If you’re into hosting online multiplayer games that demand a lot from your server, having a good game server is a must. But not all hosting providers are the same! Whether you’re setting up your own modified game, organizing a tournament, or just playing with friends and family, picking the right gaming server is crucial.
With so many hosts out there, each offering a variety of plans, it can be overwhelming to choose. You need to consider pricing, performance, reliability, game compatibility, and how easy it is to set up. How do you make sure you’re getting the right one for your needs?
You definitely don’t want to end up with a host that doesn’t support the games you want to play. Or worse, commit to a long contract only to find out that the service is unreliable and the server keeps crashing. And let’s not forget about those sneaky hidden fees that can eat up your budget meant for game passes and purchases.
To make things easier for you, I’ve done some research and testing on some of the top game server hosts out there. Among them, ShockByte really stands out, along with six others that I’ve found to be top-notch. Whether it’s affordability, features, user-friendliness, or performance you’re after, here’s my list of the best gaming server hosting providers available right now!
5 Best Dedicated Server for Gaming 2024
When you’re playing games with friends or hosting a big tournament, the server you use can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll look at the top 5 dedicated server hosting providers for gamers.
We’ll talk about their features, benefits, and why they’re the best choice for your gaming needs.
1. Shockbyte: Overall Best Dedicated Server For Gaming
Pros Title
- Global Locations
- Unlimited NVMe SSD storage
- 24/7 live chat support
Cons Title
- 24-hour money-back guarantee
Shockbyte is a household name in the gaming community, renowned for its robust infrastructure and exceptional customer support. Offering a variety of server hosting options tailored specifically for gamers, Shockbyte ensures low latency and seamless performance, even during peak gaming hours. With an intuitive control panel and affordable pricing plans, Shockbyte remains a top choice for gamers of all levels.
Key Features
- Automatic Updates
- Fully Configurable
- Full FTP Access
- 100% Uptime
- Automatic Backups
- DDoS Protection
- Instant Setup
- Control Panel
- 24/7 Support
2. ScalaCube – Best Dedicated Server for Gaming
Pros Title
- Specialist game server hosting
- Affordable Pricing
- Multiple Currencies Accepted
Cons Title
- Only Industry-Average Uptime
ScalaCube earns its spot on our list with its user-friendly interface and reliable server performance. Boasting an extensive library of modpacks and plugins, ScalaCube caters to diverse gaming communities, from casual enthusiasts to seasoned professionals. With features like automated backups and instant setup, ScalaCube simplifies the hosting process, allowing gamers to focus on what they do best: playing.
Key Features
- Unlimited Traffic
- SSD Storage
- 99.9% Uptime
- 24/7 Customer Service
- Total DDoS Protection
- Global Server Locations
- Unlimited Slots
- Automated Backups
- Mod & Plugin Support
3. G-portal – Best Dedicated Game Server Hosting
Pros Title
- Modify settings easily
- Full FTP Access
- Mods Support
Cons Title
- Only a 48-hour refund policy
G-portal.com stands out for its global network of data centers, ensuring optimal latency and minimal lag for players worldwide. Whether you’re hosting a small private server or a large-scale multiplayer event, G-portal.com delivers consistent performance and unparalleled stability. With flexible pricing options and round-the-clock support, G-portal.com remains a trusted choice for gamers seeking reliability and scalability.
Key Features
- User-friendly Server Management
- 24/7 Support
- DDoS Protection
- 14 server Locations
- Unlimited Players
- Free FTP and MySQL Database Access
- Your Server is Available in Under 3 Minutes
- Switch to Another Game Quickly and Flexibly
- Easy Server Management
4. ScalaHosting – Cheapest Dedicated Server for Gaming
Pros Title
- True DDR4 RAM
- Powerful Last-gen CPU
- Free Subdomain/Hostname
Cons Title
- Limited Data Centers
ScalaHosting sets itself apart with its cutting-edge technology and commitment to innovation. With dedicated servers optimized for gaming, ScalaHosting guarantees blazing-fast speeds and unparalleled uptime, even in the most demanding gaming environments. Backed by a team of industry experts and state-of-the-art infrastructure, ScalaHosting offers a premium gaming experience without breaking the bank.
Key Features
- Powerful Last-gen CPU
- Unlimited MySQL Databases
- Unlimited Slots
- Optimized for Performance
- Custom Country-Based Restrictions
- 99.9% Guaranteed Uptime
- 100% NVMe Storage
- Unlimited FTPS/SFTP Access
- Instant Setup
5. MelonCube – Affordable Dedicated Server for Gaming
Pros Title
- DDoS Protection
- Instant Activation
- Multi-User Support
Cons Title
- Shared Minecraft hosting
MelonCube rounds out our list with its emphasis on customization and flexibility. From customizable server configurations to advanced security features, MelonCube empowers gamers to create their ideal gaming environment with ease. With affordable pricing plans and a wealth of add-on options, MelonCube remains a top contender in the competitive world of dedicated server hosting.
