The ultimate dedicated game server guide

Online games traditionally allow multiplayer in two ways—using an official server or the player’s computer as the host. However, they might lack advanced customization options and offer subpar performance, which can be a deal-breaker for a lot of players.

A dedicated game server can be an excellent alternative for devoted gamers. It provides more customization and flexibility options since you can configure the host to your needs.

In this dedicated game server guide, we will explain all about this hosting type and why it can be an excellent choice for you.

What is a dedicated server for gaming

Older titles like Left 4 Dead 2 commonly use peer-to-peer (P2P) hosting to enable multiplayer. This method assigns one of the players’ computers as the host.

While convenient, P2P hosting can be unreliable because the player’s computer might lack the hardware and network infrastructure. It can also perform rather poorly since the system runs the game while simultaneously facilitating multiplayer.

Another method for enabling online gameplay is using an official server, which modern multiplayer games like Counter-Strike 2 use. Although trustworthy, players can’t customize the in-game rules and content since the developers manage the host.

A dedicated game server offers the reliability of official hosts and the flexibility of P2P hosting. It is similar to website hosting, but the system serves game files instead of web pages.

Unlike P2P hosting, a dedicated game server uses a more reliable infrastructure and reserves resources to facilitate multiplayer. Since it is self-managed, users also have complete control over the system.

How do dedicated game servers work

A dedicated game server works similarly to other hosting types. Instead of running an actual physical computer, users only rent a virtual private server (VPS) with an isolated environment and hardware.

Unlike traditional VPS, game hosting providers typically include a custom control panel to simplify setup and management. Otherwise, you must use commands via a remote server connection, like a secure shell (SSH) protocol.

You only need to host the game server software that facilitates multiplayer, including transmitting data like in-game actions, monitoring player activities, and storing sessions.

To play multiplayer, connect to the server by entering the IP address and port into the game client on their local devices. A port acts as an endpoint to transfer data between the client and the hosted service. Alternatively, you can access the room from the game’s multiplayer menu.

A dedicated game server can also host additional files, like custom maps and mods, allowing connected players to load the same content.

Pros and cons of a dedicated game server

Let’s examine the pros and cons of dedicated game servers to see if this hosting type is right for you.

Game server pros

Here are several advantages of a dedicated game server over other hosting types.

• Exclusivity. Admins can make their servers private or add passwords to ensure only authorized players can join.
• Extensive customization. Since a dedicated game host is self-managed, you can change the server configuration, set custom rules, and spice up your gameplay with fun mods.
• Lower latency. Dedicated gaming server providers like Hostinger offer multiple data center locations, letting you choose the one closest to your player base to minimize latency.
• Superior performance. Most game server resources are dedicated to multiplayer operations, resulting in higher and more consistent performance.

Game server cons

Despite the benefits, dedicated game servers might not be for you due to the following disadvantages.

• Expertise requirement. Managing a game server requires basic system administration, networking, and command-line interface knowledge.
• Time and effort intensive. Setting up and maintaining a game server can be challenging if your hosting provider doesn’t offer features to simplify the process.
• Costs. A dedicated game server hosting service can be pricey, especially if the provider charges additional fees for said additional features.

Understanding dedicated gaming server specs

To ensure top performance, your dedicated gaming server needs enough hardware resources for the game you want to play. Here are several necessary specifications to consider:

• Central processing unit (CPU). The CPU handles data processing and transfer. When choosing a server, check the number of CPU cores and clock speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz).
• Random access memory (RAM). RAM temporarily stores data for running processes on your server, such as player requests. Choose a plan with sufficient capacity and preferably the error-correcting code (ECC) technology for more stability.
• Storage. Storage space determines how much data you can keep on your server, including game files and mods. We recommend choosing one with an NVMe SSD and RAID technology for improved reliability.
• Bandwidth. The amount of data your server can transfer through the internet at a specific time. A high-bandwidth network can transfer more data quickly, resulting in more responsive gameplay.
• Operating system. Some games or mods may only work on specific operating systems unless the server has compatibility layer software.

