Nodecraft is the most flexible choice for small groups, with inexpensive wake-on-demand Lite plans and always-online Pro plans. BisectHosting is the easiest mainstream option, while Game Host Bros is better suited to modded or growing communities. Shockbyte and GTXGaming are alternatives, and a self-managed VPS is the sixth option for technically confident users.
Prices, stock and game-version support change. The figures below are observed provider pricing, not independent uptime or latency test results.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Core Keeper (Nintendo Switch) | $44.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Core Keeper - Xbox Series X | $28.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Core Keeper - Compatible for XSX / One - UK PAL | $44.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Stonemaier Games: Wingspan by Elizabeth Hargrave | $55.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Core Keeper - Compatible for PS4 - UK PAL | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Quick comparison
| Option | Best for | Price signal | Always online? | Backups and migration | Mods and platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nodecraft | Flexible plans and trying before committing | Lite 2 GB: $4.17 first month, then $5.96/month; Pro 2 GB: $6.99 first month, then $9.98/month | Lite hibernates when idle; Pro is advertised as 24/7 | Lite backups on hibernation; Pro manual cloud backups; file manager and SFTP | File tools and Core Keeper settings; verify mod and platform requirements |
| BisectHosting | Beginners needing many regions | Dynamic selector pricing; longer terms display 10%, 15% and 20% discounts | Check the selected plan | Three days of free backups; world upload and world-index saves | Managed panel; game swapping through BisectOne |
| Game Host Bros | Mods, transfers and larger groups | $11.99/month (6 GB), $15.99/month (8 GB), $23.99/month (12 GB) | Advertised as continuously hosted | Save uploads, free transfers and file manager | mod.io and advertised Steam/Xbox/Windows crossplay; confirm your editions |
| Shockbyte | Low advertised starting price | Catalog lists Core Keeper from $5.24/month | Not stated on the checked page | Not fully disclosed on the checked page | File access and tutorials; verify RAM, backups and renewal terms |
| GTXGaming | Another established game-server specialist | Current price not exposed in the checked page content | Not stated | Check live checkout and policy | Core Keeper-specific product and control panel |
| Self-managed VPS | Users comfortable with Linux, SteamCMD and networking | Depends on the VPS or hardware you choose | Only while you maintain the machine | You design downloads, retention and restores | Maximum control; no managed support |
Provider “player” labels and RAM tiers are recommendations, not guaranteed capacity. Core Keeper is commonly documented for up to eight players (the host plus seven others). World size, farms, mods, CPU allocation, storage and location can change the practical limit. Game Host Bros’ “unlimited slots” means no host-side billing limit, not unlimited game-supported players.
Platform warning: Game Host Bros advertises Steam, Xbox and Windows support and crossplay, while community documentation says dedicated servers may currently be Steam-limited. Confirm the exact dedicated-server editions your group owns before paying; do not assume that in-game-hosting crossplay also applies to a rented dedicated server.
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#1 Best Overall
- Uncover the mysteries of the core: descend into a vibrant world in Core Keeper on Nintendo Switch, a co-op adventure for 1-4 players. Explore a dynamically generated underground filled with secrets, resources, and legendary challenges. Mine for precious materials, create powerful tools, unlock unique abilities and build your foundation to thrive in this ever-evolving world. Will you be a master miner, a craft prodigy or a terrifying fighter? The choice is yours!
- Explore a diverse subworld: No two adventures are the same in the procedurally generated world of Core Keeper. Each biome has its own ecosystem and challenges. Navigate the living walls of the Clay Caves, brave the crystal-filled shimmering border or discover the secrets of the ancient caves. Build a sturdy boat and explore the depths of the mysterious Sunken Sea. Every corner whispers of the past - tell the story and discover the true power of the Core.
- Build your underground paradise: Unleash your creativity and make your own way in Core Keeper. Create the ultimate foundation, from a cozy cottage to a bustling mining center, with a variety of materials and decorations. Customize your character's look to your playstyle and choose from a wide range of outfits and powerful armor pieces. In creative mode, experiment with unlimited resources and push the boundaries of building bases. Expand your experience even further with a thriving community and a wealth of player-created mods.
- Adventure awaits, solo or with friends: Embark on a solo adventure at your own pace, discover hidden secrets and build your dream base. Core Keeper also shines in seamless 2-4 player co-op. Collaborate, share resources, overcome challenges and create a shared world with your friends. Celebrate the changing seasons, trade with merchants, breed cute animal lovers, make music on playable instruments - the possibilities are endless. Do you want a dedicated world for your crew? Host your own server and discover at your leisure
- Word Core Keeper: Core Keeper offers an unforgettable experience for sandbox adventurers. With limitless possibilities, engaging explorations and a vibrant online community, there's always something new to discover. Take on legendary Titans, automate tasks with ingenious machines, master a wide range of recipes and discover the secrets of this forgotten world. Take on the challenge, explore the depths and build your legacy in Core Keeper, coming soon to Nintendo Switch!
