What is Game Servers?
Running your own game server on a VPS gives you 24/7 uptime, full control over mods and settings, and low-latency gameplay by choosing a server location near your players. Unlike game hosting services that restrict configuration, a VPS lets you customize everything.
Minecraft is the most popular game to self-host, but the same approach works for Valheim, Factorio, Terraria, Counter-Strike, and dozens of other titles. Docker containers make it easy to manage multiple game servers on a single VPS.
For the best gaming experience, choose a VPS provider with locations near your player base and prioritize RAM — most game servers are memory-intensive rather than CPU-intensive.
$ apt list --installable
Popular Game Servers Software
Top open-source tools you can self-host on your VPS.
Minecraft
The world's most popular game to self-host. Run vanilla, Paper, Spigot, or modded servers. Full control over plugins, mods, and player limits.
Read our guideValheim
Viking survival game with dedicated server support. Host a persistent world for up to 10 players with custom world settings and mods.
Read our guideFactorio
Factory-building game with excellent dedicated server support. Low resource usage makes it ideal for VPS hosting. Supports mods and scenarios.
Official siteTerraria
2D sandbox adventure with dedicated server support. Lightweight server runs on minimal resources. Supports up to 16 players with mods via tModLoader.
Official siteVPS Specifications
What you need to run game servers workloads.
$ top --providers --for=gaming
Best Providers for Game Servers
Hand-picked based on specs, pricing, and suitability for game servers workloads.
Hostinger
Dedicated game server templates and 8GB RAM plans at competitive prices
Get Started
Contabo
Best RAM-per-dollar — 8GB at $4.99/mo for memory-hungry game servers
Get Started
$ man gaming
Frequently Asked Questions
How much RAM does a Minecraft server need?
Vanilla Minecraft needs 2-3GB for 5-10 players. Modded servers (Forge, Fabric) need 4-8GB depending on mods. Paper/Spigot servers are more efficient than vanilla.
Is VPS hosting better than game hosting services?
VPS gives you full control and often better value, but requires more setup. Game hosting services provide one-click setup but charge premium prices and limit customization.
Can I run multiple game servers on one VPS?
Yes, if you have enough RAM. A 8GB VPS can run 2-3 game servers simultaneously. Use Docker to keep them isolated and easy to manage.
How important is server location for gaming?
Very important. Choose a VPS location closest to your players for the lowest latency. 20-50ms is ideal for most games. Cross-continent connections add 100-200ms.
Will my game server run 24/7?
Yes, a VPS runs continuously. Set up the game server as a system service with auto-restart to ensure it stays online even after crashes or server reboots.
Ready to self-host Game Servers?
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