How much does game server hosting cost

The price of game server hosting depends on the title you want to play. For example, running a resource-demanding multiplayer game like ARK: Survival Evolved costs more since it needs a more powerful plan.

Hosting providers without flexible resource allocation plans often charge different rates depending on the game.

Even if the host offers a free plan or flat rate pricing, consider additional fees for extra services, like priority support. If you opt for the lowest tier plan, expect to pay at least around $2.00/month.

At Hostinger, the prices of all of our Game Panel hosting plans are fixed, regardless of the game. Our features are also free, except for optional upgrades such as one-click malware removal and daily backups.

Starting at £4.99/month, Hostinger offers four Game Panel hosting plans suitable for a diverse number of games. They share the same features but different hardware allocations.

How to pick the right game server hosting

Choosing the right game server hosting can be confusing since each provider offers different plans and their own unique features. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when making your choice.

Hardware specifications and upgradability

Pick a hosting provider that offers plans with sufficient hardware resources based on your multiplayer games’ requirements.

We suggest plans with slightly higher specifications than the recommended requirements to accommodate performance changes. For example, you should host a game with at least 2 GB of RAM on a server with 3 GB of memory.

Also, your hosting provider should offer multiple plans with different hardware allocations. Having options allows you to easily upgrade the server with more resources to handle a growing player base and additional content.

For example, Hostinger offers four Game Panel hosting plans with up to 8 vCPU cores, 32 GB of RAM, and 400 GB of NVMe SSD storage. Users can upgrade to the higher package anytime with no downtime.

Data center location

The farther the server is from your location, the higher the network latency or ping will be. It will result in a noticeable input delay that can ruin your gameplay experience.

The ideal ping depends on your game. For example, a simpler title like Terraria remains playable with a 60-millisecond delay. Meanwhile, players prefer 30 milliseconds or lower for competitive multiplayer games like Counter-Strike 2 and DoTA 2.

Choosing a web hosting provider with multiple data center locations lets you host your game close to your player base for optimal responsiveness.

Hostinger provides data centers across different continents, including North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, to cater to global audiences. Users can choose any location freely and migrate their servers later.

Pricing and plans

An ideal game hosting provider gives a clear price breakdown, which helps you align your budget. Otherwise, the total cost might be higher than your initial expectation.

Some web hosts offer flexible plans you can customize based on your game requirements. However, calculating the total cost can be tricky for beginners, as some hosting providers include extra services that increase the overall price.

We recommend a hosting provider with a flat pricing scheme like Hostinger to simplify the cost calculation. We don’t incur hidden costs and charge extra fees only for optional upgrades, like switching automatic weekly backups to daily.

An ideal host should also offer a trial or transparent refund policy, ensuring you only pay for satisfactory service. At Hostinger, we provide a 30-day full money-back guarantee.

User convenience

The best game hosting provider should offer distinct features that help simplify server setup and management tasks. This is especially important for beginners with minimal technical expertise.

While most gaming hosting providers offer graphical control panels for command-free server installation, they might lack functionalities for other management tasks. For example, users must use custom commands to change network settings and add mods.

At Hostinger, players can immediately set up their game server after purchase. They only need to complete a simple onboarding process involving tasks like creating a new password and selecting the data center location.

Moreover, Hostinger users can complete all host management tasks directly from our intuitive Game Panel control panel. For example, you can update your server software, install mods, manage users, and configure in-game settings.

You can also monitor your server performance from the Game Panel, providing helpful insights for optimizing your game host.

Overall, this centralized management area streamlines the process, letting you focus more on in-game administration.

Additional features

When choosing a hosting provider, consider extra features that help improve your server’s safety and reliability. For example, pick a web host with strong security measures like a custom-built firewall and automatic backups.

