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10 best game server hosting services for 2024

Selecting the best game server hosting is necessary for a proper online gaming experience. You’ll want to look for a web hosting platform that guarantees optimal performance and reliability for a seamless and lag-free game server.

Such factors as server locations, scalability, security, customization, and control over server settings are essential. Additionally, strong support and active community involvement are crucial. Pricing also plays a significant role in balancing cost with quality.

Drawing on expert insights and practical experience, we will guide you in selecting an ideal dedicated game server hosting plan. Whether it’s for a competitive eSports event or multiplayer games with friends, this article will help you make an informed decision.

• Top 10 game server hosting providers
  • 1. Hostinger
  • 2. Shockbyte
  • 3. Host Havoc
  • 4. Apex Hosting
  • 5. ScalaCube
  • 6. GameServers
  • 7. GTXGaming
  • 8. PingPerfect
  • 9. ScalaHosting
  • 10. ServerBlend
• Best Game Server Hosting Comparative Analysis
• Best game server hosting FAQ
  • What is a game server?
  • How much does a dedicated gaming server cost?
  • What to look for when choosing a game server host?

Top 10 game server hosting providers

Since selecting a provider can be challenging, we spotlight the top ten game server hosting platforms with unique benefits for your gaming server. From dedicated server hosting to game-optimized virtual private servers (VPS), these picks offer quality and reliability.

1. Hostinger

Hostinger stats:

• Best for: Minecraft, Palworld, Counter-Strike 2, Enshrouded, Rust
• Price: starts at $5.99/month

Notable for reliability and user-friendliness, Hostinger’s game server hosting operates in a VPS environment with Debian 12 distribution. It provides isolated hardware resources with up to 8 vCPU cores and 32 GB of RAM to ensure a responsive, lag-free gaming experience.

Hostinger’s game servers are compatible with over a hundred titles to cater to a wide range of players. You can also set up various Steam-based games like CS:2, Rust, and Sons of the Forest, among others.

We are also actively adding support for newly released games, with Palworld and Enshrouded being two of our latest additions. Even if we haven’t rolled out the updates, you can still set up a gaming server using our VPS hosting!

If your game offers third-party servers and extensions, you can also install it on Hostinger’s game server. For example, you can configure Spigot and install various mods in Minecraft to customize your gaming experience.

All our gaming plans come with the Game Panel, which helps streamline installation and management. Offering such extensive customization options as an automatic mod installer that lets players tailor their gameplay more easily.

Furthermore, Hostinger’s VPS AI Assistant Kodee helps optimize your game servers, offering support from basic guidance to complex script and command implementation.

Hostinger lets users freely choose between several server locations, including Lithuania, the Netherlands, France, the United States, India, Brazil, and Germany. This geographical spread ensures minimal latency and improved connectivity for players worldwide for a lag-free gaming experience.

Key features

• Compatibility with multiple games and their extensions.
• Customization options with plugin and mod installers.
• Full root access and FTP support for seamless mod installations.
• The Game Panel facilitates instant, command-free server setup.
• High-performance hardware with fast SSDs and powerful CPUs.
• VPS AI assistant Kodee that helps with server management and optimization.
• Dedicated IP addresses with enhanced DDoS protection.
• Built-in malware scanner and firewall for optimal server security.

Drawbacks

• Debian 12 only with no options for other distributions like Ubuntu.
• Switching server locations requires re-installation or contacting support.

2. Shockbyte

Shockbyte stats:

• Best for: Minecraft, ARK: Survival Evolved
• Price: starts at $2.50/month

Shockbyte is a popular game server hosting provider known for its Minecraft hosting services. It stands out due to its affordability and comprehensive plan options, which accommodate numerous different user needs.

The hosting plans bring a 100% uptime guarantee, DDoS protection, and round-the-clock support. Additionally, Shockbyte supports a diverse range of games in addition to Minecraft, including ARK: Survival Evolved, Valheim, and Rust, making it a versatile option for hosting gaming servers.

