# Squad server requirements and performance

> How much RAM and CPU a Squad server needs for 50 or 100 players, what server tick rate means, and how to keep a full match smooth.

By the Wilderack Crew. Last reviewed 2026-11-13. Topic: Performance tips.

_Wilderack is not affiliated with Offworld Industries. Squad's license rules out running servers commercially, so Squad servers open on Wilderack only once Offworld makes us a hosting partner._

_Squad is a trademark of Offworld Industries Ltd. Wilderack is not affiliated with or endorsed by Offworld Industries Ltd._

A Squad server's job is to keep 100 players, their vehicles and every bullet in step. That takes fast CPU cores more than memory. This guide covers the RAM to plan for, how to read server performance, and what to change when a full match feels slow.

> [!NOTE]
> Squad servers can't be ordered on Wilderack yet. We open Squad once Offworld Industries makes us a hosting partner. The numbers here are what we'll check on our own machines before we open.

## How much RAM to plan for

| Your server | RAM |
|---|---|
| Seeding, or matches up to about 50 players | 8 GB |
| Full 100-player matches | 12 GB |
| Full matches with big mods | 16 GB |

8 GB is also Offworld's minimum for a licensed server. Our [RAM calculator](https://wilderack.com/tools/game-server-ram-calculator/) gives the same advice for your player count and mods.

## CPU matters most

Squad's server runs most of a match on one main thread. A faster core keeps the match smooth. Extra cores help less. Before Squad opens, we'll measure a full 100-player match on our own machines and size the plans from what we see.

## Tick rate

The server updates the match a set number of times each second. That's its **tick rate**, and Wilderack starts Squad at 50. When the server has more work than it can do, the real rate drops below that. Players feel it as:

- Rubber-banding, where players jump back a few steps
- Hits that land late or not at all
- Vehicles that stutter

Offworld's licensing rules judge licensed servers on this rate: above 35 is green, under 25 is yellow, and under 15 puts the license at risk. A busy licensed server needs headroom.

## Keep a full match smooth

1. **Pick the region closest to your players.** Lower ping makes every match feel better. US East and Europe are open now.
2. **Size the plan for your busiest hour**, not your quietest. A 100-player match on 8 GB runs out of room.
3. **Go easy on heavy mods.** Big faction and vehicle mods add memory and work each tick. Add them one at a time and watch the graphs.
4. **Restart once a day.** A scheduled restart in **Schedules** clears out memory that builds up over many matches. Pick an hour when the server is empty.
5. **Use a queue, not a bigger cap.** Keep **Max players** at 100 and let the queue hold the rest.

## Read the graphs

The **Overview** tab shows CPU and memory over time. Look at them during your busiest match:

- **Memory near the top of your plan:** move up a plan, or drop a heavy mod.
- **CPU pinned high with players complaining:** fewer players or fewer mods will help most.
- **Both fine, players still lag:** it's likely their own connection or distance. Check that you picked the right region.

## Why Squad servers stay on

Players find Squad servers in the server browser. A server that sleeps drops out of it, so Squad servers never sleep and are sold on always-on plans.

## Questions and answers

### How much RAM does a Squad server need?

At least 8 GB, which is also Offworld's minimum for a licensed server. A full 100-player match runs best on 12 GB, and 16 GB leaves room for big mods.

### What CPU does a Squad server need?

Fast single cores. The server runs most of a match on one main thread, so a core's speed matters more than how many cores there are.

### What tick rate does a Squad server run at?

Wilderack starts Squad at 50 ticks a second, the rate Squad servers commonly use. If the server can't keep up, the real rate drops and players notice rubber-banding and late hits.

## Sources

- [Server Licensing and Administration Policies](https://www.joinsquad.com/server-licensing-and-administration-policies), Offworld Industries
- [Server Configuration](https://squad.fandom.com/wiki/Server_Configuration), Official Squad Wiki

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