At Hostinger, our Game Panel hosting comes with automatic weekly off-site backups and a snapshot backup feature to help you quickly restore data in case of an unexpected error. Our server also offers built-in DDoS protection to minimize security risks like data breaches, unauthorized access, and server downtime.

Should you need to run commands on your game server, our Browser terminal lets you connect to the system directly from your web browser. You also get full root access, giving you complete control and customization of the host.

Non-technical users can ask VPS AI assistant Kodee for help setting up, managing, or troubleshooting their game server. Based on your simple prompt, it will generate commands and instructions.

Check the video below to see the tool in action!

Game compatibility

Since game compatibility differs across providers, check the supported titles before purchasing a plan.

Likewise, several providers might limit users to hosting one game per plan. If you love to switch between different titles, this can be expensive and inefficient, as you must buy multiple services.

Hostinger Game Panel hosting supports over a hundred games you can set up on the same server. We also regularly update our service’s compatibility with newer titles, like Palworld, Enshrouded, and more.

In addition, our game servers support mods for various games. Although our hosting runs on Linux, our pre-configured Wine emulator lets you install Windows software like UE4SS without compatibility issues.

Best games to host on a dedicated game server

In this section, we’ll dive into some fan-favorite games with dedicated server support that you can host on Hostinger.

1. Minecraft

Minecraft is a sandbox survival game where players mine, craft, and battle monsters to build, explore, and survive in a world filled with endless possibilities.

Creating a dedicated Minecraft server lets you install a myriad of mods that alter the core gameplay, including introducing new mechanics, monsters, and stories.

For example, to host 15 players, you need a system with at least 3 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage, and a two-core processor.

You can set up the server using the module from the Minecraft official download page.

2. Palworld

Palworld made a big splash in the gaming world with its unique gameplay and captivating premise.

You tame unique creatures called Pals to assist in building bases, hunting, and battling other players, adding extra excitement to your adventures.

Setting up a Palworld dedicated server requires a system with at least 8 GB of RAM, 40 GB of storage, and a multi-core processor.

Since the game is on Steam, you configure the host via SteamCMD.

3. Counter-Strike 2

The iconic shooter Counter-Strike 2 packs in a mix of game modes, from intense 5v5 bomb missions to fast-paced deathmatches.

Setting up a dedicated server allows you to add some fun twists with modes like surfing and bunny-hopping.

Valve recommends setting up a custom Counter-strike 2 host on a system with at least 2 GB of RAM, 33 GB of storage, and a modern multi-core CPU.

4. Garry’s Mod

Playing Garry’s Mod solo can get boring after a while since this sandbox game has no set objectives.

To keep the gameplay exciting, set up a dedicated server where you can play with friends and customize your experience by installing various mods.

This way, you can create unique game modes and add new content, making each session fresh and fun.

This game is quite CPU-intensive and requires a 2 GHz CPU, 4 GB of RAM, and 5 GB of storage to host.

Use Valve’s SteamCMD to set up a dedicated Garry’s Mod server.

5. Terraria

Terraria mixes survival, combat, farming, and mining to create a fun and layered gameplay experience.

However, you can customize the game further by hosting a Terraria dedicated server and installing the tModLoader extension.

Since Terraria is relatively lightweight, a system with 512 MB of RAM should be enough to host it.

You can set up a custom server by downloading the vanilla components or a modded one like TShock.

Conclusion

A dedicated game server offers a more responsive and smooth gaming experience than traditional peer-to-peer hosting. It is also more flexible than official servers, allowing you to set up custom in-game rules and install mods.

Dedicated game hosting costs depend on its resources and features but typically start at around $2.00/month. When choosing one, ensure it fulfills your game’s minimum hardware requirements and offers features that simplify the server setup process.

For example, Hostinger’s Game Panel hosting plans provide up to 8 vCPU cores and 32 GB of RAM, sufficient for today’s modern games.

Our Game Panel makes it easy to install, mod, and customize a variety of games without needing any commands. It’s regularly updated, bringing in support for new titles and major game updates.

Dedicated game server guide FAQ