Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting is a type of web hosting that uses virtualization to emulate a physical server. It allows for greater control and flexibility than shared hosting and provides dedicated resources at an affordable price, not to mention that it offers better performance and is highly secure as each virtual server runs in an independent environment. VPS hosting is an excellent option for individuals and businesses who want complete control over their website or application but would rather not invest in a dedicated server. It’s also perfect for hosting a game server, which is a private web server that runs multiplayer online computer games. The game servers oversee rules, monitor player progress, and handle communication between participants. What’s more, the server’s host or owner can customize the game to their liking and decide who gets to join in.
Why Use VPS Hosting for Gaming
With VPS hosting, each server runs virtually on top of a physical server, making it difficult for hackers to infiltrate the system. It’s fast and provides the best performance for running game servers as there’s no resource sharing. Virtual Private Servers are also completely scalable, meaning there’s no need to worry about how to handle spikes in a multiplayer game. The service provides full root access to configure and tailor a server to a particular game’s requirements, not to mention that users can install custom plugins and mods that enhance the overall experience of playing popular games like World of Warcraft, Minecraft, and Valheim, to name but a few. In addition, most service providers offer exceptional customer support, which is invaluable for gamers who encounter technical difficulties. On top of that, VPS hosting offers excellent uptime, allowing gamers from around the world to enjoy uninterrupted access to game servers.
Recommended VPS Hosting for Gaming
ScalaHosting
ScalaHosting is a hosting company with services ranging from email to managed cloud VPS hosting. Its Minecraft Hosting is suitable for gamers who want to create and share fantasy worlds with others. While a bit pricey, the service does come with features like custom mods packs and a Java version switcher. It supports popular server types like Spigot, Paper, and Forge, and is also compatible with the mobile and bedrock editions of Minecraft. All ScalaHosting plans feature unlimited MySQL databases and round-the-clock backups. In addition, each VPS has access to dedicated resources and a considerable amount of bandwidth. The best part is that the servers are backed by a 1GB/s uplink, which guarantees low latency and the smoothest gaming experience. Security-wise, the company’s advanced cybersecurity protection blocks malware, proxies, and bots, meaning gamers are protected on all fronts. Moreover, the company provides a 7-day money-back guarantee for Minecraft Hosting in case customers have a change of heart within the first week of signing up.
Hostinger
Hostinger offers a range of services, such as web hosting, VPS hosting, and more. Although it provides Minecraft Server Hosting as an additional service, it’s already possible to host a game server on the self-managed VPS. The company has a variety of VPS hosting plans for gamers wherein they get greater control and flexibility over their VPS with full root access, which enhances the overall gaming experience. Hostinger’s servers are equipped with the latest Intel Xeon processors and NVMe SSDs, ensuring the best-in-class performance for hosting game servers. In addition, each VPS is powered by dedicated resources that can host popular games like Valheim and CS:GO. There’s no need to worry about games lagging either, as the company has an unlimited 100 MB/s network and multiple Tier-3 data centers that offer low latency and guaranteed response times. What’s more, Hostinger offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for gamers to try out its service risk free during the first month.
GoDaddy
While GoDaddy doesn’t offer VPS hosting that’s dedicated to a specific game, it’s possible to sign up for a subscription to host multiplayer games like ARK: Survival Evolved and Rust. The company offers self-managed VPS hosting that’s not only dirt-cheap but also extremely reliable with 99% uptime. In addition, the service provides gamers with seven days of backups and access to a recovery console for when things go haywire, not to mention that its full root access lets players customize and configure a VPS to their heart’s content. GoDaddy has four advanced data centers spread across the world that house servers powered by the latest technology, helping gamers with issues like lagging and high ping. In terms of security, the company offers advanced DDoS protection that prevents malicious traffic from reaching a game server. Moreover, GoDaddy conveniently offers a 30-day money-back guarantee in case its VPS hosting doesn’t live up to expectations.
Requirements To Set Up a Gaming Server With VPS
To set up a game server with VPS, access to a fast and reliable internet connection that can keep multiplayer games running 24/7 is needed to ensure no game data is lost. It’s also essential for the server to have sufficient resources to smoothly host a game like superfast NVMe SSDs that offer plenty of storage and high-performance RAM that stores large amounts of short-term data. Moreover, it’s recommended to have a powerful processor to improve a game’s overall performance and a backup service to restore saved games and achievements at the touch of a button.
Having said all that, the specific requirements vary based on the game type and server purpose. For example, to host a Minecraft server for up to two players, a VPS server needs at least two virtual core CPUs, 2GB of RAM, and 20GB of storage. When more players join the game, the server consumes additional resources, which slows it down and prevents participants from crafting items and exploring new worlds. Therefore, it’s best to opt for a VPS hosting provider that offers scalable resources to keep up with the game server’s demand.
How To Create a Game Server With VPS
Setting up a game server with a VPS requires some technical knowledge when it comes to the initial installation and configuration. After picking a suitable package and signing up for VPS hosting, users can access the client area to set up the domain and create user accounts. Next, proceed to installing the VPS server using the control panel. Remember that it’s possible to choose the operating system and the physical location of the server and allocate resources for the game server. Then, users can go ahead and set up SSH keys to access the server remotely and install the game using the operating system’s GUI or CLI.
Once the game server is up and running, it’s just a matter of logging into the server to access the hosted games. However, the setup process may vary depending on the chosen provider, so it’s a good idea to look for tutorials and guides on the company’s website. Speaking of support resources, service providers like ScalaHosting, Hostinger, and GoDaddy guide users on how to set up a game server and offer excellent customer support when players run into technical issues.
VPS hosting is a straightforward and effective method for hosting online multiplayer games. The service is affordable and offers complete flexibility and control when it comes to running a game server. The cherry on top is that gamers get to enjoy the benefits of dedicated hosting without the costs of renting a physical server.