How to Set Up a Game Server on a VPS: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

What is a VPS and Why Use It for a Game Server?

• Custom configurations: Tailor the server to your game’s specific needs.
• Better performance: Dedicated resources ensure smoother gameplay, especially for multiple players.
• Privacy and control: Manage your server without relying on third-party hosting services.

Step 1: Choosing the Right VPS

Hardware Requirements

• CPU: Most multiplayer games benefit from a VPS with 2-4 CPU cores. Games like first-person shooters may require higher clock speeds for better performance.
• Memory (RAM): Start with at least 4GB of RAM. For more complex games or larger player counts, consider 8GB or more.
• Storage: Opt for SSD storage for faster load times. 50GB is a good starting point, but check your game’s specific requirements.
• Bandwidth: Look for a VPS with at least 1Gbps network speed and check for any data transfer limits.

Operating System

• Linux (e.g., Ubuntu, CentOS) is lightweight, stable, and widely used for game servers due to its efficiency.
• Windows may be necessary for certain games like ARK: Survival Evolved but is more resource-intensive and typically costs more.

Geographic Location

Recommended Providers

Step 2: Preparing Your VPS Environment

1. Log In to Your VPS

• For Linux, use SSH (Secure Shell). Open a terminal and run:
  bash

  ssh user@your_vps_ip

  Replace user and your_vps_ip with the credentials provided by your VPS provider.
• For Windows, use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) with a client like Microsoft Remote Desktop.

2. Update the System

• On Ubuntu/Debian:
  bash

  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

• On CentOS:
  bash

  sudo yum update -y

3. Install Necessary Software

sudo apt install openjdk-17-jre # For Ubuntu/Debian

sudo apt install screen

4. Configure the Firewall

sudo ufw allow 25565
sudo ufw enable

Step 3: Installing the Game Server Software

1. Download the Server Software

wget https://launcher.mojang.com/v1/objects/.../server.jar

2. Create a Server Directory

mkdir minecraft_server
mv server.jar minecraft_server/
cd minecraft_server

3. Start the Server

java -Xmx2G -Xms1G -jar server.jar nogui

• -Xmx2G allocates 2GB of maximum RAM.
• -Xms1G sets the initial RAM usage to 1GB.
• nogui runs the server without a graphical interface. Adjust these values based on your VPS’s memory.

4. Configure the Server

nano server.properties

5. Run the Server in the Background

screen -S minecraft
java -Xmx2G -Xms1G -jar server.jar nogui

screen -r minecraft

Step 4: Optimizing and Managing Your Server

Performance Optimization

• Adjust memory settings (e.g., -Xmx and -Xms for Java-based games).
• Monitor resource usage with htop:
  bash

  sudo apt install
  
  htop htop

#!/bin/bash
cd /path/to/minecraft_server
screen -dmS minecraft java -Xmx2G -Xms1G -jar server.jar nogui

chmod +x start.sh

crontab -e
# Add this line: 
@reboot /path/to/start.sh

tar -czvf backup.tar.gz /path/to/minecraft_server

• Use strong passwords and disable root login if possible (sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config, set PermitRootLogin no).
• Keep your server software and VPS updated.
• Only open necessary ports in the firewall.

Step 5: Testing and Sharing Your Server

1. Test the Connection

2. Share the Server

• Provide your friends or community with the IP address and port.
• For easier access, set up a domain name (e.g., using Cloudflare) to point to your VPS.

3. Monitor Performance

Conclusion