How to Host Your Own Game Server on a VPS (Minecraft, CS:GO & More)
Tap into Gaming Communities with a Fun, Niche Use Case
Introduction
VPS hosting isn’t just for websites and SaaS apps—it’s also a gamer’s dream playground. Whether you want to host a private Minecraft realm for friends, run a CS:GO server, or launch your own modded sandbox experience, a VPS gives you the freedom, control, and performance to do it—all on your terms.
Did you know? Gaming servers are one of the most popular experimental uses of VPS hosting among Gen Z and indie developers.
Why Gamers Love VPS Hosting
✔️ Customization – You’re in full control of game settings, mods, and server behavior
✔️ Low Latency – Pick a VPS location near your squad for better ping
✔️ Always On – Your world keeps running, even when your PC is off
✔️ Affordable – Cheaper than premium hosting platforms and free of restrictions
Whether you’re building a server for your friends or starting a public community, your VPS is the perfect foundation.
️ What You Need to Get Started
- A VPS plan (2+ GB RAM recommended for most games)
- Root access to install packages and manage the server
- Basic knowledge of using Linux commands (we’ll keep it simple!)
- The game server files (downloadable from official sources or community hubs)
Example 1: Hosting a Minecraft Server on a VPS
Step 1: Choose the Right VPS Specs
- 2 GB RAM minimum for vanilla Minecraft
- 4 GB+ for modded servers (e.g. Forge, Spigot, Paper)
- SSD storage and a dual-core CPU are ideal
Step 2: Install Java (Required for Minecraft)
sudo apt update
sudo apt install openjdk-17-jre-headless
Step 3: Upload & Run Minecraft Server
wget https://launcher.mojang.com/v1/objects/your_minecraft_server_file.jar
java -Xmx2G -Xms1G -jar server.jar nogui
Accept the EULA, adjust server.properties for your preferences, and forward port 25565 if needed.
✅ Your Minecraft server is now live—share your VPS IP with friends!
Example 2: Hosting a CS:GO Server on a VPS
Step 1: Install SteamCMD
sudo apt update && sudo apt install lib32gcc-s1 steamcmd
Step 2: Set Up CS:GO Dedicated Server
Create a directory for the server, then install CS:GO using SteamCMD:
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir /csgo-ds +app_update 740 validate +quit
Step 3: Launch the Server
Configure your launch options (map, max players, etc.) and run:
./srcds_run -game csgo -console -usercon +game_type 0 +map de_dust2 +sv_setsteamaccount YOURGSLTOKEN
Don’t forget to open port 27015 for public access!
✅ Now your friends (or clan) can join directly using your VPS IP.
Other Games You Can Host on a VPS
| Game | Platform/Engine | Ports |
|---|---|---|
| Valheim | Steam | 2456-2458 |
| ARK: Survival Evolved | Steam | 7777, 27015 |
| Terraria | Steam | 7777 |
| Rust | Steam | 28015 |
| Don’t Starve Together | Steam | 10999 |
️ Each game has its own setup steps, but they follow the same structure: install dependencies → get server files → configure & run.
Benefits of Hosting Game Servers on VPS vs. Home PC
| Feature | Home PC | VPS |
|---|---|---|
| Uptime | Limited | 24/7 Availability |
| IP Stability | Dynamic | Static Public IP |
| Performance | Shared | Dedicated Resources |
| Access | LAN-only (unless configured) | Accessible Globally |
| Security | Risk of exposing personal network | Isolated environment |
✅ VPS hosting makes your game world reliable, secure, and always online.
Tips to Grow Your Community
- Create a Discord server for players
- Post on Reddit forums (like r/MinecraftServers or r/csgo)
- Use Steam server lists and forums to attract traffic
- Share your setup process on YouTube or Twitch
Gamers love self-hosted servers with custom rules, events, and mods. Your VPS is your canvas—paint something epic!
Final Thoughts
Hosting your own game server on a VPS is fun, flexible, and incredibly rewarding. It’s a creative way to use cloud infrastructure for passion projects or even start your own gaming community.
Whether it’s Minecraft, CS:GO, or something niche like Valheim or Terraria, your VPS gives you the power to play on your terms.