Choosing a gaming server service is like going through a tough level in a video game. Slow computers, hard-to-understand settings, or outrageous prices are all things that could go wrong. Finding a service that fits your gaming style and price can be challenging because each has its features.
In this article, we’ll help you pick the best gaming server service by listing the pros and cons of 17 popular ones. This will ensure that your gaming experience is smooth and fun. The next step is to review the essential parts of each service so you can make an informed choice.
What Makes a Good Gaming Server?
Creating a good gaming server involves many factors, from choosing the proper hardware to configuring the software for optimal performance.
Here’s how to ensure your gaming server offers the best experience for players across various games like Minecraft, Ark: Survival Evolved, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Choosing the Right Hardware
When you decide to build a dedicated gaming server, start by selecting the appropriate hardware. Essential components include a powerful CPU (like those from Intel), ample RAM (DDR4 is a good choice), and fast storage options such as SSDs.
This setup ensures the server can handle the demands of different games and offers the performance and stability gamers expect.
Installation and Operating System
Install your gaming server on a robust OS, preferably Linux, for its reliability and flexibility in server environments. Linux allows you to run servers for many games, from Minecraft servers to more complex setups like those required for ARMA or DayZ. Ensure you have a backup system for peace of mind against modest disruptions and potential data loss.
Configuring the Server
Server configuration is vital to a dedicated game server. Use tools like SteamCMD to install and update games like Team Fortress 2, Rust, and Valheim on your server.
Configuring the server for your game involves setting up the correct game modes and mods (using mod managers or direct installations) and ensuring that your server is updated with the latest game patches and features.
Specialized Game Server Hosting
For those who prefer to avoid handling the technical details, renting a game server is a viable option. Game hosting companies provide dedicated game servers already configured for optimal performance in games like Conan Exiles and 7 Days to Die.
These services often include features like DDoS protection, ensuring your server remains stable and accessible even under attack.
Network Configuration and Security
Ensure your network is configured correctly for multiplayer games. This includes setting up port forwarding, managing firewall settings, and implementing security measures to protect against denial-of-service attacks. Many hosts offer an SLA (Service Level Agreement) that guarantees a certain uptime and performance level, giving you peace of mind.
Additional Tools and Features
Incorporate additional tools, such as Proxmox for managing virtual servers or Teamspeak for in-game communication. These tools enhance the multiplayer gaming experience, allowing players to interact more effectively.
Also, consider setting up a wiki or developer folder on your server to help players and team members quickly access game guides, server rules, or mod information.
Regular Maintenance
Update and maintain your server’s software and hardware regularly. Keep your OS, game files, and mods up to date to avoid security vulnerabilities and improve game performance. Regular maintenance also includes monitoring server load and adjusting resources to handle player number increases or add new games to your server.
Pros and Cons of The 17 Established Gaming Server Providers
1. Ultahost
Source: Ultahost
Ultahost is a versatile web hosting provider known for its speed and reliability. It offers various hosting solutions, including shared, VPS, and dedicated servers. Ultahost stands out with its 99.9% uptime guarantee and excellent customer support.
The platform is designed for both beginners and advanced users. It provides easy-to-use tools and robust security features.
Ultahost is an excellent choice for anyone seeking dependable hosting. Its affordable pricing makes it accessible to all.
- SSD-powered servers for faster performance.
- Free daily backups for data security.
- DDoS protection to safeguard against attacks.
- User-friendly control panel for easy management.
- 24/7 customer support for immediate assistance.
- One-click app installer for convenience.
- Flexible billing options with a money-back guarantee
View Ultahost pricing plans here.
Extremely fast, secure and user-friendly website hosting for your successful online projects, get up to a 20x faster page load times, With unlimited bandwidth and a free cPanel license.
2. Hostinger
Source: Hostinger
Hostinger is a leading gaming server provider that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. They offer a user-friendly control panel that makes managing your server a breeze.
