Server performance directly impacts player experience. A laggy server drives players away. Here's how to optimize effectively.
Understanding Performance Bottlenecks
Performance issues typically come from one of four areas: script inefficiency, resource management, network bandwidth, or database queries.
1. Script Optimization
Scripts are often the biggest performance drain. Poor script design multiplies across many players.
#Common Issues: - Unnecessary event loops running constantly - Inefficient database queries - Client-side heavy calculations - Memory leaks from improper cleanup - Unoptimized data structures
#Solutions: - Use events instead of loops where possible - Implement caching for frequently accessed data - Batch database queries - Profile scripts regularly - Remove dead code
Profile your scripts regularly. Use monitoring to identify bottlenecks. Don't optimize blindly.
2. Resource Management
Each resource consumes memory and CPU cycles.
#Best Practices: - Disable unused resources completely - Use conditional loading (load job scripts only when needed) - Implement proper cleanup on resource restart - Monitor memory usage per resource - Implement garbage collection properly
Start minimal and add resources gradually. Monitor impact of each addition.
3. Network Bandwidth
Network bandwidth affects all players. Excessive data transmission creates lag.
#Optimization: - Minimize data sent per update cycle - Use compression where appropriate - Implement data validation - Reduce position update frequency where appropriate - Clean unused network events
Profile network traffic. See what's being transmitted. Remove unnecessary data.
4. Database Optimization
Database queries are slow. Bad queries multiply the problem.
#Strategies: - Index frequently queried columns - Implement caching layer - Batch related queries - Use connection pooling - Monitor query execution time
A single slow query executed 200 times per second (once per player) becomes a massive bottleneck. Optimize queries first.
Server Configuration
Your server.cfg file significantly impacts performance.
#Key Settings: - Player slots (balanced to hardware) - Memory allocation - CPU utilization settings - Network quality settings - Update frequency settings
More players requires exponentially more resources. Find your hardware's limit and don't exceed it.
Monitoring & Diagnostics
You can't optimize what you don't measure.
#Essential Metrics: - Server FPS (frame rate) - RAM usage - CPU usage per resource - Network bandwidth - Database query times - Player count and connection stability
Monitor these metrics continuously. Alerts for anomalies help identify problems quickly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
#Mistake 1: Too Many Spawned Objects Spawning too many NPCs, vehicles, or objects crashes servers. Use population management.
#Mistake 2: Inefficient Loops Loops checking conditions 60 times per second are unnecessary. Use events and triggers.
#Mistake 3: Unoptimized Distance Checks Distance calculations should be cached. Don't recalculate constantly.
#Mistake 4: Excessive Logging Logging every action consumes resources. Log errors, not normal operations.
#Mistake 5: Poor Data Structures Using wrong data structures for access patterns kills performance. Arrays vs tables vs sets matter.
Performance Tiers
#Low-End Hardware (2-4 cores): - 32 player maximum - Only essential systems - Aggressive caching - Minimal visual elements
#Mid-Range Hardware (4-8 cores): - 64-128 players - Full feature set - Standard optimization - Good visual variety
#High-End Hardware (8+ cores): - 256+ players - Advanced systems - Minimal optimization needed - Full visual experience
Match your scripts and player count to your hardware.
Optimization Checklist
- [ ] Profile all scripts
- [ ] Identify bottlenecks
- [ ] Optimize database queries
- [ ] Implement caching layer
- [ ] Review loop efficiency
- [ ] Monitor network bandwidth
- [ ] Set appropriate player limit
- [ ] Configure resource allocation
- [ ] Implement monitoring
- [ ] Regular performance testing
Conclusion
Optimization is ongoing. As you add content, monitor impact. The best-performing servers maintain constant vigilance about efficiency. Small optimizations across many systems create significant cumulative improvements.