How to Host a Game Server on Your VPS

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Host a Game Server on Your VPS

Hosting a game server on your VPS is an excellent way to enjoy multiplayer gaming with complete control and customization. This guide provides a step-by-step process for setting up a game server on your VPS.

Step 1: Prepare Your VPS

• Log In to Your VPS:
  Access your VPS using SSH:

  ssh user@your-vps-ip
  

• Update Your System:
  Keep the system up to date by running:

  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
  

Step 2: Choose and Install Game Server Software

• Identify Your Game:
  Determine the game you want to host (e.g., Minecraft, Counter-Strike, or Valheim). Each game has specific server software requirements.

• Install Dependencies:
  Depending on the game, you may need to install additional software like Java, .NET, or SteamCMD. For example, for a Steam-based game:

  sudo apt install steamcmd -y
  

• Download Game Server Files:
  Use the official sources or tools like SteamCMD to download the game server files. For example:

  steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir /path/to/game-server +app_update APP_ID validate +quit
  

  Replace /path/to/game-server with the directory where you want to store the server files and APP_ID with the specific app ID of the game.

Step 3: Configure the Game Server

• Access the Game Server Directory:
  Navigate to the directory where you installed the server files:

  cd /path/to/game-server
  

• Modify Configuration Files:
  Edit the server configuration files to set game rules, maximum players, server name, etc. Use a text editor like Nano:

  nano server.cfg
  

• Save and Exit:
  Press CTRL + O to save and CTRL + X to exit.

Step 4: Open Ports for the Game Server

• Identify Required Ports:
  Check the official documentation for the ports your game server needs to function.

• Configure the Firewall:
  Open the necessary ports using ufw. For example, if your game requires port 27015:

  sudo ufw allow 27015
  

• Enable the Firewall:
  If the firewall isn’t enabled yet, turn it on:

  sudo ufw enable
  

Step 5: Start the Game Server

• Launch the Server:
  Start the game server using the appropriate command. For example:

  ./start-server.sh
  

  Replace start-server.sh with the start script provided by the game server.

• Run in the Background:
  Use screen or tmux to keep the server running after you log out. Install screen if necessary:

  sudo apt install screen -y  
  screen ./start-server.sh
  

• Detach the Screen:
  Press CTRL + A, then D to detach. Reconnect with screen -r.

Step 6: Share Your Server Details

• Obtain Your Server IP and Port:
  Share the VPS IP address and port number with your players. They can use this information to connect to your server.

• Test Connectivity:
  Attempt to join the server yourself to ensure it's working correctly.

Step 7: Optimize Performance

• Allocate Sufficient Resources:
  Ensure your VPS has enough CPU, RAM, and storage for smooth gameplay.

• Monitor Server Performance:
  Use tools like htop to check resource usage:

  htop
  

• Reduce Lag:
  Optimize server settings, such as view distance or tick rate, based on the number of players.

Step 8: Secure the Server

• Create Regular Backups:
  Schedule automatic backups of server files to prevent data loss.

• Update Server Software:
  Keep the game server software updated to patch vulnerabilities.

• Limit Access:
  Use strong passwords or whitelist players to restrict access to trusted users.

By following these steps, you can successfully host and manage a game server on your VPS. For additional support, feel free to contact QuickServers. Happy gaming!