SkyFactory Server Setup & Hosting Guide (2026)
SkyFactory takes the skyblock concept and adds hundreds of mods. You start on a tiny island floating in the void and use resource generation, automation, and crafting trees to build an entire factory in the sky. It is one of the most downloaded modpacks of all time.
SkyFactory Versions
- SkyFactory 4 — The most popular version. Forge-based. Mature and well-balanced.
- SkyFactory 5 — Newer version with updated mods. Still being developed.
- SkyFactory One — A spin-off with a different progression style.
Most servers run SkyFactory 4 because of its stability and large community.
Server Requirements
| Version | Minimum RAM | Recommended RAM | Java | |---------|------------|----------------|------| | SkyFactory 4 | 4 GB | 6 to 8 GB | Java 8 | | SkyFactory 5 | 6 GB | 8 to 10 GB | Java 17+ |
SkyFactory 4 runs on older Java because its mods target Forge 1.12.2. SkyFactory 5 uses newer Minecraft versions.
How to Set Up a SkyFactory 4 Server
Step 1: Download the Server Pack
Download the SkyFactory 4 server pack from CurseForge. It includes all required mods and configuration files.
Step 2: Extract and Configure
Extract the server pack to a folder. Edit server.properties:
server-port=25565
max-players=20
view-distance=8
motd=SkyFactory 4 Server
Step 3: Set JVM Arguments
Use Aikar's flags with appropriate RAM:
java -Xms6G -Xmx6G -XX:+UseG1GC -XX:+ParallelRefProcEnabled -XX:MaxGCPauseMillis=200 -XX:+UnlockExperimentalVMOptions -XX:+DisableExplicitGC -XX:+AlwaysPreTouch -XX:G1NewSizePercent=30 -XX:G1MaxNewSizePercent=40 -XX:G1HeapRegionSize=8M -XX:G1ReservePercent=20 -XX:G1HeapWastePercent=5 -XX:G1MixedGCCountTarget=4 -XX:InitiatingHeapOccupancyPercent=15 -XX:G1MixedGCLiveThresholdPercent=90 -XX:G1RSetUpdatingPauseTimePercent=5 -XX:SurvivorRatio=32 -XX:+PerfDisableSharedMem -XX:MaxTenuringThreshold=1 -jar forge-server.jar --nogui
Step 4: Start the Server
Run the start script. First launch generates the world and takes a few minutes. Accept the EULA when prompted.
Step 5: Connect
Players need the SkyFactory 4 modpack installed on their client. They connect using your server IP.
Performance Tips
Reduce Lag from Automation
SkyFactory encourages building massive automation setups. These cause lag:
- Item transport pipes: Use better pipes like Ender IO conduits instead of basic BuildCraft pipes
- Chunk loading: Limit chunk loaders per player. Too many loaded chunks destroy TPS.
- Mob farms: Cap mob spawner rates. Thousands of entities kill performance.
View Distance
Set view-distance=6 or 8. SkyFactory worlds are concentrated in small areas. Players do not need to see far.
Disable Unused Mods
If certain mods cause issues, disable them in the mods folder by adding .disabled to the filename.
Multiplayer Configuration
For multiplayer SkyFactory, each team gets their own island:
- Use the built-in island management system
- Set borders per island to prevent interference
- Configure team permissions so players can share islands
Common Issues
Server crashes on startup: Check Java version. SkyFactory 4 requires Java 8, not newer versions.
Low TPS after 2 to 3 days: Automation builds up over time. Use Spark profiler to find the worst offenders.
Players losing island progress: Make regular backups. Use a backup plugin or script that runs every 30 minutes.
Hosting SkyFactory
SkyFactory needs more RAM than vanilla. The constant item processing, automation ticking, and mod overhead demand strong hardware. Space-Node's Ryzen 9 processors and NVMe storage handle even the most complex SkyFactory setups.
Host your SkyFactory server. View Minecraft Hosting Plans