Shockbyte’s user-friendly custom control panel helps streamline server management and facilitates mod installations. The simplicity and time efficiency it offers are beneficial for both beginners and experienced gamers.

This hosting provider’s commitment to the high server uptime guarantee ensures an uninterrupted gaming session. While Shockbyte has multiple server locations across the globe, most of them are in North America and Europe.

Shockbyte’s blend of affordability and comprehensive features positions it as an excellent choice for gamers who are looking to set up their first server.

Key features

• Servers tailored to various gaming needs, offering diverse RAM sizes and player slot options.
• Global server locations for low-latency gaming experiences across continents.
• A user-friendly control panel that simplifies server management for all technical skill levels.
• Robust DDoS protection to ensure server security and consistent uptime.
• Support for a variety of games, including ARK: SE, Rust, Valheim, and Terraria, among others.

Drawbacks

• Different pricing plans for each game may be confusing for some users.
• Some users report hardware performance issues, notably lag on modded servers.
• Customer reports about server instability, such as unexpected restarts and crashes.
• Concerns regarding the refund policy and discrepancies in server locations.

3. Host Havoc

Host Havoc stats:

• Best for: Minecraft, Arma 3, DayZ
• Price: starts at $5.00/month

Established in 2013, Host Havoc has earned a reputable position in the game server hosting industry. Offering plans for various popular games, including Minecraft, Conan Exiles, 7 Days to Die, DayZ, and Sons of the Forest, this provider is known for its versatility.

Host Havoc utilizes proprietary control panels that simplify game server installation and management. The instant activation feature allows users to launch the host online just minutes after payment completion, providing a seamless setup experience.

What sets Host Havoc apart is its exceptional customer support, which is known for its rapid response times and effective resolution of issues. Available 24/7 through tickets, live chat, and email, its support system is designed for convenience and efficiency.

Its game server hosting plans are competitively priced and include a three-day money-back guarantee. For those requiring high performance and resources, Host Havoc also offers dedicated server plans.

Key features

• Compatibility with over 20 different games makes this solution suitable for a wide range of gaming communities.
• 99.9% uptime guarantee, ensuring minimal interruptions and reliable network availability.
• Instant setup feature for quick deployment of game servers post-purchase.
• Robust DDoS protection to safeguard against various types of cyber attacks.
• User-friendly control panels, including a specialized Minecraft panel, for effortless server management.
• Multiple server locations internationally to ensure low latency and improved gaming experience.

Drawbacks

• Only some server locations are available for some supported games.
• Performance issues often present, especially under heavy loads or with high player slots.
• The three-day trial period may be insufficient for a thorough evaluation of the service.

4. Apex Hosting

Apex Hosting stats:

• Best for: Minecraft, ARK: Survival Ascended, Rust
• Price: starts at $5.99/month

Apex Hosting specializes in Minecraft server hosting, offering a variety of plans to suit different user requirements. It features a web-based control panel that simplifies server setup and installation of a wide range of mods and plugins.

Due to its user-friendliness, comprehensive features, and excellent uptime, this provider is a fantastic option for Minecraft fans.

This platform caters well to both novices and experienced players, offering extensive documentation and guides. These resources cover fundamental server management, plugin installation, and troubleshooting.

Aside from comprehensive features, Apex Hosting offers a global data center network and high-quality hardware to ensure optimal performance for minimal gameplay disruptions. Although it doesn’t provide a free domain name, it allows users to create their subdomains for easier server access.

Key features

• Custom web-based control panel for simple game server management and monitoring.
• Extensive customization options with mods and plugins specifically for Minecraft servers.
• One-click modpack installations and easy options for changing server versions.
• A high-quality server across multiple data center locations that ensures responsive and seamless gameplay.
• Automated backups to safeguard against data loss from malware attacks or misconfigurations.
• Scalable game server with options to upgrade resources as server needs grow.

Drawbacks

• While outstanding for Minecraft hosting, options for other games are limited.
• Lack of a flat pricing structure, potentially leading to higher recurring costs for monthly payments.

