Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

Sons of the Forest Server Requirements: RAM, CPU and Hosting Explained

Steam’s 12 GB and 16 GB figures are for the game client, not its dedicated server. Here is what is known, how to measure your own workload, and how self-hosting compares with renting.
Length9 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

There is no verified official RAM or CPU specification for a Sons of the Forest dedicated server. Steam’s 12 GB minimum and 16 GB recommended figures apply to the playable game client, not the server tool. The available evidence consists of Windows tool metadata and dated player reports, so server sizing should be treated as a monitored deployment decision rather than a fixed Endnight requirement.

Client requirements are not dedicated-server requirements

The most common sizing mistake is copying the system requirements shown on the Sons of the Forest store page into a server plan. The store listing describes the computer running the game client. It quotes “Memory: 12 GB RAM” as the minimum and lists 16 GB as recommended. Those figures tell you what a player’s gaming PC needs; they do not establish how much memory a headless dedicated server consumes.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Item What is documented What it means for hosting
Playable game client 12 GB RAM minimum; 16 GB RAM recommended on the Steam listing (accessed 2026) Applies to a PC running the game, rendering graphics and handling a player session. It is not a server target.
Dedicated-server tool No authoritative CPU or RAM requirement was located Do not label 12 GB, 16 GB, or any other figure as an official server minimum or recommendation.
Tool platform metadata SteamDB lists App ID 2465200 as a Windows dedicated-server tool Use the current tool record and release notes to confirm platform support before deployment; SteamDB is secondary metadata, not an Endnight specification.

A server process also has a different workload from the client. It does not render a 3D view for every connected person, but it must maintain the shared world, simulation state, networking and save data. The balance changes with the world, connected players, other software on the machine and the version of the server tool. That is why a client memory label cannot be converted into a server formula.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What the evidence says about RAM and CPU

No published target has been established

No named developer, platform authority or organization-published benchmark in the available material specifies a dedicated-server minimum or recommended CPU, RAM amount, core count or player-count formula. Any hosting page that presents one of those figures as an official Sons of the Forest requirement is making a claim beyond the documented evidence.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Gaoye Blue Light Blocking Glasses
  • BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
  • EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
  • COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
  • WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.

Dated community observations

A Steam Community discussion dated June 23, 2023 contains two personal observations. User Castaway described a six-core machine with 8 GB of RAM as “smooth as butter.” User Patrick Star reported about 30% CPU use on four virtual CPUs and 6.1 GB of RAM on a Xeon E5-2673 v4 system. These are useful context for what two individuals saw, but they are not controlled tests.

Report Observed setup Proper interpretation
Castaway, June 23, 2023 6 cores, 8 GB RAM; described as “smooth as butter” One user’s experience on one world, player load and software version. It is not a minimum, recommendation or guarantee.
Patrick Star, June 23, 2023 Approximately 30% CPU on 4 vCPUs and 6.1 GB RAM; Xeon E5-2673 v4 A personal measurement whose result may change with players, save, virtualization, background tasks and later game updates.

Neither report tells you how many players were connected, how long the measurement lasted, whether the host was running other applications or how memory changed as a save grew. Use them as reasons to measure your own workload, not as purchasing rules.

How to size a server when there is no official number

Start with the workload, not the store page

Write down whether the machine will run only the dedicated server or also a game client, voice chat, backups, monitoring and other services. A host that runs the client at the same time has less memory and CPU headroom for the server than a machine dedicated to hosting. Decide how many people you expect at the same time, but do not turn that estimate into a universal RAM-per-player calculation; no such formula is established here.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
Windex Gaming Cleaning Wipes, Pre-Moistened Wipes to Instantly Clean all Gaming Gear and Electronics, Resealable Packaging for a Freshness Lock, 25 count (Pack of 1)
  • WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
  • AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
  • PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
  • ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
  • COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed

Use a capacity test

  1. Install the server on the machine you intend to use, or on a matching test instance.
  2. Load the actual save that your group will play. A fresh world is not a substitute for a mature save with your normal structures and inventory.
  3. Connect the largest group you realistically expect and play long enough to expose spikes rather than judging from the first minute after launch.
  4. Record total system memory, server-process memory, CPU utilisation and any visible simulation or connection problems. Record whether the measurements are from physical hardware or a virtual machine.
  5. Repeat after an update or a major change in player count. A result from June 2023 should not be assumed to describe a current build in 2026.

