{"id":1143,"date":"2022-04-24T16:45:04","date_gmt":"2022-04-24T16:45:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/besthosting.network\/?p=1143"},"modified":"2023-02-17T00:06:24","modified_gmt":"2023-02-17T00:06:24","slug":"dedicated-game-servers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthosting.network\/game-server-hosting\/dedicated-game-servers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Started With Dedicated Game Server Hosting in 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this article, we\u2019ll tackle everything you need to know about game servers, how to set them up, as well as your alternatives<\/em> if you\u2019re afraid to tweak your PC on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Game Server For?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Players get on a game server <\/strong>whenever they want to play multiplayer games on the internet. A game server keeps track of everything<\/em> that\u2019s going on in the multiplayer game, such as every player\u2019s location, loot, and the like. It ensures that every participant\u2019s \u201ccopy\u201d of the game (i.e. the things that have happened in-game) is the same as everyone else\u2019s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Are Multiplayer Games Generally Hosted?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A lot of multiplayer games are run on a peer-to-peer (P2P) <\/strong>server. <\/strong>In the P2P model, one of the players is the host. Since the server is the player\u2019s own computer, the shortcoming of the P2P model is that the host player’s server should have the proper processing power, bandwidth, and more to run the game as smoothly as possible. If not, everyone <\/em>on the game server will suffer from lag, glitches, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem with the P2P model is that the host-player\u2019s computer isn\u2019t designed to run the game alone. The host-player likely has other apps in the background \u2013 apps that are causing the slowdown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Dedicated Game Server?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A dedicated game server<\/strong>, as the name suggests, is designed to do nothing but run the game. In contrast to \u201cstandard\u201d servers, it isn\u2019t used for other functions that could cause it to slow down. In other words, it won\u2019t be able to browse the web, download images, and more. What it can do, however, is run the game that it\u2019s designed to host. That way, players won\u2019t have to go through low-latency issues, lag, and loading times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In plain language, if a server was designed to perform more functions, all of the apps that it runs would have to \u201cfight\u201d for the connection. The server\u2019s users would have to suffer from its slowness \u2013 and if you\u2019ve ever played a multiplayer game, you will know all too well that this sucks.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Host a Dedicated Game Server?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve put together the pros of dedicated game server hosting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1 You Have the Ability to Make Money<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re wondering why gamers host game servers, the answer is that it provides them with the ability to make money<\/a>. By hosting a game server, you\u2019ll be able to run a lucrative business. As long as you\u2019re willing to invest in top-grade hardware and software (and people actually<\/em> want to play your game), you can generate income through promotions, sponsorships, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2 It\u2019s Perfect For Lag-Free Gaming<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even if you don\u2019t want to make money from it, dedicated game server hosting also allows you to run multiplayer games without lag. If you\u2019ve ever been frustrated by lag, it\u2019s time to find a server with the best bandwidth, internet connectivity, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3 It Gives You Complete Control Over the Game<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve ever wanted godlike control over the game, get a dedicated game server. As the host, you decide who can participate in the game \u2013 this allows you to steer clear of low-latency issues. You will also be able to boot <\/em>players that break the rules. Plus, you can change the game using mods to make it truly one-of-a-kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4 It Can Handle Thousands of Players at a Time <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It doesn\u2019t matter if there are ten or a thousand <\/em>players at the same time. The game will continue to run without lag, glitches, etc. Plus, you\u2019ll be able to limit the number of players that can participate in the game to prevent overcrowding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Set Up a Dedicated Game Server<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With a bit of tweaking and the right hardware, you\u2019ll be able to set up a server for highly sought-after multiplayer games. Here\u2019s how you can get started with dedicated game server hosting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hardware<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can run a game server on your current computer, but make sure it\u2019s capable<\/em>. There\u2019s no hard and fast rule for how powerful your PC has to be, but it should be able to run multiplayer games such as ARK: Survival Evolved<\/a> and Rust<\/a>. We suggest using a PC with at least<\/em> 16 GB of RAM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Software<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a look at how you can set up a server for some of the popular multiplayer games like Minecraft, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and ARK: Survival Evolved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Set Up a Server For Minecraft<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To set up a server for Minecraft, all you need is your static IP address. Other players can then use your IP address to enter your server. The disadvantage is Minecraft\u2019s server runs on a P2P model, so if your internet connection is slow, the rest of the players will suffer, as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Set Up a Server For Counterstrike: Global Offensive<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

All you need to create a Counterstrike: Global Offensive server is the Pyr0s CS:GO* Server Launcher<\/a>. Download the .bat file from the link above, and add it to your PC\u2019s Counter-Strike: Global Offensive installation folder. Run the file and follow the steps to set up the server. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Set Up a Server For ARK: Survival Evolved<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Download the free Ark* Server Manager<\/a> to set up a server for ARK: Survival Evolved. You can also check ARK\u2019s wiki for step-by-step instructions about setting up your own server. Do note, however, that ARK is a very<\/em> intensive game, so your PC needs to be as powerful as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Games Should You Host on a Dedicated Server?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your gaming goal is to make money from your server, opt for popular games such as the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n