With Hostinger, you can choose from a wide range of games and customize your server to your liking. Their servers are equipped with cutting-edge hardware to ensure lag-free gaming.
Hostinger provides excellent customer support to assist you whenever needed—experience gaming like never before with Hostinger’s top-quality hosting solutions.
Key Features:
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- Automatic backups
- SSD storage
- One-click server setup
- Free MySQL databases
View Hostinger pricing plans here.
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3. ScalaHosting
Source: ScalaHosting
ScalaHosting provides robust web hosting solutions, including game servers. Their service is reliable and high-performing, and they offer seamless scalability. The control panel is designed for ease of use. You can enjoy low latency and excellent uptime. Their prices are competitive. Customer support is available 24/7 to assist you.
- SPanel Control Panel
- Free Website Migration
- Daily Backups
- SSD Storage
- 99.9% Uptime Guarantee
- Free SSL Certificates
- Malware Protection
View ScalaHosting pricing plans here.
Help your website thrive by hosting it on the cloud which delivers scalability, high speed and security 24/7/365.
4. InterServer
Source: InterServer
InterServer is a trusted hosting provider known for its reliability and affordability. You can host various types of servers, including game servers. They provide high performance and low latency.
The user-friendly control panel makes management simple. Their pricing is straightforward, with no hidden fees. You get 24/7 customer support. They offer a price-lock guarantee.
- Unlimited Storage and Transfer
- Global Data Centers
- Free Site Migration
- Customizable Server Configurations
- Price-Lock Guarantee
- 99.9% Uptime Guarantee
- DDoS Protection
View InterServer pricing plans
Industry-leading reliability of service and content delivery. We partner with Cloudflare and utilize its global network of caching data center.
5. Host Havoc
Source: Host Havoc
Host Havoc is a premium game server hosting provider known for its reliability and excellent customer support. It offers a wide range of server hosting options for popular games.
With an intuitive control panel, managing your server is easy. You benefit from low latency and high performance. Their data centers are strategically located worldwide. Competitive pricing makes it accessible. Enjoy top-notch security features.
Key Features:
- DDoS Protection
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Easy-to-use Control Panel
- Multiple Global Data Centers
- Automatic Backups
- Mod Support
- Instant Setup
View Host Havoc pricing plans here.
6. Nitrado
Source: Nitrado
Nitrado offers you specialized gaming server hosting with a twist—complete control and flexibility. This German-based service allows you to set up your game server for many games instantly.
It’s one of the best because it combines ease of use with advanced options for veteran gamers. The servers are reliable, scalable, and come with robust support.
Nitrado makes gaming with friends simple, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned player. Dive into a lag-free gaming experience with Nitrado!
Key Features:
- Real-time server configuration changes
- Integrated DDoS protection to ensure uninterrupted gameplay
- Mobile app for server management on-the-go
- Support for a wide range of games, including Minecraft, ARK, and Rust
- Customizable interfaces and server settings
- Automatic backups for game data security
- Energy-efficient green servers
View Nitrado pricing plans here.
7. PingPerfect
Source: PingPerfect
PingPerfect offers a robust solution for game server hosting, renowned for its performance and flexibility. It supports a vast array of games. The user-friendly interface ensures smooth server management. It provides low latency and high uptime.
Global server locations enhance your gaming experience. Competitive prices make it an attractive choice. Enjoy comprehensive customer support.
Key Features:
- Customizable Server Options
- Daily Backups
- 1-Click Mod Installations
- Free Web Hosting with Server Purchase
- Game Switching Capability
- Instant Setup
- Integrated Voice Servers
View PingPerfect pricing plans here.
8. Kamatera
Source: Kamatera
Kamatera lets you expand your gaming horizons with cloud servers with high performance and exceptional flexibility. This provider serves up customizable servers tailored to any gaming need. Whether you’re hosting RPG sessions or large-scale multiplayer battles, Kamatera scales effortlessly.
