How to Fix the "OutOfMemoryError: Java Heap Space" Error?

Hello HolyHosting community! 👋

Today we’re going to talk about something essential for anyone starting out in Minecraft server management: the amount of RAM allocated! 🧠💾

The Importance of RAM in Your Minecraft Server 🖥️

When running a Minecraft server, one of the first things to consider is how much RAM is assigned. Many new admins don’t realize that Minecraft servers can require a significant amount of RAM just to start. 🤯

Memory-Related Errors 🛑

One of the most common issues is the “OutOfMemoryError: Java Heap Space” error. This indicates that your server ran out of memory (RAM) either during startup or while running. The nature of this error is simple: you don’t have enough RAM to run the server, or you ran out of RAM while the server was loading its processes 😨.

⚠️ Common Issue: The server freezes or stops while trying to load everything.

✔️ Solution: First, check if you have enough RAM to start the server 💻. During the pre-initialization phase (startup), the server uses the maximum RAM simultaneously as it loads all necessary files 📁. If you encounter this error before the “Startup Complete” message appears and confirms the server is online, your server likely needs more RAM to start 📈.

❗ Recommended Actions ❗

• Upgrade your server plan: If you’re on a basic plan, you may need more resources 🌟.

• Reduce the server’s intended load: Running a modded server with only 512 MB or 1 GB may be too much. Consider scaling down to something lighter, like a Bukkit or Vanilla server.

  
  

Server starts but then stops? 🚦

If your server starts and you can connect but then crashes with “OutOfMemoryError: Java Heap Space,” it means your server ran out of RAM. This is common on servers that barely load files while trying to handle tentative loads.

⚠️ Common Issue: The server stops when players join or when many world chunks, mobs, items on the ground, plugins, or any other elements the server needs are being loaded.

✔️ Solution: The fix may involve increasing the available RAM or reducing the server load (fewer players, fewer mods/plugins).

❗ Recommended Actions ❗

• Monitor RAM usage: Use monitoring tools 🖥️ to identify when and where RAM is being depleted 🔍.

• Optimize the server: Remove unnecessary mods or plugins, adjust mob spawn settings, and limit the number of chunks/entities loaded simultaneously ⚙️.

  
  

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful! 🚀 Remember, don’t hesitate to ask questions on the HolyHosting Discord or contact our support team.

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Stuffy @ HolyHosting