ACLClouds
ACLClouds

The game server slows down even though the ping is good

Tell apart CPU or memory saturation, a slow server tick, a plugin and a network problem.

Low ping does not guarantee smooth simulation. Game servers often rely heavily on a CPU core and the time it takes for each tick.

Step-by-step procedure

  1. Compare CPU and RAM

    Watch the statistics while the lag occurs and note whether the CPU reaches its limit or whether memory causes restarts.

  2. Measure the tick

    Use the game or framework performance command to check TPS, frametime, or tick duration.

  3. Reduce the load

    Reduce the view distance, AI load, entity count or save frequency, and temporarily disable recently added plugins.

  4. Test without players

    Compare an empty server with a loaded one. Lag that only appears with many players helps you choose the right plan.