With global data centers, they deliver low-latency gaming anywhere in the world. Kamatera is favored for its no-compromise approach to speed and reliability, ensuring epic and uninterrupted gaming sessions.
Key Features:
- Tailor-made server configurations
- 99.95% uptime guarantee for continuous gaming
- Cloud firewall services for enhanced security
- Pay-as-you-go pricing structure to suit all budgets
- Instant scalability to meet player demand spikes
- 24/7 expert technical support
- Choice of worldwide data center locations
View Kamatera pricing plans here.
9. ShockByte
Source: ShockByte
ShockByte specializes in providing high-quality game server hosting, mainly for Minecraft. It boasts exceptional uptime and performance and highly customizable servers.
You can easily manage your server with their intuitive control panel. They offer a variety of server locations globally. Their pricing is competitive. Enjoy reliable customer support.
Key Features:
- Unlimited SSD Storage
- Free Subdomain
- Instant Setup
- DDoS Protection
- Automated Updates
- Full FTP Access
- 24/7 Support
View ShockByte pricing plans here.
10. GTXGaming
Source: GTXGaming
GTXGaming steps up your gaming experience with dedicated server solutions prioritizing performance and player satisfaction. Based in the UK, GTXGaming has been catering to gamers worldwide with top-notch server technology since its inception.
It stands out by offering extensive mod support and an easy setup process. GTXGaming ensures your games run smoothly with minimal latency, making it a top choice for serious gamers. Experience gaming without limits with GTXGaming!
Key Features:
- Extensive game mod support and easy integration
- Game switcher feature to change between games without additional costs
- Advanced control panel designed specifically for gamers
- Free DDoS protection to keep your server stable and secure
- 24-hour server monitoring and regular updates
- High-performance hardware with SSD storage
- Live chat support is available around the clock
View GTXGaming pricing plans here.
11. Apex Hosting
Source: Apex Hosting
Apex Hosting is a leading provider of Minecraft server hosting, known for its simplicity and performance. It offers a seamless setup process. The control panel is intuitive and user-friendly. Their servers ensure low latency and high uptime. They offer a wide range of mod packs. Competitive pricing makes it accessible. Enjoy 24/7 support.
Key Features:
- Multicraft Control Panel
- Free Server Transfers
- Automated Backups
- Modpack Support
- Global Server Locations
- Instant Setup
- DDoS Protection
View Apex Hosting pricing plans here.
12. Gravel Host
Source: Gravel Host
Gravel Host offers premium game server hosting that focuses on reliability and performance. You can choose from a wide variety of popular games. Their servers are known for low latency and high uptime. The control panel is user-friendly and intuitive.
You benefit from competitive pricing. Their customer support is exceptional. They ensure top-notch security for your data.
Key Features:
- Customizable Server Options
- Global Data Center Locations
- Automated Backups
- Free Subdomains
- Instant Setup
- Full FTP Access
- DDoS Protection
View Gravel Host pricing plans here.
13. Survival Servers
Source: Survival Servers
Survival Servers provides top-tier game server hosting, focusing on performance and customization. It supports a wide variety of games. The company’s control panel is powerful and easy to use, and servers are strategically located worldwide.
You benefit from low latency and high uptime. Competitive pricing and flexible plans are available, and you enjoy excellent customer support.
Key Features:
- Custom Control Panel
- Instant Setup
- FTP Access
- Mod Installation
- Automated Updates
- High-Performance Hardware
- DDoS Protection
View Survival Servers pricing plans here.
14. BisectHosting
Source: BisectHosting
BisectHosting specializes in hosting game servers, particularly Minecraft. It’s known for its affordability and extensive modpack support. The platform offers easy server management and reliable performance. BisectHosting’s customer service is responsive and helpful.
Their setup process is straightforward and quick. It’s a great option for gamers seeking a hassle-free hosting experience.
