Packyard blog and guides
Setup guides, RAM figures, lag fixes and how-tos for running Minecraft, modpack, Valheim, Terraria and Project Zomboid servers.
All 34 posts and guides
Valheim Server RAM: How Much You Need in 2026
How much RAM a Valheim dedicated server needs by group size and world age, what really fills it after 1.0, and the signs that 4 GB is no longer enough.
Minecraft Server IP Keeps Changing? Why, and 4 Fixes
Minecraft server IP changes after every restart or router reboot? Why it happens at home, on Aternos and on paid hosts, and how to give friends one address.
Aternos Mods Missing After Deleting? Fix the Crash
Removed a mod on Aternos and now the game says it's missing or the server crashes? Find which of 4 causes you have and fix it without losing your world.
Aternos vs Paid Minecraft Hosting: When Free Is Enough
Aternos is free, and for many groups that's all they need. Here are the signs you've outgrown it, what paid hosting costs per GB, and how to move your world.
ATM10 Server RAM: How Much You Need (Small Group)
How much RAM does an All the Mods 10 server need? Real sizes by player count, why it's CPU-heavy, and the lighter ATM10: To the Sky that runs on 5 GB.
Cobblemon Server RAM: How Much You Need (2026)
How much RAM does a Cobblemon server need? Our measured idle use, sizes for 2-5 and 6-10 players, Fabric vs NeoForge, and spawn settings that cut lag.
Custom Mods on Aternos: Can You Upload Your Own?
Aternos only installs mods from its own library: you can't upload a jar or import your own modpack. What works instead, and the easiest way around the limit.
How to Make a Cobbleverse Server (Fabric 1.21.1)
Set up a Cobbleverse server: the exact pack version, Fabric 1.21.1 and Java 21, how much RAM it needs, why friends can't join, and the one-click route.
Minecraft Realms vs Server Hosting: Cost and Limits
Java Realms is $7.99 a month for 10 players and no mods or plugins. Compare it with renting your own server: price, modpacks, plugins, backups and who it's for.
RLCraft Server Lag: Fixes That Work (1.12.2, v2.9.3)
RLCraft server lagging? Find out if it's RAM or CPU with spark, trim view distance and entities, and see what size we use for RLCraft v2.9.3 on 1.12.2.
Vault Hunters 3 Server RAM: How Much You Need
How much RAM does a Vault Hunters 3rd Edition server need? Sizes by group, why vaults spike memory, Java 17 setup, and the lag fixes that actually help.
Which Java Version for a Minecraft Server? (1.12-26.3)
Java 8, 16, 17, 21 or 25? The exact Java each Minecraft server version needs, from Mojang's own data, and the fix for UnsupportedClassVersionError on start.
Best Cobblemon modpacks
The Cobblemon modpacks worth playing: the official pack, Cobbleverse, All the Mons, Cobblemon Delta and more, with loader, Minecraft version and what each is for.
Cobblemon commands
Every common Cobblemon command with syntax: spawn and give Pokémon, heal, edit, PC and Pokédex commands, plus how to get permission to use them on a server.
Cobblemon vs Pixelmon
Cobblemon and Pixelmon side by side: loader, Minecraft version, style, modpacks and server setup, plus which one fits a friends' server.
How to add mods to an Aternos server
Yes, Aternos runs mods. Add them from its library step by step, match the loader and version, and see your options when the mod you want is not listed.
How to make a modded Minecraft server
Step by step: pick a loader and version, install the server, add mods (and leave out client-only ones), give it enough RAM, and let your friends in.
How to play Cobblemon
How to download and install Cobblemon the easy way (official modpack in a launcher), what you need, and the three ways to play it with friends.
How to port forward a Minecraft server
Port forward 25565 for Minecraft Java step by step: static local IP, router rule, firewall, testing it from outside, plus CGNAT, the most common reason it fails.
Is Aternos safe?
Aternos is a real free Minecraft host, paid for by ads. Here's what's safe, where the real risks are (ads, fake sites, who you give access to) and how to protect your world.
Is Cobblemon on Bedrock?
Cobblemon is Java Edition only. What the Bedrock "Cobblemon" addons really are, why most PC players already own Java Edition, and how to play with friends.
Is Project Zomboid multiplayer?
Yes, Project Zomboid is multiplayer. Here's where Build 42 multiplayer stands, the three ways to play with friends, and why your friend can't connect.
Project Zomboid admin commands
Every common Project Zomboid admin command for Build 42 servers: how to make someone admin, kick and ban, spawn items, start events, and change server options.
Valheim console commands
How to open the Valheim console, the admin commands that work on a dedicated server, how to make yourself admin, and what devcommands can and can't do.
How to move your Aternos world to your own server
How to download your Aternos world and move it to a server that stays online with a permanent address. Step by step, about 10 minutes.
How to move your Realms world to your own server (Java Edition)
How to download your Realms world in Java Edition and move it to your own server with a permanent address. Step by step, about 10 minutes.
Permanent Minecraft server addresses with a WireGuard edge and mc-router
How Packyard gives each game server an address that stays the same when the server moves between machines: one edge VPS, mc-router, WireGuard, and what broke along the way.
How much RAM does your modpack server need?
RAM recommendations for 17 popular Minecraft modpacks (Cobblemon, ATM10, Create, GTNH and more) for 2–5, 6–10 and 10–20 players, plus which packs need CPU more than RAM.
How to make a Cobblemon server
Step-by-step: set up a Cobblemon server for your friends on your own PC (Fabric, Java 21, port forwarding), or skip the setup and get one installed for you.
How to make a Minecraft server
Step-by-step: run a Minecraft Java server for your friends on your own PC (server .jar, EULA, RAM, port 25565), or skip the setup and get one with an address that never changes.
How to make a Project Zomboid server
Step-by-step: run a Project Zomboid dedicated server for your friends on your own PC (free Steam tool, UDP 16261–16262, admin password), or skip the setup and get one with a permanent address.
How to make a Terraria server
Step-by-step: run a Terraria server for your friends on your own PC (dedicated server, port 7777, password), or skip the setup and get one with a permanent address.
How to make a Valheim server
Step-by-step: run a Valheim dedicated server for your friends on your own PC (free Steam tool, ports 2456–2457, password), or skip the setup and get one with a permanent address.
How to make an RLCraft server
Step-by-step: run an RLCraft server for your friends on your own PC (server pack, Java 8, Forge 1.12.2, port 25565), or skip the setup and get one installed for you.
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