Optimizing Enshrouded server performance

Enshrouded is a visually rich survival RPG with extensive base building and terrain deformation. That combination makes the game heavier on servers than many other survival games. In this article we cover every aspect of server performance: from hardware choices and settings to practical optimization tips.

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Hardware requirements

SSD storage is not a luxury but a necessity. The server regularly loads and unloads chunks of the world. On a traditional hard drive this leads to noticeable stuttering. NVMe storage performs best.

What affects performance?

Enshrouded servers are stressed more heavily by four factors:

• Number of players: each player generates network traffic and requires calculations for position, inventory and interactions.
• Base building: large bases with hundreds of blocks increase memory usage. The more placed objects, the harder the server works.
• Terrain deformation: Enshrouded allows players to modify the terrain. Every change is saved and calculated.
• Fog and enemies: the Shroud areas are more intensive than the open world due to fog effects and enemy AI.

Server settings for better performance

In the file enshrouded_server.json you can adjust various parameters:

Limit player count

Set the maximum number of players to a realistic number for your hardware. Start with 8 and only increase if the server runs smoothly. More players than the hardware can handle leads to rubberbanding and disconnects.

Adjust backup interval

According to Keen's FAQ, the server saves the world every 5 minutes. The enshrouded_server.json settings documented by Keen have no option to change this interval. Make extra backups yourself, for example through the game panel, preferably at a time when the server is less busy.

Schedule server restarts

Enshrouded servers can leak memory after extended use. Schedule a daily restart at a quiet time (for example 04:00 or 05:00). This prevents increasing lag over time. Through the HostValues game panel you can set this up automatically.

Optimization tips

Agree on base building rules

Set guidelines for your players:

• Limit the number of placed light sources. Each light source requires calculations.
• Avoid extremely large bases in one location. Spread the building across multiple smaller bases.
• Use decorative items in moderation. Every object counts.

Limit terrain deformation

While it is a fun feature, intensive digging and leveling can significantly enlarge the save file and slow down the server. Agree that players should not dig massive tunnel systems.

Network optimization

• Use a wired connection for the server (no WiFi).
• Choose a server location close to most players. At HostValues you select the location with the lowest ping via the latency meter.
• Make sure the query port is correctly opened: 15637 UDP by default (the queryPort setting). Keen also refers to the ports Steam itself uses. On a rented server, use the IP address and port shown in the game panel.

Monitoring

Keep an eye on memory usage through the game panel or via SSH. If memory goes above 90 percent, consider upgrading or limit the number of players. If memory usage gradually rises over hours without more players joining, a scheduled restart is the solution.

My server stutters after a few hours. What can I do?

This points to a memory leak, which occurs with long-running Enshrouded servers. Schedule an automatic restart through the game panel. A restart every 12 to 24 hours keeps performance stable. Additionally, lowering the maximum player count helps if you are close to the RAM limit.

How much RAM do I need for 16 players?

According to Keen, the server process uses about 4.4 GB of RAM when idle plus up to 100 MB per player, and no more than 6 GB in total. That is why we recommend the Ember plan (8 GB), also for a full server with 16 players; Inferno (16 GB) gives extra headroom for very large worlds. For a machine of your own, Keen recommends 16 GB of RAM and, for 16 players, 8 cores at 3.7 GHz.