You and friends decide to set up a private server to run custom games. Everything is installing and the room smells like B.O. and hype. Login credentials go around and on login… ugh… the server runs like crap.
This is the time you wish you had the best dedicated game server hosting.
A great gaming server handles games with top-notch performance. The best hosting offers flexibility turning private games into a full-on sandbox experience.
Read on to find out what to look for with dedicated gaming servers. If you still need the basics of how a hosted server keeps the world in sync, start with how hosted game server infrastructure works.
The Must-Have Features for the Best Dedicated Game Server Hosting
Server set up takes tech prowess but those willing soon gain one helluva platform. Any game offering client/server files could find its way on your server. You could set up for personal gameplay or open it to a community. You could make a few bucks with it, too, if the game is okay with it.
But enough about the why…
…let’s consider the what when it comes to picking one.
1. Hardware
Hardware dictates performance, so compare the following:
- Processor
- Storage
- Memory
Server requirements aren’t the same resource hogs as playing the games. A small vanilla server can get by on a fast CPU, about 4GB of RAM, and NVMe storage. Mods, plugins, and a bigger group eat RAM first. A heavy modpack or a full server of players wants more memory and a high clock speed, not a long list of slow cores.
Storage should be SSD or NVMe. A spinning disk makes chunk loads and world saves feel worse than a weak CPU.
2. Connection Speed and Reliability
Factors to consider include:
- 100Mbps or 1Gbps connection
- Where the server sits relative to the players
- Operating system (Windows vs Linux)
- Up-time and Managed vs Self-Managed
- DDoS protection, security features, and support
High ping is the enemy of dedicated gaming servers. Always opt for gigabit connections when available. Put the server near the people who play. A group in the US wants a US location. Distance adds ping that a faster port will not fix.
Pick a server OS you know if you plan to change things yourself. That is self-managed hosting. Rather have someone handle the server? Managed hosting does that work and adds real-time support when you hit downtime.
DDoS protection belongs on the plan. One flood and the whole server drops. You want low-latency mitigation, not a filter that adds lag of its own. Test the provider’s response time to see how quickly they answer. That test is a good indicator of quality service.
3. Development
A great server company regularly explores new hardware and software. They are enthusiasts like yourself looking for peak performance at affordable prices.
Look for a server company in a perpetual development cycle. This includes frequent upgrades on their end. And, openness to adding features and games voted by its community.
The practical test is whether they keep up with what people host: mod and plugin installs, backups, and a way to add RAM when the group grows.
4. Pricing
Pricing shouldn’t be the de-facto decision-maker, but worth noting. Servers don’t necessarily pay for themselves despite efforts to accept donations. You’ll want to calculate the costs before committing. Do not stop at the monthly price. Compare the RAM, storage, backups, and support included at that price.
Know what you need beforehand:
- # of players
- Vanilla or mod-support
- Performance
- Backups
- Room to add RAM later
Server pricing goes up with your gaming needs. Find a middle-ground of performance and affordability. Then, scale up once you can afford better server options or people contribute to the costs.
Try AleForge Game Server Hosting
We know, you know having a private gaming server would be awesome. You also just got the deets on picking the best dedicated game server hosting. Now, what about giving it a go?
We offer trials letting you explore dedicated gaming servers. Join the fun by hosting Factorio and Minecraft. Visit our trial page for more info.
AleForge 
