Host video games with a Game VPS
Online video gaming offers millions of web users the opportunity to interact in a common virtual world. To build multi-player worlds, game publishers usually offer official public servers. They are a common platform for all players, with established principles — but for people wanting to set their own rules and change the game with mods, a private server is required.
This raises the question of what kind of machine should host the online games. The server must be able to deliver optimal performance that matches the game’s requirements, and the price-performance ratio is also a decisive factor for avid gamers who want to play without exceeding their budget. A virtual private server, also called a VPS, meets all of these criteria with affordable pricing and flexible hardware resources.
How do I choose a Game VPS?
First of all, it is good to take note of the specific features of the game you want to host on your Game VPS. The minimum and optimal configuration recommendations are listed on the game publisher’s website. These tips provide information on the number of processors (CPUs), their frequency, the volume of RAM, and the network bandwidth required to run the game smoothly. It is also important to take into account the number of players you want to host simultaneously on your server. More resources will be used if a high number of people are connected at the same time. Installing mods or extensions can also significantly increase your server’s resource requirements. This is especially the case for graphical changes or new features that are not present in the base game.
Our comparison of VPS specifications will help you select the right server for your needs.
Which operating system should I choose for my VPS?
With a VPS, you get root access to your server — so you are free to configure it and adapt it to your needs.
To get the most out of your VPS, install the operating system you want your environment to be based on. Choose the option that suits you best, between a Windows server and a Linux server.
Although both operating systems are adapted for building a video game server, Linux offers major advantages. This operating system is open-source — and since it is free, so you won’t need to pay any additional fees for a licence while you rent your VPS. It also benefits from a large community, as well as very detailed documentation for uses such as creating a video game server.
Another asset that is particularly valuable for gaming is how light and well-optimised Linux is. This means you get improved performance and more resources available to you, so that your game can run smoothly. To make it easier to launch your Linux or Windows VPS, we offer a range of pre-installed operating systems.
Tip 1: Keep track of performance over time
Your server is configured and ready to host players for hours of gameplay. Monitor your machine’s scalability as your users connect. Also, when you install extensions, it is crucial to ensure that they do not require more resources than your Game VPS can provide. This way, you get optimal stability throughout your games.
Tip 2: Relax and enjoy your video game
Is your community growing, with new players joining your server? Want to install new mods on your machine, without any impact on the gaming experience? This is where the flexibility of the virtual private server (VPS) comes in. You can add resources to your website at any time, to keep up with your changing needs. You can increase your processor, RAM and disk space in just a few clicks via the OVHcloud Control Panel.
Our recommendations
What games can I install on my server?
Minecraft VPS
Play the most popular sandbox game with its iconic block-shaped graphics. With a Minecraft VPS, you are in control of your server, and you can set your own rules.
Valheim VPS
Play as a Viking, then explore and build your perfect world in this survival sandbox game. You can customise your Valheim VPS by installing your favourite mods.
CS:GO VPS
Choose your own CS:GO VPS to host Counter-Strike tactical shooter games. Create tournaments, or practice with custom settings.
ARK VPS
Host your private games of ARK: Survival Evolved on your computer is not optimal. With an ARK VPS, you can get an optimal gaming experience with peak performance and affordability.
Rust VPS
Between adventure and multi-player survival, Rust constantly tests you. On your Rust VPS, you decide which role the players should take: solo survival, combat, or mutual support.
Garry’s Mod VPS
Let your creativity flow with Garry’s Mod, the sandbox game based on the Source engine. With your Garry’s Mod VPS, you can roleplay or develop your community around your ideas.
Arma 3 VPS
Launch an assault in Arma 3 with your own private server. Your Arma 3 VPS will scale to match your ambitions, and your community's growth.
DayZ VPS
Fight for your life in a world full of DayZ zombies. With your DayZ VPS, you can create a server to suit your gaming preferences: like PVP, roleplay, and much more.
Conan Exiles VPS
Explore the vast world of the Exiles with your companions. With your Conan Exiles VPS, you are in control of the game's difficulty and your team’s survival.
How does the Game VPS work?
It is a virtual server with resources at an affordable price. Compared to a dedicated server, a VPS is scaled to give you adjusted resources that fit your actual usage. If you need to scale up, you can add more resources in just a few clicks. Your virtual server is fully customisable — so you are free to choose everything from the operating system to the access rules, and the software you want to install.
Why choose a Game VPS to play online?
To play your game on an online server, you will need to configure it specifically.
A shared hosting plan will not be able to meet this need. It is configured as a system for hosting websites — so its control panel, anti-DDoS protection and the number of concurrent connections it can handle are better suited to website usage.
You can then switch to a dedicated server, which offers total freedom in terms of configuration. Its computing power is perfect for resource-intensive applications, and it offers high bandwidth. However, video games do not require such high capacity to run optimally. With its scalable resources and adjusted price/performance ratio, the VPS offers a solution that best suits your needs.
* For VPS hosted in Sydney and Singapore : 1TB traffic/month for the VPS range “Starter” and “Value”, 2TB/month for the VPS range “Essential”, 3TB/month for the VPS range “Comfort” and 4TB/month for the VPS range “Elite” . Bandwidth is reduced to 10Mbps once the monthly quota is exceeded.