Modpack server hosting: RAM and plan for 7 popular packs
Modpacks need far more RAM and CPU than a plain server, and each pack is different. Find your pack below for its real RAM numbers, the ESN plan that fits and a full setup guide.
Packs at a glance #
| Pack | Minecraft | Loader | RAM (source) | Suggested ESN plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All the Mods 10 (ATM10) | 1.21.1 | NeoForge | 6 GB floor (pack guide); 8 to 16 GB in practice | ESN Pro 8GB, 12GB or 16GB |
| Cobblemon Official Modpack | 1.21.1 | Fabric | 2.5 GB minimum, 3 GB+ (pack page); 4 to 8 GB for a server | ESN Elite (4 GB) to Pro 8GB |
| Create: Arcane Engineering / Create: Astral | 1.18.2 | Forge / Fabric | CAE: 8 GB recommended, 4 GB minimum (pack page) | ESN Ultra (6 GB) to Pro 8GB |
| Pixelmon | 1.21.1 | NeoForge | At least 4 GB, preferably more (Pixelmon wiki) | ESN Ultra (6 GB) to Pro 12GB |
| RLCraft | 1.12.2 | Forge | 3 to 4 GB for players (pack page); 4 to 8 GB for a server | ESN Elite (4 GB) to Pro 8GB |
| Better MC (BMC4 / BMC5) | 1.20.1 / 1.21.1 | Forge / NeoForge | Not stated by the pack; 6 to 16 GB in practice | ESN Pro 8GB to Pro 16GB |
| Prominence II: Hasturian Era | 1.20.1 | Fabric | 8 GB for 3 to 4 players, +1 GB per extra player (official guide) | ESN Pro 8GB to Pro 16GB |
Numbers marked with a source come from the pack's own page or guide (each page links them, checked Nov 3, 2026). Ranges "in practice" or "for a server" are our estimates where the pack states no server number.
How to pick a plan #
- Start from the pack's own number. If the pack states one, never go below it.
- Add room for players. Every player who explores keeps their own area loaded. A common rule (Prominence II's) is 1 GB per extra player.
- Mind the CPU. On ESN, 100% CPU is one core. The Minecraft-ready Pro plans give the most CPU per GB:
| Plan | RAM | CPU | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESN Ultra | 6 GB | 200% | $6.99/mo |
| ESN Extreme | 8 GB | 250% | $7.99/mo |
| ESN Pro 8GB | 8 GB | 400% | $9.99/mo |
| ESN Titan | 10 GB | 300% | $10.99/mo |
| ESN Pro 12GB | 12 GB | 500% | $14.99/mo |
| ESN Pro 16GB | 16 GB | 600% | $19.99/mo |
Forge and NeoForge need a plan with at least 2 GB on ESN and Fabric at least 1 GB, but real modpacks need much more. ESN's largest plan is 16 GB, so very big public modpack servers are better on a host with larger plans. All prices are regular monthly list prices; see plans and billing.
Two ways to install a modpack on ESN #
From Modrinth, in the panel. On Fabric, Forge and NeoForge servers the Files page has an Install a modpack button. Search the pack, choose Install pack, then reinstall the server once so the matching loader is downloaded. Cobblemon, Pixelmon, Prominence II and Better MC BMC4 are on Modrinth.
From CurseForge server files. ATM10, RLCraft, the Create packs and BMC5 are CurseForge only. Set the Minecraft and loader version on the Startup page, reinstall, then upload the pack's server folders with the file manager or SFTP (upload files). Each pack page has the exact steps.
Either way: pick the right Java in Docker Image (Java 8 for 1.12.2, Java 17 for 1.18 to 1.20, Java 21 for 1.21), accept the EULA on first start, and give players the exact same pack version. The panel sets memory from your plan, so you don't edit RAM flags.
When a modpack server struggles #
- "Can't keep up! Is the server overloaded?": profile with spark and fix the top cause.
- Outdated server or client: players and server must match versions.
- How much RAM a Minecraft server needs: signs you need a bigger plan.
- Fix Minecraft lag: view distance, pre-generation and entities.
Not sure? Ask in the ESN Systems Discord with your pack name and player count.
ESN Hosting facts
- Company: ESN Systems (ESN Hosting), esnoffical.com
- Hosts: Discord and Telegram bots, Minecraft (Paper, Purpur, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, Bedrock, Geyser crossplay), Terraria, Factorio, Valheim and other game servers, websites, VPS-lite containers
- Prices: bot hosting from $0.50/month; Minecraft-ready plans from 1 GB ($0.99/month) up to 16 GB ($19.99/month); full list at panel.esnoffical.com/plans
- Bot languages: Python, Node.js, Java, TypeScript, Go, Rust, C# and more
- Server location: United States (Chicago and New York)
- Billing: monthly or yearly in USD through Stripe, cancel any time
- Panel: web console, file manager, SFTP, schedules, subusers, built-in importer
- Support: ESN Systems Discord and live chat on the panel
FAQ #
How much RAM does a modpack server need?
It depends on the pack. Light packs like Cobblemon run on 4 GB for a few friends; big packs like ATM10, Better MC and Prominence II want 8 GB or more, plus about 1 GB per extra player.
Can ESN install a modpack for me?
Packs on Modrinth install from the Files page with the Install a modpack button. CurseForge-only packs are installed by uploading the official server files, which takes a few minutes.
Which Java version does my modpack need?
Java 8 for Minecraft 1.12.2, Java 17 for 1.18 to 1.20.x, and Java 21 for 1.21.x. Change it in Docker Image on the Startup page.
Is 16 GB enough for a modpack server?
For most packs and groups up to around 10 to 12 players, yes. Larger public modpack servers may need more than ESN's largest plan.
Sources: All the Mods server guide (checked Nov 3, 2026) · Cobblemon Official Modpack on Modrinth (checked Nov 3, 2026) · Create: Arcane Engineering on CurseForge (checked Nov 3, 2026) · Pixelmon wiki: Server installation (checked Nov 3, 2026) · RLCraft on CurseForge (checked Nov 3, 2026) · Better MC BMC4 on CurseForge (checked Nov 3, 2026) · Cinderstone Studios: Prominence II server guide (checked Nov 3, 2026)
Still stuck? Use the live chat on the panel or ask in the ESN Systems Discord. Last updated November 3, 2026.