5. ScalaCube

ScalaCube stats:

• Best for: Minecraft, Hytale, Valheim, Project Zomboid
• Price: free (premium plans start at $2.00/month)

ScalaCube is a versatile game server hosting provider, offering a range of plans tailored to different server requirements. Notably, it includes a free plan with an unlimited player slot, which is ideal for testing the service.

Known for its swift and reliable servers, ScalaCube features global server locations that contribute to minimal latency gameplay. It enhances security with robust DDoS protection and a web-based firewall to safeguard servers against cyber attacks.

A standout feature of ScalaCube is unlimited traffic and slots, granting users freedom within their plan’s memory and disk capacity. It also provides custom Minecraft launchers and one-click plugin installers for a simpler setup process.

ScalaCube also offers a user-friendly, unified control panel for managing various game servers. With over 2.4 million customers globally, its technical support is recognized for being responsive.

Key features

• Scalable plans suitable for both small and large dedicated servers, accommodating diverse needs.
• A custom Minecraft launcher is available for an additional fee to customize the gameplay.
• Server monitoring dashboard for tracking performance metrics.
• Unlimited traffic and player slots, allowing flexible server management and usage.
• Full FTP access allows users to upload files easily for simpler gaming server customization.

Drawbacks

• Despite offering a free plan, the premium options are more expensive than competitors. 
• Additional charges for a domain name and extra features like the Minecraft launcher.

6. GameServers

GameServers stats:

• Best for: Conan Exiles, Rust, Minecraft
• Price: starts at $0.34/month

While supporting fewer titles than some other providers, GameServers specializes in hosting popular games like Counter-Strike and Rust. It also offers user-friendly custom control panels tailored to different games to simplify server management.

One of GameServers’ key differentiators is the extensive network of data centers spread across six continents, including Africa. This global presence ensures low-latency connections for players worldwide.

Additionally, GameServers supports over 200 mods for various games for more extensive gameplay customization. It also provides hosting for voice platforms such as TeamSpeak, Ventrilo, and Mumble to communicate with friends during multiplayer.

Notably, GameServers offers a free game server hosting service for three-hour sessions. This unique feature is perfect for short training matches, quick tournaments, or testing the product.

Key features

• McMyAdmin for Minecraft and a custom control panel for other games, both featuring robust plugin support.
• Global data center presence in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
• Over 200 mods for simple and extensive server customization.
• A five-day refund policy for customers who are not satisfied with the service.
• High-quality hardware ensures smooth gameplay, particularly for demanding multiplayer gaming scenarios.

Drawbacks

• Limited game support, currently hosting at most 20 game servers.
• Lack of an explicit uptime guarantee on their official website, something that can be a potential concern for those seeking consistent server availability.
• While customer support is available, there are reports of dissatisfaction among some users.

7. GTXGaming

GTXGaming stats:

• Best for: ARK: Survival Evolved, 7 Days to Die, Atlas
• Price: starts at $6.00/month

GTXGaming is well-known for its vast compatibility, powerful hardware, and user-friendly control panel interface. Catering to a diverse gaming community, GTXGaming supports over 100 popular titles, including ARK, Valheim, Dead Matter, Minecraft, Rust, and Project Zomboid.

A distinguishing feature of GTXGaming is its comprehensive mod support, facilitating easy customization and integration across various games. The hosting provider’s infrastructure features regular yearly hardware updates, a high-performance network, and global data center locations to ensure a smooth online gaming experience.

Another standout aspect is GTXGaming’s mobile control panel, which offers the convenience of managing servers on the move. Additionally, the abundance of blog posts and guides makes this game hosting provider excellent for those wanting to set up their first server.

In addition, its commitment to providing responsive and reliable customer support ensures swift resolution of technical issues. Due to its versatility, beginner-friendliness, and reliability, this game server hosting company is a popular choice for a broad spectrum of gamers, including hardcore enthusiasts and content creators.

