How much RAM does a Pixelmon server need?
A Pixelmon server needs about 8 GB of RAM for five players, 10 GB for ten players and 15 GB for twenty. Pixelmon is one large mod rather than a pack of hundreds, so it starts lighter than a kitchen-sink modpack, but every Pokémon that spawns is an entity the server has to move, track and save. Each player carries a ring of spawns around them, which is why the RAM grows with the number of people out exploring at the same time.
| Players online | RAM needed | Plan size | Lowest price for that size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 5 | 8 GB | 8 GB | CheapestMinecraftHosting Plus, €6.40 a month in Poland (Warsaw) |
| 6 to 10 | 10 GB | 12 GB | CheapestMinecraftHosting Builder, €9.60 a month in Poland (Warsaw) |
| 11 to 20 | 15 GB | 16 GB | CheapestMinecraftHosting Pro, €12.80 a month in Poland (Warsaw) |
Astroworld Hosting lists Pixelmon at 4 to 6 GB for up to eight players and 8 to 12 GB from twenty players up. A small group that plays together can start there; add a few gigabytes if you plan to run extra mods next to Pixelmon, such as JourneyMap, claims or an economy.
Pixelmon server version: which Minecraft version and loader?
The current Pixelmon runs on Minecraft 1.21.1 with NeoForge and Java 21. Since version 9.3, Pixelmon is built for NeoForge instead of Forge, and the official site at reforged.gg names the NeoForge build each release needs. Older Pixelmon versions, such as those for Minecraft 1.16.5, still run on Forge. Pick the version your group wants first, then set the server to the matching loader and Minecraft version; the panel chooses the right Java with it.
How to make a Pixelmon server
A Pixelmon server takes four steps to set up, and you can change its spawns once it runs:
- Order a plan with 8 GB or more, and set the server software to NeoForge for Minecraft 1.21.1.
- Add the Pixelmon mod to the
modsfolder through the file manager, or install a Pixelmon modpack from the panel's modpack installer, which sets the loader for you. - Start the server once. The first start creates the Pixelmon config files. This is where you change spawn rates, legendary spawns and which Pokémon appear in which biome.
- Send your friends the address. They install the same Pixelmon version with NeoForge in their launcher and join.
Pixelmon spawns, gyms and server settings
Pixelmon replaces most vanilla mob spawning with its own system, where Pokémon appear by biome, time of day and weather. It also adds Poké Centers, shops and gyms to the world, which are built when new chunks generate. Both are configurable in the config folder, and both explain why a Pixelmon server works hardest when players explore new land. Pre-generating the area around spawn helps, and so does keeping the view distance at 8 to 10 chunks.
Cobblemon vs Pixelmon for a server
Choose Pixelmon for a server that feels close to the Pokémon games, and Cobblemon for a lighter server in Minecraft's own style. Pixelmon runs on NeoForge, while Cobblemon was built for Fabric and has a NeoForge version too. They cannot run together on one server. If your group has not chosen yet, our page on Cobblemon server hosting has the numbers for the other side.
Can Bedrock players join a Pixelmon server?
No, Bedrock players cannot join a Pixelmon server. Pixelmon needs the mod installed on each player's own computer to show its Pokémon, and Bedrock Edition on phones and consoles cannot load Java mods. Everyone in your group needs Minecraft Java Edition on a PC or Mac.
Best Pixelmon server hosting plans
The best Pixelmon server hosting for ten players is a 12 GB plan, and five players fit on 8 GB.
For 6 to 10 players with mods on Java in Poland (Warsaw), the finder recommends Lodehost Standard: 12 GB, AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, DDR5, for €23.95 a month when you pay monthly. As a new customer you pay €9.58 for the first month, 60% off. The best plans at the other two hosts are Astroworld Standard Performance at €23.95 and CheapestMinecraftHosting Builder at €9.60.
| If you want | Host and plan | Memory | Processor | Location | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest price | CheapestMinecraftHosting Builder | 12 GB | AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, DDR5 | Poland (Warsaw) | €9.60 |
| Balanced | Lodehost Standard | 12 GB | AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, DDR5 | Poland (Warsaw) | €23.95 (€20.95 on 24 mo) New customers: €9.58 for the first month, 60% off |
| More performance | Astroworld Standard Performance | 12 GB | AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, DDR5 | Poland (Warsaw) | €23.95 (€20.95 on 24 mo) New customers: €9.58 a month for the first 3 months, 60% off |
For five players, CheapestMinecraftHosting Plus gives you 8 GB for €6.40 a month in Poland. For ten players, a 12 GB plan such as Astroworld Standard costs €16.95, and Lodehost Standard adds reserved Ryzen 9 threads for €23.95. More about loaders and mods is on our page about modded Minecraft hosting.