The ‘Java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Drowned’ error in Minecraft indicates that the game has run out of memory while trying to perform an operation. This often crashes the game and prevents you from playing. Here are some potential causes and solutions for this error:
Table of Contents
Causes
Using Mods That Require Lots of Memory
Some mods like shader packs, high-resolution texture packs, etc. use up a lot of memory. If you have several memory-intensive mods installed, it can exceed the default memory allocated to Minecraft and cause crashes with this error.
Increasing Render Distance/Graphics Settings Too High
Setting your render distance very high (above 16 chunks) or turning up graphics settings to max can also use up more memory than what’s available to Minecraft. This will lead to out of memory errors.
Memory Leaks
Sometimes errors in mods, resource packs or even within Minecraft’s code can cause memory leaks over time. This slowly eats up available memory and eventually leads to out of memory crashes.
Underlying System Memory Issues
Insufficient RAM on your system, conflicting applications and processes, malware etc. can also contribute to available memory for Minecraft running low.
Solutions
Allocate More RAM to Minecraft
The easiest fix is to manually allocate more RAM to Minecraft. The default is only 2GB so increasing it to 4-6GB or even higher can give the game more breathing room:
On the Minecraft Launcher:
- Open Installations tab
- Select your Minecraft version
- Click More Options
- Change
-Xmx2Gto-Xmx4G(for 4GB etc.)
Using a Custom Launcher:
- Go to Profile Settings/Java Settings
- Increase memory allocation slider or value
Reduce Graphics Settings and Render Distance
If allocating more memory doesn’t work, try reducing graphics settings to lower resolutions and turn down render distance below 16 chunks. This will reduce memory usage.
Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers can also be responsible for memory issues. Ensure you install the latest drivers for your GPU.
Remove/Disable Problematic Mods
If you have mods installed, try removing them one by one to identify any mod that may be causing excess memory usage and crashes. Alternatively, you can disable all mods and re-enable them slowly.
Scan for Malware
As mentioned before, malware and viruses can be eating up system resources in the background including RAM. Run a full system scan using reliable antivirus software.
Close Background Apps
Ensure you don’t have too many apps and browser tabs eating up memory while playing Minecraft. Close down all unnecessary apps and processes.
Update Java
Having an outdated version of Java can also lead to strange memory errors. Ensure Java is fully updated to resolve any bugs.
Reinstall Minecraft
As a last resort, backup your worlds and settings, fully uninstall Minecraft and delete any leftover files and folders, then do a clean install of the game.
Tips to Avoid This Error
Here are some things you can do to proactively prevent out of memory crashes related to this error:
- Don’t go overboard with mods or resource packs
- Stick to lower graphics settings if you have older hardware
- Restart your game/system periodically to clean out memory
- Keep background processes to a minimum while playing
- Regularly update Graphics drivers, Java, Minecraft
- Don’t set render distance very high, keep it 12 or below
- Install mods one by one and check for crashes rather than all at once
- Monitor memory usage and allocate more RAM if it reaches 80-90%
I hope this guide helps you fix the frustrating ‘Java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Drowned’ crash and enjoy Minecraft without issues! Let me know if you have any other questions.