Key Features:
- Instant setup
- Free MySQL database
- Custom JAR support
- DDoS protection
- Multicraft control panel
- Scheduled tasks and backups
- Multiple server locations
View BisectHosting pricing plans here.0
15. ServerBlend
Source: ServerBlend
ServerBlend helps you take your gaming to the next level with tailored server hosting solutions. Specializing in game servers, they provide seamless integration for various games.
ServerBlend’s commitment to low-latency play and excellent server stability makes it stand out. Their customizable server options mean that you can design your gaming environment exactly how you like it.
The support team at ServerBlend is proactive, ensuring that any issues you face are quickly resolved. For gamers by gamers, ServerBlend delivers the ultimate hosting experience.
Key Features:
- Multiple server locations globally to choose the lowest latency
- Free DDoS protection to ensure your gaming is uninterrupted
- Game-specific customizations available
- Automatic updates to keep your server running smoothly
- Flexible billing cycles to fit your budget
- Real-time server status updates to keep you informed
- Support for emerging and popular games
View ServerBlend pricing plans here.
16. Sparked Host
Source: Sparked Host
Sparked Host elevates your gaming adventures by providing high-quality server hosting at competitive prices. They stand out due to their exceptional customer service and user-friendly management tools.
Sparked Host is your go-to if you’re looking for a server host that combines affordability with reliability. They ensure that your server is always online with guaranteed 99.99% uptime. Their easy-to-use control panel makes managing your game’s server a breeze, even for beginners.
Key Features:
- Economical pricing models for all levels of gamers
- Enterprise-grade hardware to ensure peak performance
- One-click mod pack installers for easy customization
- Comprehensive tutorials and a knowledge base for new users
- Active community support forums
- Instant setup to get you started without delay
- Detailed performance analytics to monitor your server’s health
View Sparkled Hosting pricing plans here.
17. Scalacube
Source: Scalacube
Scalacube is a premier gaming server offering a seamless and immersive gaming experience. Their powerful servers are optimized for the most popular games and deliver exceptional performance.
With Scalacube, you can easily manage your server through its intuitive control panel. They offer a variety of plans to suit your needs and budget. Scalacube’s dedicated support team is always available to help you. Experience the thrill of gaming with Scalacube’s top-notch hosting services.
Key features:
- Instant server activation
- DDoS protection
- Custom JAR support
- Free MySQL database
- Automatic backups
View Scalacube pricing plans here.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right gaming server provider can significantly affect your gaming experience. Each provider has pros and cons, from performance and cost to customer support and setup ease. Knowing these can help you decide what best suits your gaming needs, ensuring smoother and more enjoyable gameplay.
If you’re looking to further enhance your gaming setup, consider reading about Network Configuration Management Tools on our website. These tools can help optimize your server for better performance and stability. Check out our articles to learn more and take your gaming to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Most Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gaming Server Provider?
When selecting a gaming server provider, consider factors such as price, performance, reliability, customer support, server locations, ease of use, and scalability. Prioritize the factors that are most important for your specific needs.
How Do Server Locations Affect Gaming Performance?
Server locations directly affect latency. The closer the server is to you, the lower the latency, which results in smoother and faster gameplay. Choosing a provider with multiple server locations can give you more flexibility and better performance.
How Do I Know If a Gaming Server Provider Is Reliable?
Look for providers with high uptime guarantees, positive customer reviews, and a track record of stability. Also, consider providers that offer trial periods or money-back guarantees.
Can I Switch Games Easily with a Gaming Server Provider?
Many gaming server providers offer a game-switching feature, allowing you to change the game you host on your server without needing to set up a new server. However, this feature isn’t universal, so checking if your provider offers it is important.
How Does Pricing Vary Among Different Gaming Server Providers?
Pricing can vary based on the server’s performance capabilities, the number of players it supports, additional features like DDoS protection, backup options, and the billing period. Some providers may offer discounts for longer commitments.
