Performance Guide for Players

If you're having issues with lag in the server, try the tips in this guide. Tip #1 is something you always have to be mindful of, and it's easy to forget. Keep in mind that if you have a very old computer, or if your internet service is very bad, you may still have lag even if you follow these steps. Obscuros is also more feature-heavy than other Pixelmon servers, which shouldn't be a concern for players with decent computers, but can take a toll on 8+ year-old computers.

 *Most players that have a decent computer/internet and follow these tips should have a good experience. However, it is also possible that after following this tips, even if you have a good computer/internet, you'll still have unexplained issues. It's uncommon, but sometimes it seems that the server "picks on" a player and has issues keeping a stable connection with the player for no discernable reason.*

## What you can try if you're having lag or connection issues in the server:

Be sure to try **ALL** of these tips before giving up, every single one of these tips has single-handedly fixed at least one player's issue.

**1. Close other programs & internet browsers**, especially Chrome and especially YouTube or other video players.

**2. Set RAM usage** in launcher to 2-4GB. Less than 2GB, Pixelmon won't run. Too much can actually cause lag, you shouldn't need more than 4 unless you're running shaders or other client mods. 【Guide】

**3. Optimize settings** to increase performance (【Guide 1】, 【Guide 1】)

**4. Reduce Max Framerate** in Options > Video Settings

**5. Install Optifine or try a different Optifine Version**: https://optifine.net/home *(if you're using our Technic Pack it's already included)*. Certain versions of Optifine may actually cause more issues than they solve. Try removing Optifine temporarily to see if your situation improves and/or try a different version. We recommend Minecraft 1.12.2 OptiFine HD U G5

**6. Reduce # of cores being used by Java** Open Task Manager *(ctrl+shift+esc)* and right-click Java. Select "Go to details", then right-click the highlighted option and select "Set affinity". Uncheck one of the cores. Sometimes if every core is being used to run Minecraft, it'll overload and slow everything down. *(Tip suggested by ThanosUndertale)*

**7. Debloat Windows** (Google for a guide that fits your version of Windows)

**8. Restart Minecraft** every so often if you tend to play for hours at a time. Java has a memory problem and closing it for a few seconds allows the memory to flush itself.

**9. Use a VPN *(link to free VPN below)*:** (**NOTE:** A lot of players seem to ignore this one and continue complaining about lag. For some players, **nothing else works besides this, and it is an instant fix,** so it really is worth a go.) While it seems counterproductive, multiple players have solved their connection issues by using a VPN. This is especially useful for players in New Zealand and Australia. There is info on a **free** option in the section below.

**10.** Wait until your connection stabilizes. Sometimes players will have connection issues for seemingly no reason, even if a player in their same household has a fine connection.

## Using VPN to fix connection issues:

**1.** Go to: https://protonvpn.com/

**2.** Click the green that says "Get ProtonVPN now!" It will take you to a sign up page where you can select a **free plan** or a paid plan.

**3.** From there you will have to sign up; username, password, and email. **You will have to confirm the email**.

**4.** Once you are done with that, download it, sign in, and press "Quick Connect". After that, you should be good to go.