Improve Game Server Performance

Recognizing Performance Problems

Typical symptoms:

  • Lag: Delays in actions
  • Rubberbanding: Players getting snapped back
  • Crashes: Server crashes regularly
  • Low TPS: Below 20 TPS (Minecraft)
  • High Ping: Even though the server location is nearby

Causes and Solutions

1. Not Enough RAM

Symptom: Lag spikes, OutOfMemory errors

Solution:

  • Upgrade RAM
  • Track down memory leaks caused by plugins
  • Regular restarts

2. CPU Load Too High

Symptom: Constant lag, low TPS

Solution:

  • Reduce player count
  • Reduce plugins/mods
  • Lower view distance
  • Set entity limits

3. Too Many Plugins

Symptom: Slow commands, lag spikes

Solution:

  • Remove unused plugins
  • Find lighter alternatives
  • Use a plugin profiler

4. Network Issues

Symptom: High ping, packet loss

Solution:

  • Check server location
  • Optimize rate settings
  • Contact your provider

Monitoring

Tool Game What it measures
Spark Minecraft TPS, memory, CPU per plugin
net_graph CS2/TF2 Ping, loss, choke
Perf Rust FPS, entity count
Prometheus All CPU, RAM, network

Checklist

  • RAM usage below 80%
  • CPU usage below 70%
  • TPS at 20 (Minecraft)
  • Ping below 50ms (for players in Germany)
  • No error logs
  • Regular restarts active
  • Backups working