Key Features
- 24/7 Minecraft Hosting
- Affordable Pricing
- Instant Activation
- Hundreds of Modpacks
- Killer Performance
- 100% Uptime on Gaming Servers
- Power Control Panel
- Multi-User Support
- DDoS Protection
What is a Game Server?
Basically, a game server is a computer or software that’s in charge of making sure multiplayer online games run smoothly.
It’s like the boss of the game, keeping track of who’s playing, what they’re doing, and making sure everything stays fair and fun.
It stores all the important game data, makes sure everyone follows the rules, and keeps the game world running smoothly so that players can have a good time together.
Think of it as the hub where all the players meet up to hang out, compete, or work together in virtual worlds. Without game servers, online gaming would be a mess!
How Much Does Game Server Hosting Cost?
The price of renting a game server can change based on a few things, like which company you go with, what game you’re hosting, how powerful the server is, and what extra stuff you want. In general, game server hosting plans come in different price ranges to fit different budgets and needs.
If you want a basic plan with not many resources and support for just a few players, you can find plans for as low as $5 to $10 a month. These entry-level plans are good for hosting smaller games or private servers with just a few players.
Mid-range plans offer more resources and support for more players and usually cost between $15 and $30 a month. These plans may include extra stuff like protection against DDoS attacks, automatic backups, and customer support.
For high-performance plans that are made for demanding games or large-scale multiplayer environments, prices can range from $30 to $100 or more per month. These premium plans often come with dedicated hardware resources, solid-state drives (SSDs), and advanced security features to make sure the server runs smoothly and reliably.
On top of the monthly hosting fee, some game server hosting providers may also charge a setup fee, extra fees for premium features or add-ons, and fees if you go over the resource limits or bandwidth usage.
It’s important to carefully review the pricing plans and features offered by different game server hosting providers to find the best option for your specific needs and budget. Must Read – Miami Dedicated Server
What Factors Should I Consider When Selecting a Dedicated Server for Gaming?
When selecting a dedicated server for gaming, several factors should be carefully considered to ensure optimal performance and a seamless gaming experience.
When it comes to dedicated servers, there are a few key things you need to think about.
- First off, you want to make sure the server can handle the games you want to play. That means looking at the processor speed, RAM, and storage space. You don’t want a server that’s going to lag or crash when things get intense.
- The quality of the network is also important. You want to have a fast and reliable connection so that your games don’t lag. Look for a hosting provider that has high-speed connections and redundant network paths.
- The location of the server can also affect your gaming experience. If the server is too far away, you’ll have higher latency, which can make games unplayable. Try to choose a server that’s located close to where you live or where most of your players are located.
- As your gaming community grows, you may need to upgrade your server. Make sure you choose a hosting provider that offers scalable solutions so that you can easily add more resources as needed.
- DDoS attacks are a common threat to gaming servers. Make sure your hosting provider has DDoS protection in place to keep your server safe.
- Good customer support is also important. If you have a problem with your server, you want to be able to get help quickly. Look for a hosting provider that offers 24/7 support via multiple channels, such as live chat, phone, and email.
- A user-friendly control panel can make it easier to manage your server. Look for a hosting provider that offers a control panel with a simple interface and all the features you need.
- Finally, you need to think about cost. Dedicated servers can be expensive, so it’s important to compare prices and features before you make a decision.
What’s the Difference Between Web Hosting and Game Server Hosting?
The difference between web hosting and game server hosting lies primarily in the purpose and functionality of the hosting service.
| Web Hosting | Game Server Hosting |
| Web hosting is a service that allows individuals and organizations to make their websites accessible via the World Wide Web. In web hosting, the primary focus is on hosting websites, web applications, and related content such as images, videos, and documents. Web hosting providers offer storage space on servers, bandwidth, and other resources necessary for hosting and serving web content to visitors. | Game server hosting, on the other hand, is specifically tailored for hosting multiplayer online games and gaming communities. Game server hosting providers offer dedicated servers optimized for running multiplayer game servers, managing player connections, and facilitating real-time communication between players during gameplay. |
| Web hosting services typically include features such as domain registration, email hosting, database support, and website building tools. Web hosting is suitable for hosting a wide range of websites, from personal blogs and small business websites to large-scale e-commerce platforms and enterprise-level applications. | Unlike web hosting, which primarily focuses on serving static web content, game server hosting requires specialized infrastructure and software to support the unique requirements of multiplayer gaming environments. This includes features such as low-latency network connections, high-performance hardware, DDoS protection, and support for specific game server software and configurations. |
| Game server hosting providers often offer additional features such as mod support, automated backups, server monitoring tools, and custom control panels designed specifically for managing game servers and player communities. |
Why Linux gaming is Better Than Windows?