Key features

• Compatibility with over 100 titles, catering to different gaming tastes.
• Yearly hardware updates to meet the evolving demands of game server hosting.
• Optimized gaming network designed for low latency, featuring multiple 10 GB fibers for enhanced redundancy and low ping.
• Professional and attentive customer support.
• Extensive mod support, easing the installation and management process.
• User-friendly mobile control panel for on-the-go server management.

Drawbacks

• Certain games are priced slightly higher than competing game server hosts.
• Limited server location diversity, with no servers in South America and Africa.

8. PingPerfect

PingPerfect stats:

• Best for: Space Engineers, Minecraft, Wreckfest, Path of Titans, Conan Exiles
• Price: starts at $1.22/month

Offering a high-performance server and extensive game selection, PingPerfect is a robust choice for hosting a variety of titles. The company provides powerful hardware and responsive customer support, positioning itself as a reliable provider in the game server hosting market.

One of PingPerfect’s standout features is its competitive pricing across a wide range of games. If you are interested in the service but don’t want to commit yet, this provider offers a 48-hour free trial for every title to test if the server is suitable for you.

PingPerfect is transparent about its hardware specifications, utilizing up to 64 GB of RAM, 500 GB SSD storage, and 5 GHz processors. The provider also lets gamers choose between 32 server locations globally, ranking it among the game server hosting solutions with the most extensive data centers.

Additionally, PingPerfect employs an in-house backup system to prevent data loss. The company is prompt in adding new game API servers, proving its commitment to catering to ever-developing user needs.

Key features

• Over 175 different games and mods support.
• Responsive customer support, providing quick and effective solutions.
• Advanced in-house backup system to mitigate data loss risks.
• Easy game switching, allowing hassle-free transitions between games or mods.
• Servers are equipped with fast SSDs and high-speed processors for quick load times and lag-free gameplay.

Drawbacks

• Additional costs for specific server locations and hardware selections.
• Some users have reported its custom game server control panel to be less intuitive than other platforms.
• Performance concerns have been raised regarding dedicated hosting plans.
• Only 24-hour refund policy, which might be inadequate for comprehensive service evaluation.

9. ScalaHosting

ScalaHosting stats:

• Best for: Minecraft
• Price: starts at $61.95/month

ScalaHosting provides robust and scalable Minecraft hosting solutions, focusing on performance, security, and user convenience. It offers four distinct plans – Zombie, Slime, Guardian, and Giant – primarily differing in system resources and capabilities.

Partnering with Amazon AWS, ScalaHosting provides powerful cloud VPS servers tailored explicitly to Minecraft gaming needs. These servers are also compatible with various Minecraft editions, including Java and Bedrock, to enable cross-platform multiplayer.

In addition to the hosting here plans, ScalaHosting includes free extra features like an advanced cybersecurity system and LiteSpeed web server, valued at $78.95. The service stands out for its educational approach, aiming to assist beginner game server admins in understanding virtual private server management and cloud technology.

ScalaHosting caters to more commercial uses, such as reselling, extensive gaming communities, and hosting esports tournaments. A strong emphasis on performance and security characterizes this service.

Key features

• Multiple Minecraft edition support, including Java and Bedrock Editions.
• The BungeeCord custom server support and customizable plugin ports for more extensive personalization.
• An automatic world check-and-repair feature to maintain a stable Minecraft environment.
• Free domain and dedicated IP address for personalized hosting.
• 1 Gbps uplink ports ensuring fast connections and minimal latency.
• Comprehensive automatic backups, with additional backup options for data security.

Drawbacks

• The pricing of hosting plans is considerably higher compared to other game hosting services.
• Limited to hosting Minecraft, with no support for other games.

10. ServerBlend

ServerBlend stats:

• Best for: ARK: Survival Evolved, Space Engineers, Rust, ARMA 3
• Price: starts at $4.00/month

Initially known as HostASpace, ServerBlend has had a long history in the hosting industry since 2014. Offering an impressive range of supported games and reliable service, this provider has a strong reputation among the gaming community.