1. Nodecraft: best flexible plans
Nodecraft’s Core Keeper plans offer the clearest choice between a cheap server that sleeps and a continuously running server. Lite plans hibernate when unused and wake through a share link. Pro plans are advertised as always online.
What you get
- Displayed entry tiers include 2 GB, 3 GB and 4 GB options.
- SSD storage, advertised AMD Ryzen 9 or EPYC processors, DDoS protection, file management and SFTP.
- Lite backup behavior when the server hibernates; Pro manual cloud backups and automated tasks.
- A 24-hour trial without a credit card; a seven-day trial may require payment details and eligibility.
Who should choose it
Choose Lite if everyone normally plays together and waking the server is acceptable. Choose Pro if players expect to join at arbitrary times. The first-month prices are promotions, so budget for the higher recurring rates shown in the table.
2. BisectHosting: best for beginners and location choice
BisectHosting provides instant setup, a Core Keeper-specific panel, free DDoS protection, three days of free server backups and 21 advertised worldwide locations. Its selector calculates price from player count, region, billing term and options; locations can be out of stock.
Why it is easy to use
The panel supports world uploads and uses a World Index as the save-slot system. BisectHosting documents a maximum index of 30 in its support material; verify that limit if you need many worlds. BisectOne also supports switching between supported games.
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- MINE RESOURCES - Forge your own path through the underground. Delve deep to harvest precious resources and unearth hidden gems. Craft tools to help you survive, from pickaxes, fishing rods, and shovels to traps, bombs, and mortars. Upgrade your arsenal and equipment with advanced tools like the mighty Obliteration Ray, and automated machinery to streamline mining, smelting, storage, and more. Level up your skills and unlock powerful weapons to conquer the depths.
- DISCOVER AN ANCIENT WORLD - Explore diverse biomes with unique ecosystems and long-forgotten lore. From the living walls of the Clay Caves to the crystal caverns of the Shimmering Frontier, discover more about this mysterious world as you uncover the secrets of the Cavelings. Build a boat to set sail across the Sunken Sea, race across the Desert of Beginnings, and encounter the remnants of ancient civilizations.
- BUILD, CRAFT & GET CREATIVE - Create a totally unique base using a variety of different materials and customisations. From the ultimate adventurer’s lair to a cozy underground cottage, shape the underground your way. Customize your character’s appearance and choose from an array of powerful armor and unique outfits to suit the moment.
- BATTLE TITANS - Face legendary Titans that hold the secret to this long-forgotten world. Sharpen your combat skills against a variety of monsters and mini-bosses, spend talent points to level up your abilities, and plan your strategy to conquer these colossal creatures of the underground. Discover rare and powerful loot to help you on your journey and power up the Core.
- EXPLORE WITH FRIENDS - Enjoy the adventure solo or team up in 2-8 player drop-in/drop-out online co-op. Play your way and explore at your own pace — celebrate the seasons, trade with merchants, hatch your new best friends, design the ultimate base, automate resource gathering, host your own dedicated server, create music on playable instruments and discover an unforgettable sandbox adventure.
Price and location caveat
Do not publish or rely on one fixed monthly figure: check the live selector for your region and term. Ask whether a later location change requires migration or a fee.
3. Game Host Bros: best for mods and growing communities
Game Host Bros displays 6 GB, 8 GB and 12 GB plans at $11.99, $15.99 and $23.99 per month. It advertises Ryzen 9 9950X and EPYC hardware, NVMe storage, 15 locations, DDoS protection, mod.io, file-manager uploads, free transfers and a seven-day money-back guarantee.
Strengths
- Higher advertised memory tiers than the entry plans listed by Nodecraft.
- Save uploads and free migration help are useful when leaving another host.
- mod.io integration and settings for server name, season, seed and world mode.
Important limitations
The advertised unlimited slots are a host billing feature, not proof that unlimited players can join reliably. Confirm crossplay for your specific Steam, Xbox or Windows edition before ordering, and check whether every mod is server-side, client-side or both.
4. Shockbyte: best budget alternative
Shockbyte’s catalog lists Core Keeper from $5.24 per month, and its Core Keeper page highlights file access, tutorials and 24/7 support.
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- UK account may be required for any online features
The accessible product information does not establish included RAM, CPU allocation, renewal price, backup retention or refund terms. Treat $5.24 as a starting price only. Before checkout, confirm the plan’s resources, recurring total, region, backups and cancellation policy.
