Identify the Source First
Before making changes, use Spark profiler to identify what is actually causing lag. Download it from spark.lucko.me and run /sparkc profiler for 30-60 seconds during peak lag.
Optimise Your JVM Flags
The Aikar flags are the gold standard for Minecraft servers. CraftNodes applies these by default on all plans. They tune the G1GC garbage collector to reduce GC pauses that cause lag spikes.
Reduce View Distance
Lowering view-distance in server.properties from 10 to 7 or 8 reduces the number of chunks the server loads per player. This is often the biggest performance win.
Control Entity Counts
Add the entity-limits plugin or use Paper's built-in entity culling. Limit villager breeding and prevent players from creating infinite mob farms.
Choose Better Plugins
Some popular plugins are notoriously laggy. Use AlternativeAntiCheat instead of Watchdog on smaller servers, and avoid plugins that run frequent sync tasks.
Upgrade Your Plan
If you have done all of the above and still see lag, you need more RAM or a host with better single-core CPU performance. CraftNodes uses Ryzen 9 7950X3D which handles high player counts with ease.