Official memory guidance gives a useful floor
Keen Games says an idle server uses about 4.4 GB of physical RAM, each player can add up to roughly 100 MB, and the server should remain below about 6 GB in normal use. That means memory alone does not automatically force a paid host.
Storage and saves still matter
The official FAQ recommends roughly 30 GB free storage for the server files. Save size varies greatly and can grow toward 100 MB in worlds with large bases.
Self-hosting is straightforward on supported hardware
Keen Games provides a dedicated-server executable through Steam Tools and configuration through enshrouded_server.json. If a spare Windows machine is already available, self-hosting may be cheaper.
Rent for persistence and lower admin friction
Rented hosting is attractive when players need access at different times, the host machine cannot stay online, or nobody wants to maintain ports, updates and backups.
Compare monthly cost →Sources
Official Enshrouded Dedicated Server FAQ, installation and configuration documentation. Unofficial guide; no provider paid for this page.