Leave room for the operating system

The server process is not the only consumer of RAM. Windows, security software, logs, backups and update processes need working space, and a machine that begins swapping can become unstable even when the server itself has not reached a nominal limit. Choose a host with more memory than your observed peak and keep background services under control. The evidence does not justify naming a universal extra number; measure the complete machine instead.

Watch the right failure signals

  • Memory pressure: rising total usage, paging or allocation failures points to insufficient headroom or competing applications.
  • CPU saturation: sustained high utilisation, especially on one busy core, can produce simulation or tick delays even when total CPU percentage looks moderate.
  • Network problems: disconnects and failed joins can result from firewall or router configuration rather than insufficient RAM.
  • Save and disk issues: slow storage or a full drive can affect startup and save operations independently of CPU capacity.

Self-hosting the dedicated server on Windows

A Steam Community configuration guide describes a Windows and SteamCMD route, with installation also possible through Steam. The guide was written in June 2023, so treat file paths, defaults and labels as version-sensitive.

  1. Prepare a Windows host. Use a machine that can remain powered and connected for the periods your group needs. Apply operating-system updates and make sure the account running the service can write to the installation and save locations.
  2. Install the dedicated-server tool. In SteamCMD, use App ID 2465200 for the Sons of the Forest dedicated-server tool. The same tool can be installed through the Steam client. Confirm the current app metadata before relying on platform details.
  3. Run the first launch. Start StartSOTFDedicated.bat. The initial run creates or populates the configuration data needed for the server.
  4. Stop the process and edit its configuration. The guide’s example separates Steam, game and query communication ports and includes a maximum-player setting. Use the configuration generated by your installed version; do not assume an example path or default remains unchanged.
  5. Set a deliberate player limit. Choose a maximum that matches your tested workload rather than treating the configuration’s example value as a performance guarantee. A lower limit can protect headroom while you collect measurements.
  6. Start the server again and test locally. Confirm that it loads the intended save, accepts a connection and writes logs without errors. Keep the first test small enough to diagnose problems before inviting the full group.
  7. Configure the router and firewall. For a home server behind a router, forward each port listed in your active configuration to the host’s local address, and allow the server through Windows Firewall as appropriate. The guide’s example port values are not universal if you changed the configuration or launch arguments.
  8. Document and maintain it. Record the installed tool version, configuration location, ports, save-backup location and update procedure. Back up saves before updates or configuration changes, and retest after an update because community instructions and defaults can become stale.

Keep the server host’s local address stable so router forwarding does not silently point to another device. If friends cannot connect while local testing works, check the firewall, forwarded ports, public address and whether your internet connection permits inbound connections before buying more hardware.

Rank #3
Sale
LISEN Cell Phone Stand Phone Holder for Desk, Office Decor Gadgets for Men
  • Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
  • Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
  • Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
  • ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
  • Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)

Self-hosting versus renting a game server

You can run the process on your own Windows machine or rent a provider-run game server. Renting can remove the need to keep a home computer powered and to maintain router rules, but the provider’s actual controls, uptime terms, locations, compatibility and price must be checked on the current plan. No current provider offer or price is established here.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Decision factor Self-hosting Rental hosting
Setup and maintenance You install or update the tool, edit configuration, maintain Windows and troubleshoot the network. The provider supplies a management interface and maintains the host platform; the exact interface and responsibilities vary by plan.
Control Direct access to files, logs, launch settings and the machine. Control is limited to the settings and file access exposed by the plan.
Availability The server is reachable only while your machine, network and power remain available. The server runs in the provider’s facility; verify its uptime policy, maintenance schedule and geographic location.
Cost Uses existing hardware but adds electricity, storage and the value of your maintenance time. Charges recur according to the selected plan; current prices were not established in the available material.
Resource headroom You can observe and upgrade the complete machine directly. You depend on the plan’s allocated resources and the provider’s reporting; confirm what CPU and RAM are actually included.

