ll need port forwarding, firewall configuration, and patience for troubleshooting. Running a SkyFactory 4 server on your gaming PC while playing causes performance issues for both.
Dedicated game server hosting eliminates these headaches. Minecraft 1.16.5 server hosting (which SkyFactory 4 uses) starts affordable and scales with your needs. Professional hosts handle uptime, DDoS protection, and automatic backups—worth it for serious servers.
Looking for reliable SkyFactory 4 hosting? GameTeam.io offers optimized Minecraft servers starting at $1/GB, with 20% off for new customers. No wrestling with Java versions or memory allocation flags—just click and play.
Common Performance Problems and Fixes
Server Lag vs. Client Lag
Know the difference. Server lag affects everyone—TPS drops below 20, machines slow down, mobs move jerkily. Client lag affects one player—low FPS, stuttering, but server TPS stays normal. Check server TPS with /forge tps to diagnose.
Server lag requires hardware upgrades or optimization. Client lag means that player needs better PC specs or reduced graphics settings.
Memory Leaks and Garbage Collection
Java’s garbage collection causes periodic lag spikes. These are normal, but excessive GC pauses indicate insufficient RAM or memory leaks. Monitor your server console for “GC overhead limit exceeded” warnings. Add JVM arguments to optimize garbage collection:
-XX:+UseG1GC -XX:+UnlockExperimentalVMOptions -XX:G1NewSizePercent=20 -XX:G1ReservePercent=20 -XX:MaxGCPauseMillis=50
These flags help, but they’re not magic. Insufficient RAM still causes problems regardless of optimization.
Mod Conflicts and Updates
SkyFactory 4 is a stable, curated modpack, but occasionally mods conflict or cause issues. Never update individual mods without testing—modpack developers chose specific versions for compatibility. If you’re experiencing crashes, check the SkyFactory 4 issue tracker before randomly updating mods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run SkyFactory 4 server on 4GB RAM?
Technically yes, but you’ll experience frequent crashes and memory errors. 4GB works for solo testing but fails under actual gameplay conditions. Invest in at least 6GB for functional hosting.
Does SkyFactory 4 run better than other modpacks?
The void world setup eliminates terrain generation overhead, which helps. However, the automation focus and 30+ mods create different performance demands. It’s comparable to other large modpacks like Enigmatica 2 or All The Mods 3.
How do I reduce server lag without upgrading hardware?
Limit chunk loading, reduce entity counts, optimize automation systems, and remove unnecessary machines. Use trash cans for excess items instead of letting them accumulate. Restart the server daily to clear memory. These help, but hardware limitations eventually require upgrades.
What Java version does SkyFactory 4 need?
Java 8 64-bit is required. Newer Java versions cause compatibility issues with Forge and mods. Don’t use Java 11 or 17—stick with Java 8.
Can I add more mods to SkyFactory 4?
You can, but it increases RAM requirements and risks compatibility issues. Each additional mod adds overhead. If you’re already pushing your RAM limits, adding mods guarantees problems.
Final Thoughts
SkyFactory 4 rewards automation creativity but punishes inadequate hardware. Start with 8GB RAM if you’re serious about multiplayer, optimize chunk loading from day one, and monitor server performance regularly. The modpack’s stability and engaging progression make it worth the investment—just don’t cheap out on server resources and expect smooth gameplay.