Linux gaming offers several advantages over gaming on Windows, making it an attractive option for many gamers:
- Performance and Stability: Linux is known for its lightweight and efficient design, which often results in better overall performance compared to Windows, especially on older hardware. Linux distributions are optimized to utilize system resources more efficiently, resulting in smoother gameplay and faster load times for many games.
- Customization and Control: Linux offers users greater customization and control over their gaming experience compared to Windows. Linux distributions are highly customizable, allowing gamers to tailor their operating system and gaming environment to their specific preferences. From choosing desktop environments to optimizing system settings, Linux server provides users with a high level of flexibility and control.
- Open Source Ecosystem: Linux is built on open-source principles, which means that the operating system and many of its associated software packages are freely available for users to modify, distribute, and contribute to. This open-source ecosystem fosters innovation and collaboration, resulting in a vast array of gaming-related tools, utilities, and applications that are freely available to Linux users.
- Security: Linux is inherently more secure than Windows due to its Unix-based architecture and robust security features. Linux distributions are less susceptible to malware, viruses, and other security threats commonly found on Windows systems. Additionally, Linux benefits from a large and active community of developers and security experts who continuously monitor and improve the security of the operating system.
- Compatibility: While Windows still dominates the gaming market in terms of compatibility with popular games and gaming hardware, Linux has made significant strides in recent years in terms of game compatibility and support. Many popular games now offer native Linux versions, and compatibility layers such as Proton and Wine allow users to run a wide range of Windows games on Linux with varying degrees of success.
- Resource Efficiency: Linux distributions typically require fewer system resources compared to Windows, allowing gamers to allocate more of their system’s resources to gaming rather than background processes and system overhead. This can result in smoother gameplay, faster loading times, and improved overall performance, especially on lower-end or older hardware.
Why Are Dedicated Servers Better for Gaming?
When it comes to hosting your game, there’s no better option than a dedicated server. Here’s why:
- Performance: Dedicated servers are like a super-fast car that’s all yours. All of the server’s resources are dedicated to running your game and supporting your players, so you get the best possible performance. No more lag or stuttering!
- Reliability: Dedicated servers are like a rock. They’re always up and running, so your players can always access the game when they want to play. No more downtime or server crashes!
- Scalability: Dedicated servers are like a stretchy pants. They can easily grow or shrink to accommodate the number of players on your server. Whether you’re hosting a small private server or a huge multiplayer event, a dedicated server can handle it.
- Customization: Dedicated servers are like a blank canvas. You can customize them to meet the specific needs of your game and your players. From configuring server settings to adding mods, you have complete control over your server.
- Security: Dedicated servers are like a fortress. They’re protected by powerful security features that keep your player data safe and secure. No more worries about hackers or DDoS attacks!
- Community building: Dedicated servers are like a community center. They provide a dedicated space for your players to connect, interact, and collaborate. Whether you’re hosting a public server or a private server, your players will appreciate having a place to call home.
FAQs
Is ScalaCube a good host?
Yes, ScalaCube is widely regarded as a reliable and user-friendly hosting provider, offering a range of features tailored for gamers.
What is the most reliable game server host?
While reliability can vary depending on individual needs and preferences, providers like Shockbyte, ScalaCube, and G-portal.com are known for their reliability and performance.
Where should I host my game server?
The ideal hosting location depends on factors such as player demographics and server requirements. Choose a hosting provider with data centers located strategically to minimize latency and ensure optimal performance for your players.
How much RAM do I need for gaming server hosting?
The amount of RAM required for gaming server hosting depends on factors such as the number of players, game requirements, and additional software running on the server. As a general rule of thumb, allocate at least 2GB of RAM per server instance, scaling up as needed.
Which Linux OS is best for game server hosting?
Popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu and CentOS are well-suited for game server hosting, offering stability, security, and extensive software support.
Is gaming on Linux faster than Windows?
Linux gaming can offer better performance and stability compared to Windows, especially for games optimized for the platform. With proper configuration and driver support, Linux can provide a smooth and responsive gaming experience for enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Selecting the right dedicated server for gaming is crucial for optimizing performance, reliability, and overall gaming experience.
Whether you prioritize low latency, scalability, or customization, the top 5 dedicated server hosting providers outlined in this guide offer a range of options to suit your needs.
By carefully evaluating factors such as performance, pricing, and customer support, you can find the perfect hosting solution to take your gaming adventures to the next level.
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Hi guys, myself Gabriel Geekstar, as a cloud server engineer with 5 years of experience in web hosting industry, I have developed a deep understanding of the intricacies of web hosting, cloud and virtual server management. My experience in managing web servers has allowed me to develop a keen eye for detail, ensuring that all websites hosted on my servers are running smoothly and efficiently. You can follow me on Twitter, Linktree, Quora and other social media channels.