Game servers: getting started, connecting and staying online
Game server basics: choosing a location and size, connecting players, mods and saves, updates, backups, admin security and the usual join problems.
- Beginner
- 10 min read
- Updated
Tested on: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Windows 11
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A game server runs your world or match so players can join it from the game: around the clock, without your own PC staying on and without exposing your home connection. This guide covers the basics that apply to most games, whether you rent a game server or run one yourself on a VPS or VDS.
Before you start
- Know the game's needs: players, world size and mods decide the memory and CPU.
- Know where your players are, so you can pick the location with the lowest latency.
Step 1: Choose the size and location
Rules of thumb for memory:
| Game type | Memory |
|---|---|
| Light games such as Terraria | 1 to 2 GB |
| Minecraft communities | 4 to 6 GB |
| ARK Survival Ascended, Palworld, Rust | 12 to 16 GB or more |
Mods, larger worlds and more players need more. Pick the location closest to most of your players; game servers are offered in 20 locations. See choose a data center location for how to measure latency.
Step 2: Find the server address
The server address (IP address and port) arrives with your service details and is shown on the service page under Services › My Services. If your plan includes a game control panel, it is linked from the service page as well.
Step 3: Let players connect
Players add the address in the game's server browser or connect directly, for example with Add Server in Minecraft or the connect console command in games such as Counter-Strike 2 and Rust. Share the address with the port, such as 203.0.113.10:25565.
Verify: join the server yourself from outside your local network before you invite others.
Step 4: Mods, plugins and saves
- Install mods and plugins the way the game supports, and check whether players need them too.
- To move an existing world, stop the server, upload the world folder and start it again. Match the game and mod versions first.
- Keep a list of installed mods and their versions; it makes updates and troubleshooting much easier.
Step 5: Updates and backups
- When the game releases an update, players usually cannot join until the server runs the same version. Update the server, and test mods for compatibility.
- Back up the world before every update and mod change. On a Linux server with the world in a folder called
world, for example:
tar -czf world-backup-$(date +%F).tar.gz world/Copy backups off the server regularly; see backup strategy.
Step 6: Protect the admin side
- Use a long, unique password for remote admin access (RCON) and the game panel, and never share it in public chats.
- Give admin rights only to people you trust.
- Game servers are a common target of floods; check the plan card for DDoS protection and see DDoS protection basics.
Running a game server yourself on a VPS or VDS
If you host the game server software yourself, open the game's ports in the firewall. For example, the default Minecraft Java port with UFW:
sudo ufw allow 25565/tcpEach game documents its own ports (TCP, UDP or both). Run the server as a normal user, not as root, and start it with a service manager so it comes back after a reboot. See UFW firewall and ports and port forwarding.
Troubleshooting
Players cannot join after a game update. The client and server versions differ. Update the server or wait until players update.
The server is not visible in the browser, but direct connect works. The game's query port is closed or the server is not registered with the game's master list. Check the game's port list.
Connection timed out. A wrong port, a firewall rule or the server is stopped. Test the TCP port with Test-NetConnection 203.0.113.10 -Port 25565 on Windows or nc -vz 203.0.113.10 25565 on Linux and macOS.
Lag at peak times. The server runs out of memory or CPU, or players are far away. Check usage and consider a larger plan or a closer location.
Next steps
- Measure latency for your players: choose a data center location.
- Protect against floods: DDoS protection basics.
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM does my game server need?
It depends on the game, the player count, the world size and the mods. Light games such as Terraria run in 1 to 2 GB, Minecraft communities in 4 to 6 GB, while ARK Survival Ascended, Palworld and Rust need 12 to 16 GB or more.
Where should my game server be located?
Close to most of your players: the shorter the distance, the lower the latency in game. Game servers are offered in 20 locations.
Can I use mods, plugins and Workshop content?
As far as each game allows. Minecraft uses plugin and mod loaders, Rust uses Oxide or Carbon, ARK Survival Ascended uses CurseForge, and many Steam games use the Workshop. Players may need the same mods installed.
Can I move my existing world?
For most games, yes: worlds and saves are folders or files you can upload to the server. Make sure the game version and mod versions match before you move them.
Can console players join?
It depends on the game. Some games let console players join PC dedicated servers when crossplay is set up; others do not. Check the game's own documentation.