How to Set Up Your Server to Play Online with Friends

Setting up your own gaming server can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to play your favorite games online with friends on your terms. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up a server, from choosing the right type to understanding the benefits. Whether you’re looking to create a dedicated server for a specific game or a general-purpose server for multiple games, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

Why Create a Self-Hosted Server if Game Publishers Have Their Own Servers?

Many gamers wonder why they should go through the trouble of setting up their own servers when game publishers already offer their own. Here are some reasons why self-hosted servers are worth considering:

Firstly, self-hosted servers offer greater control. You can configure the server settings to your liking, ensuring that the gaming environment suits your preferences. This level of customization is not possible with publisher-hosted servers. Additionally, self-hosted servers provide better privacy and security. Since you control who has access to the server, you can avoid the risk of playing with unknown players who might engage in disruptive behavior.

Moreover, self-hosted servers often provide a more stable connection. Publisher-hosted servers can sometimes experience high traffic, leading to lag and connection issues. By hosting your own server, you can ensure a smoother and more reliable gaming experience. Finally, hosting your own server allows you to build a closer gaming community. You can invite only your friends, making it easier to coordinate and enjoy games together without the interference of strangers.

Types of Servers

When it comes to setting up a gaming server, there are several types to choose from, each with its own advantages:

Dedicated servers are one of the most popular options. These servers are solely dedicated to hosting games, providing the best performance and reliability. They require a separate machine and are ideal for serious gamers who need a stable and high-performance environment.

Virtual Private Servers (VPS) offer a more flexible solution. A VPS hosting plan provides you with a virtual server that mimics a dedicated server’s environment, but at a lower cost. It’s suitable for gamers who want a balance between performance and affordability. Lastly, there are cloud-based servers, which are hosted on remote data centers. These servers offer scalability and ease of setup, making them a good choice for gamers who need a server that can adapt to changing demands.

What Games Need a Constantly Active Server? For This, You Need to Rent a Server

Certain games require a server that is always online to provide the best experience for players. Renting a server is often the best solution for these games. Here are a few examples:

Minecraft is a prime example. This sandbox game benefits greatly from a constantly active server, allowing players to build and explore without interruption. By renting a server, you can ensure that your world is always available for your friends to join.

Another example is ARK: Survival Evolved. This survival game features a persistent world where players must gather resources, build shelters, and tame dinosaurs. An always-on server ensures that the game world remains active and evolves even when you’re not online.

Finally, games like Rust and Conan Exiles also benefit from constant server availability. These multiplayer survival games rely on persistent environments where players’ actions have lasting consequences. Renting a server for these games provides a stable and uninterrupted experience.

Which Games Require This?

While many games can be enjoyed on a casual basis, some games require a dedicated server to truly shine. Here are a few examples:

First-person shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Battlefield series benefit from dedicated servers. These games require fast and reliable connections to provide smooth gameplay and low latency. A dedicated server ensures that players can enjoy the game without experiencing lag or connectivity issues.

Massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV also require dedicated servers. These games host thousands of players in a shared world, making a stable server essential for a good gaming experience. Hosting your own server for these games can enhance the experience by providing better performance and control over the game environment.

Finally, real-time strategy games like StarCraft II and Age of Empires IV benefit from dedicated servers. These games require precise timing and coordination, and a dedicated server ensures that all players are on a level playing field, with minimal lag and interruptions.

Steps to Set Up Your Own Server

Setting up your own server involves several steps, but it’s a manageable process with the right guidance. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

• Choose Your Server Type: Decide whether you want a dedicated server, VPS hosting, or a cloud-based server. Consider your budget, performance needs, and technical expertise when making this decision.
• Select a Hosting Provider: Research and choose a reliable hosting provider that offers the type of server you need. Look for providers with good reviews, responsive customer support, and flexible plans.
• Install the Necessary Software: Depending on the game you want to host, you’ll need to install specific server software. Follow the instructions provided by the game’s developers to set up the server correctly.
• Configure Server Settings: Customize the server settings to your liking. This may include adjusting game rules, setting player limits, and configuring security settings.
• Invite Friends to Join: Share the server’s IP address and connection details with your friends so they can join the game. Make sure to set up any necessary permissions and access controls.
• Maintain and Monitor the Server: Regularly check the server’s performance and update the software as needed. Monitor for any issues and address them promptly to ensure a smooth gaming experience.

Setting up your own gaming server can enhance your gaming experience by providing greater control, privacy, and stability. Whether you choose a dedicated server, VPS hosting, or a cloud-based solution, following the steps outlined in this guide will help you create a server that meets your needs. By renting a server and setting it up correctly, you and your friends can enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions in a customized environment.