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Pixelmon server hosting: RAM, plan and setup

3 min readUpdated Nov 3, 2026Copy link

Pixelmon is a long-running Pokémon-style mod for Minecraft Java. The current version runs on NeoForge for Minecraft 1.21.1, and you can get it from its official download page, CurseForge or Modrinth.

Where to get Pixelmon #

Pixelmon is a fan-made mod. Download it only from official sources:

• The official Pixelmon download page at reforged.gg, the Pixelmon team’s download site. It lists the mod download and a Server Jar for each version.
• The Pixelmon Modpack, published by the Pixelmon team on CurseForge and Modrinth. It adds the Pixelmon soundtrack, JourneyMap, Oh The Biomes You'll Go and a few helper mods.

Avoid re-upload sites that offer "Pixelmon server jars". They may be outdated or modified, and you can't tell what's inside.

Older Pixelmon versions exist for older Minecraft versions (the modpack has files for 1.12.2, 1.16.5 and 1.20.x). Use them only if your group wants that version.

How much RAM Pixelmon needs #

Pixelmon's own server installation guide asks for at least 4 GB of allocated memory, preferably more, and says the exact need depends on your player count and other mods or plugins.

Our practical range (an estimate built on that 4 GB floor, not a number from Pixelmon). Pixelmon spawns lots of Pokémon entities around every player, so RAM and CPU both grow with players:

Which ESN plan fits #

NeoForge needs a plan with at least 2 GB on ESN, but Pixelmon itself asks for 4 GB or more. Prices are the regular monthly list prices; see plans and billing.

CPU

On ESN, 100% CPU is one full core. Minecraft runs most game logic on one main thread, so a big modpack needs a strong core more than many cores. The extra cores still help with chunk loading, world generation and Java garbage collection, which modpacks do a lot of. The Minecraft-ready Pro plans give more CPU per GB (ESN Pro 8GB has 400%, ESN Extreme 8 GB has 250%), so pick Pro when players explore a lot or the pack has heavy automation.

Set up Pixelmon on ESN #

Option 1: The Pixelmon Modpack (easiest)

1. Buy a plan and choose NeoForge as the Minecraft type.
2. Open Files and choose Install a modpack. Search for The Pixelmon Modpack and choose Install pack. It downloads the pack's server mods and config files from Modrinth and sets the Minecraft and loader versions on the Startup page. Files with the same name are kept, so take a backup first if the server already has a world.
3. When it says installed, go to Settings and choose Reinstall Server (Fabric servers show a Reinstall now button) so the matching loader is downloaded.
4. In Startup, set Docker Image to Java 21.
5. Start the server, accept the EULA prompt, and wait for Done.

Option 2: Pixelmon on its own

1. Buy a plan with NeoForge. In Startup, set Minecraft 1.21.1, the NeoForge version Pixelmon asks for (21.1.200 for 9.4.1), and Docker Image Java 21. Then Reinstall Server in Settings.
2. Download the Pixelmon server jar from the official download page and upload it to the mods folder in Files. See upload files.
3. Start the server, accept the EULA prompt, and wait for Done.
4. Players install the same Pixelmon version (the modpack is the simplest way).

RAM and Java flags: you don't edit -Xmx on ESN. The panel starts the server and sets its memory from your plan, so the pack's own user_jvm_args.txt and start scripts are not used. If you need custom startup flags, ask in the ESN Systems Discord. See startup settings and the startup flags generator for what the flags do.

Common problems #

• "Can't keep up! Is the server overloaded?" Normal once during the first start. If it repeats while people play, profile it with spark and fix the top cause. See fix "Can't keep up".
• Players can't join, "mismatched mod list" or missing mods. Every player needs the exact same pack version as the server. Update the server and all players together.
• The server crashes at start with a client-only mod. Shaders, minimaps and menu mods sometimes only run on the client. Use the official server files, which leave them out, and don't copy your client mods folder.
• "Unsupported class file major version" or UnsupportedClassVersionError. Wrong Java version. Change Docker Image in Startup and restart.
• OutOfMemoryError or the server stops under load. The pack needs more RAM than your plan has. Lower view-distance or move to a bigger plan. See Minecraft RAM.
• Players join without Pixelmon. On Pixelmon 9.4.2 they get a message naming the version they need. Point them to the official download or the modpack.
• NeoForge too old. Each Pixelmon release has a minimum NeoForge version. Match the one on the download page, then reinstall.

FAQ #

How much RAM does a Pixelmon server need?

Pixelmon's server guide asks for at least 4 GB, preferably more. We suggest 6 GB for up to 5 players and 8 to 12 GB for bigger groups.

Where can I download Pixelmon safely?

From the official Pixelmon download page (reforged.gg), or The Pixelmon Modpack on CurseForge or Modrinth, which the Pixelmon team publishes. Avoid re-upload sites.

Is Pixelmon Forge or NeoForge?

Current Pixelmon (9.4.x) runs on NeoForge for Minecraft 1.21.1 and needs Java 21. Older Pixelmon versions used Forge.

Do players need to install anything?

Yes. Every player needs the same Pixelmon version as the server. The Pixelmon Modpack is the easiest way for them to get it.

Sources: Official Pixelmon download page (9.4.1 recommended on NeoForge 21.1.200, 9.4.2 beta on NeoForge 21.1.248, server jars, Java 21) (checked Nov 3, 2026) · Pixelmon wiki: Server installation (at least 4 GB allocated memory, preferably more) (checked Nov 3, 2026) · The Pixelmon Modpack on CurseForge (owner PixelmonMod; 9.4.2, NeoForge 1.21.1) (checked Nov 3, 2026) · The Pixelmon Modpack on Modrinth (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.