Modded vs Vanilla Minecraft Servers: Performance, Cost & Complexity
Updated: February 2026 · Reading time: ~8 minutes
Choosing between modded and vanilla isn't just about gameplay — it's about performance, stability, and cost.
Vanilla Servers
- Low resource usage
- High stability
- Easy setup
Typical requirements:
- 2–4GB RAM
- Minimal CPU load
Modded Servers
- Heavy CPU usage
- High RAM requirements
- Complex setup
Typical requirements:
- 6–12GB RAM
- Fast CPU
Performance Comparison
| Factor | Vanilla | Modded |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | Low | High |
| CPU Load | Low | Very High |
| Stability | High | Variable |
| Setup Difficulty | Easy | Complex |
Common Modded Issues
- Memory leaks
- Tick lag from mods
- Incompatible mod versions
- Long startup times
When to Choose Each
Choose Vanilla if:
- You want stability
- You host casual players
- You want low cost
Choose Modded if:
- You want unique gameplay
- You run a community server
- You can manage complexity
Hybrid Approach (Recommended)
Many servers use Paper + plugins to simulate modded features without the performance hit.