As one of the best VPS for gaming servers, ServerBlend boasts powerful CPUs, fast NVMe storage, and reliable error-correcting (ECC) RAM. It also features a fast, DDoS-protected network, ensuring a lag-free gaming experience.

A standout attribute of ServerBlend is its affordability. The company offers a price match guarantee. If customers find a comparable hosting service at a lower price, ServerBlend will either adjust its price or credit the user with one month of free service.

Another notable feature is the facility for easy game switching, allowing users to switch between game servers for free. Furthermore, ServerBlend utilizes a custom TCAdmin-based control panel and operates multiple servers, primarily across Europe, North America, and Australia.

Key features

• Specialized control panels for games like Space Engineers for simpler management and customization.
• High-performance processors and speedy storage for optimal gaming experiences.
• Excellent customer service with a responsive support team.
• Price match guarantee to ensure competitive pricing in the market.
• Seven-day satisfaction program with a refund policy for customer assurance.

Drawbacks

• While offering a diverse game selection, it may not be as extensive as that of some other hosting providers.
• Pricing for specific dedicated game servers can be slightly higher than competitors.

Best Game Server Hosting Comparative Analysis

Choosing the right hosting provider for game servers can be challenging, given the numerous options available. To help you make an informed decision, here is a comparison of the best game server providers:

Hosting ProviderPerformancePrice (Starting Point)Ease of UseGame CompatibilityUnique FeaturesCustomer Service

HostingerHigh$5.99/monthUser-friendlyBroadVPS AI assistant KodeeHighly responsive

ShockbyteModerate$2.50/monthUser-friendlyBroadCustomizable plansMixed Reviews

Host HavocModerate$5.00/monthUser-friendlyBroadInstant server setupHighly responsive

Apex HostingHigh$5.99/monthUser-friendlyLimitedOne-click modpack installationsResponsive

ScalaCubeHighFree (premium plans start at 0/month)User-friendlyBroadServer monitoring dashboardMixed reviews

GameServersModerate$0.34/monthUser-friendlyLimitedServers across six continentsLimited

GTXGamingHigh$6.00/monthUser-friendlyBroadMobile control panelResponsive

PingPerfectModerate$1.22/monthModerateBroad48-hour free trialResponsive

ScalaHostingHigh$61.95/monthComplexMinecraft onlyBungeeCord supportResponsive

ServerBlandHigh$4.00/monthUser-friendlyLimitedPrice match guaranteeHighly responsive

Hostinger’s game server hosting plans excel in performance, providing a high-quality, reliable gaming experience. With competitive pricing starting at $5.99/month, it’s a perfect balance between value and features.

Our services are noted for their user-friendliness, making server setup and management straightforward for users with all levels of technical expertise. Hostinger’s plans allow users to install a variety of games with dedicated server support, including Minecraft, ARK, Counter-Strike, and Call of Duty series.

Hostinger also stands out in customer service. Our Customer Success team is renowned for its responsiveness and effectiveness in addressing user concerns, ensuring peace of mind and reliable assistance for our customers.

Combining reliable performance, ease of use, broad game compatibility, a unique AI assistant Kodee, and reliable customer support, Hostinger is a top contender as the best server for game hosting in the market.

Conclusion

After thoroughly examining various game hosting companies, it’s clear that several excellent choices are available, each catering to different needs and preferences.

These providers offer a range of dedicated game hosting solutions that stand out for their performance, ease of use, and customer support. Among the options, here are our top picks:

• Hostinger – offers a comprehensive game hosting service with robust performance, innovative features, a user-friendly control panel, and exceptional customer service.
• ScalaCube – ideal for those seeking versatility in managing game servers, offering a free plan option and extensive mod support.
• GTXGaming – excellent for hosting a wide range of games, providing yearly hardware updates and a unique mobile control panel.

Each provider brings something unique to the table. Regardless of your specific needs and preferences, there is a suitable managed game server hosting option available for everyone.

Best game server hosting FAQ

This section will answer the most common questions about the best game server hosting.