Icarus Server Requirements 2025
Icarus is a resource-intensive game. Running a stable server requires powerful hardware, especially for CPU single-thread performance.
📋 Quick Overview
- Server App ID: 2089300
- Max Players: 8 (session-based)
- Game Modes: Prospects (missions) + Outposts (persistent)
- Platform: PC (Steam)
Hardware Requirements by Player Count
| Configuration | 4 Players | 8 Players |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 6 cores @ 3.5 GHz i7-9700 / Ryzen 7 3700X |
8 cores @ 3.5+ GHz i9-9900 / Ryzen 7 5700X |
| RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Storage | 50 GB NVMe SSD | 70 GB NVMe SSD |
| Network | 100 Mbps upload | 200 Mbps upload |
| OS | Windows 10/11 64-bit | Windows Server 2019/2022 |
Minimum System Requirements
For a basic 4-player server:
| Component | Minimum Specs |
|---|---|
| CPU | 4 cores @ 3.0 GHz |
| RAM | 8 GB (16 GB recommended) |
| Storage | 50 GB HDD (SSD recommended) |
| Network | 50 Mbps upload |
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit |
Important: Icarus is CPU-intensive. Minimum requirements will result in decreased performance and potential crashes. Follow recommended specifications for stable gameplay.
Why Icarus is Resource Intensive
CPU Bottlenecks
- Complex Terrain: Detailed landscape with dynamic weather
- Wildlife AI: Numerous animals with pathfinding
- Weather Simulation: Rain, storms, and temperature effects
- Physics Engine: Object interactions and destruction
Memory Requirements
- Session Data: Complex world state tracking
- Player Progression: Tech trees and skill systems
- Asset Loading: High-resolution textures and models
- Network Buffers: Large buffer for multiplayer sync
Network Requirements
Upload Speed
- 4 players: Minimum 100 Mbps upload
- 8 players: Minimum 200 Mbps upload
Bandwidth Calculation
Each player requires approximately 20-30 Mbps of bandwidth:
Total Upload Speed Needed = Players × 25 MbpsPort Requirements
| Port | Protocol | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 17777 | UDP | Game Port |
| 27015 | UDP | Query Port |
Storage Performance
Storage Type Impact
| Storage Type | Loading Time | Performance | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDD | Slow (30+ seconds) | Poor | No |
| SATA SSD | Moderate (15-20 seconds) | Good | Yes |
| NVMe SSD | Fast (5-8 seconds) | Excellent | Highly Recommended |
💾 Storage Growth
Icarus worlds grow significantly over time:
- Initial world: ~5-10 GB
- After 10+ hours: ~15-25 GB
- Large outposts: ~30-50 GB
- Multiple prospects: +5-10 GB per prospect
CPU Performance Optimization
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread
- Single-Thread: Icarus relies heavily on single-thread performance
- Clock Speed: GHz matters more than core count
- IPC (Instructions Per Clock): Higher is better
- Recommended: i7/Ryzen 7 for 8-player servers
Process Priority
# Windows
# Set IcarusServer to high priority
wmic process where name="IcarusServer.exe" CALL setpriority "high priority"
# Linux
# Set nice value (lower = higher priority)
renice -n -5 -p $(pidof IcarusServer)RAM Usage Breakdown
- Base Server: 4-6 GB
- Per Player: ~2-4 GB
- World Data: 3-8 GB (varies by exploration)
- Assets & Textures: 2-4 GB
- Network Buffers: 1-2 GB
- Overhead: 1-2 GB (system, network)
Formula: RAM Needed = 6 GB (base) + (Players × 3 GB)
Operating System Considerations
Windows vs. Linux
| Aspect | Windows | Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Native Support | Yes (native) | Requires Wine (unofficial) |
| Performance | Good | Variable (Wine overhead) |
| Setup Difficulty | Easy | Moderate |
| Resource Usage | Higher overhead | Lower overhead (if native) |
| Cost | Licensing required | Free |
| Recommended For | Beginners & Production | Experienced admins |
Testing Your Setup
Stress Test Commands
# Windows Task Manager
# Monitor CPU, RAM, and Network usage during gameplay
# Linux htop
sudo apt-get install htop
htopPerformance Indicators
- CPU Usage: Below 80% under load
- RAM Usage: 70-85% utilization is ideal
- Network: Consistent upload speed without spikes
- Server Tick Rate: Should remain stable at 20-30 ticks per second
- FPS: Server-side should maintain 60 FPS
Upgrading Your Server
If you experience issues, consider these upgrades in order of priority:
- CPU Upgrade: Focus on single-thread performance (clock speed)
- Increase RAM: 16 → 32 → 64 GB
- Upgrade to NVMe SSD: HDD → SATA SSD → NVMe SSD
- Network Upgrade: Faster upload speeds
- Dedicated Hardware: Eliminate shared resource contention
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run Icarus on 8 GB RAM?
Technically yes for 2-3 players, but expect poor performance. 16 GB is minimum recommended.
Is an i5 sufficient for Icarus?
For 4-player server with moderate settings, yes. For 8 players or high settings, i7/Ryzen 7 is recommended.
Does NVMe really matter for Icarus?
Yes, significantly. Loading times improve from 30 seconds (HDD) to 5-8 seconds (NVMe).
Can I run multiple Icarus servers?
Yes, but each requires separate hardware. Resource sharing between instances causes major performance issues.
Why is Icarus more demanding than other survival games?
Complex terrain simulation, detailed wildlife AI, dynamic weather, and physics-intensive gameplay.
Next Steps
- Set up your dedicated server
- Configure persistent outposts
- Set up session-based prospects
- Optimize server performance
Need High-Performance Hosting? Icarus requires powerful hardware. Supercraft provides enterprise-grade servers optimized for Icarus with NVMe storage and expert support.