5. GTXGaming: an established specialist to check
GTXGaming maintains a Core Keeper page and lists an instant-setup dedicated game-server product in its client-area catalog. The available page content confirms a Core Keeper control panel but not a reliable current price, backup policy or location availability.
Use it as a comparison option only after checking the live checkout for recurring cost, RAM, support response, restore tools and server regions.
6. Self-managed VPS: best for technical users
A self-managed VPS (or an always-on home mini PC) gives you control over updates, Docker, firewall rules, backups and configuration, but you become the administrator. It is not equivalent to managed hosting: there is no provider handling restores, patches or game-specific troubleshooting.
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- Bird Collecting: You are bird enthusiasts - researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectors - seeking to discover and attract a beautiful and diverse network of birds to your wildlife preserve.
- Build Your Engine: Gain food tokens via custom dice in a birdfeeder dice tower, lay eggs using egg miniatures in a variety of colors, draw from over 170 unique bird cards and play them. Each bird extends a chain of powerful combinations in one of your habitats. Earn points, play new birds, help others, and many other abilities!
- Award Winning: WIngspan is the 2019 winner of the prestigious Kennerspiel des Jahres award, along with many others!
- High Replayability: WIth 170 unique bird cards, 26 bonus goal cards, and 8 goal tiles, Wingspan provides endless opportunities for bird combinations and goal achievements, making this a great gift for families, teenagers, students, couples, and anyone who loves birds and nature.
- For families, solo gamers, and game groups alike: This medium weight, set collection and hand management strategy game for 1-5 players has a 60-90 minute playing time with only a 6 minute setup time. Great game for couples, solo gamers, 2 players, family, and friends. Includes swift-start pack for first time player guidance.
Basic installation
The community setup guide documents SteamCMD installation with:
steamcmd +force_install_dir c:corekeeperdedicatedserver +login anonymous +app_update 1963720 +quit
The server may create its worlds folder only after the first save. Copy existing world files only after stopping the process, and back up the world and configuration before updates. You must also keep the process running, configure firewall and port rules, and protect the Game ID and password.
How to choose a host
Match the plan to your play pattern
- Two or three people who always play together may prefer in-game hosting or Nodecraft Lite.
- Time-zone-spread groups need an always-online plan such as Nodecraft Pro or a continuously running alternative.
- Large farms and modded worlds should be evaluated on CPU, storage and location as well as RAM.
Compare the real recurring cost
Record introductory price, renewal price, billing interval, tax, backup charges, dedicated-IP charges and refund period. A promotional first month is not the cost of keeping a world for a year.
Best Value
- UK PSN account may be required for any online features
Choose geography, not a marketing number
Select the region nearest most players. A provider advertising more locations is not automatically lower latency. Ask whether relocation is possible and whether it requires a migration or fee; BisectHosting’s selector can show unavailable locations.
Check backups and migration before uploading a world
- How often are automatic backups made?
- How many restore points are retained?
- Can you download a backup independently?
- Can you upload a world from another host and restore it yourself?
- Will the Game ID, password and world index remain intact?
Check mods and platform editions
Confirm server-side versus client-side requirements, mod distribution, update compatibility and the exact console/PC editions supported. Make a clean backup before installing one mod at a time.
Setup, joining and world management
Managed-host setup
- Choose a plan, player count and nearby location.
- Install Core Keeper in the provider panel.
- Set the password, server name, world index and other available settings.
- Start the server and wait for first initialization.
- Copy the IP, port and Game ID if the panel provides one.
- Make a manual backup before importing a save or installing mods.
- Test one additional player connection before inviting everyone.
Joining through BisectHosting’s documented path
- Log in to the Starbase panel and copy the IP from Home.
- Open Startup and note the server password.
- Launch Core Keeper and select Join Game.
- Choose Join with IP from the Join dropdown.
- Enter the server details and click Join.
See the full instructions at BisectHosting’s joining guide.
Creating another world
- Stop the server.
- Open Startup.
- Enter a new number in World Index File.
- Start the server and join the new save.
Back up first. Reusing an existing index loads that save; the documented procedure is covered in the world-creation guide.
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Leaving a host safely
- Stop the server and create a fresh backup.
- Download the world files and configuration, including Game ID and server settings.
- Verify the downloaded files by opening them on the replacement host or a local copy.
- Only then cancel the old subscription.
Before-you-buy checklist
- Does the dedicated server support every player’s exact edition?
- Is it continuously online, or does it hibernate?
- What is the ordinary renewal price after any promotion?
- Which CPU, RAM, storage and region are included?
- How many backups are retained, and can you download them?
- Can you upload, restore and move your world without staff intervention?
- Are your mods server-side, client-side or both?
- What are the refund, cancellation and location-change rules?
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