Choose self-hosting when you already have a suitable Windows machine, want unrestricted file access and can keep it online. Choose a rental service when continuous availability and reduced maintenance matter more than direct hardware control. In either case, ask how saves are backed up, how updates are applied, whether you can change ports and player limits, and what happens if the world becomes incompatible after an update.

If you decide to rent, Godlike.Host runs Sons of the Forest servers on its Pterodactyl-based game panel, with free DDoS protection, up to three free backups a day with restore and upgrades or downgrades from the panel; see the current plans. Its Sons of the Forest plans list 4, 12 and 20 slots; the server’s MaxPlayers setting allows 1 to 8 players (Steam Community server guide, 11 Oct 2026).

Rank #4
Ledagic IC+RGBW USB Powered Led Light Bar with App & Remote Control, 2 Pack
  • Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
  • Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
  • 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
  • Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
  • USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Troubleshooting resource and connection problems

The server starts but runs out of memory

Stop unrelated applications, check Windows’ total memory and paging activity, and compare the peak with the server process. If the host also runs a client or other services, move those workloads elsewhere or use a larger machine. Do not “fix” the problem by declaring 8 GB or 12 GB an official requirement; those figures are not established server specifications.

CPU usage is high or play feels delayed

Measure per-core and total CPU usage while reproducing the problem with the normal player group. Check for scheduled backups, updates or other processes competing with the server. If the issue persists on a clean host, test a faster CPU or additional headroom and compare results after the same save and player workload. The 30% observation from a four-vCPU virtual machine cannot predict your hardware.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Friends cannot join

Verify that the server is running, the configured ports match the firewall rules, and the router forwards those same ports to the current local address. Recheck the tool’s configuration after an update. A port number copied from an old guide can be wrong if you changed the setting or launch arguments.

Best Value
Sale
HUANUO FlowLift™ Dual Monitor Stand, Fully Adjustable Gaming Monitor Desk Mount for 13–32″ Computer Screens, Full Motion VESA 75x75/100x100 with C-Clamp & Grommet Base, Each Arm Holds 4.4 to 19.8 lbs
  • Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
  • Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
  • Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
  • Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
  • Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.

The server disappears when the host leaves

That is expected for a home deployment whose computer is shut down, asleep or disconnected. Use power and sleep settings appropriate for a continuously running machine, or move the world to a rental host whose availability terms meet your group’s needs.

Pre-launch checklist

  • Confirm that you are sizing the dedicated-server process, not the 12 GB/16 GB client requirement.
  • Verify the current Windows support and App ID 2465200 in the tool’s metadata.
  • Install the tool, run StartSOTFDedicated.bat once, then edit the configuration generated by that version.
  • Set and document the Steam, game and query ports and the maximum-player value.
  • Forward the configured ports and allow the server through the host firewall.
  • Test the real save and expected player group while recording CPU, memory, disk and network behaviour.
  • Back up saves and record an update and rollback procedure.
  • If renting, verify allocated CPU/RAM, save access, backups, locations, update policy, port controls, uptime terms and recurring price before committing.

The defensible answer to “How much RAM and CPU does a Sons of the Forest server need?” is therefore: no authoritative target is published in the available evidence. The 2023 reports show that individual setups around 8 GB or 6.1 GB in use can work under particular conditions, but only your measured workload can establish a safe configuration for your world and player group.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Set Up a RedM (RDR2) Server in 2026: License Key, txAdmin and server.cfg, Step by StepBlog11min
  2. Best RedM (RDR2) Server Hosting in 2026: Comparing Four Hosts on Slots, Memory and PriceBlog10min
  3. How to Host a Mindustry Server in 2026: server-release.jar, Port 6567 and the Commands That MatterBlog7min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.