The Tool Desk
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Godlike.Host hosts servers for Minecraft and more than 40 other games, with free DDoS protection and 24/7 support.
Your friends connect to the server host’s address, not to your gaming computer. The best host depends on whether you value one-time cost, low latency, physical control or dependable public access.
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What you need for a 24/7 server
A persistent server has four requirements:
- A dedicated-server build: The game must provide software intended to run without the normal game client. Not every PC game does.
- An always-on host: This is a separate computer, virtual machine or rented server. Your gaming PC can remain off.
- Network reachability: Players need the documented TCP and/or UDP port to reach the host.
- Operations automation: The process should start after a reboot, restart after a crash, record logs, and receive backups before updates.
Performance is determined by the game’s simulation workload rather than by its graphics requirements. A server may need strong single-thread CPU performance for world simulation, enough RAM for the world and connected players, fast storage for saves, and sufficient upload bandwidth. Mods, view distance, entities, AI and tick rate can raise those requirements substantially.
Choose where the server will run
| Approach | Strengths | Trade-offs | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spare or low-power home computer | One-time hardware cost, local control, usually the lowest latency for people nearby | Electricity use, home-network exposure, maintenance and outages at your premises | Small private groups and anyone with suitable spare hardware |
| Virtual machine or second host at home | Isolation from other services, snapshots, and the ability to run several servers on one physical host | The physical host, home internet connection and power still determine uptime; administration is more complex | People already operating a home server or hypervisor |
| VPS or rented dedicated server | Datacenter power and connectivity, remote access, and no hardware to maintain at home | Recurring fee, provider resource limits and less physical control | Groups that need reliable public access or cannot accept a home outage |
Compare the options on more than processor speed. Consider monthly hosting charges (if any), electricity, upload bandwidth, latency to your players, single-thread CPU performance, RAM, SSD durability, backup and recovery options, exposed ports, administrative effort, mod support, scalability and whether the game publishes an official server binary.
#1 Best Overall
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- CanaKit USB-C PiSwitch (On/Off Power Switch for Raspberry Pi 4)
Home computer: the simplest one-time purchase
A spare desktop, mini-PC or other low-power x86-64 computer can run the server independently of your gaming rig. Put it where it has ventilation and a wired network connection, configure it not to sleep, and reserve its LAN address in your router. This avoids paying a recurring hosting bill, but the server stops when your home loses power or internet service. A small UPS for the host and router can bridge short interruptions and allow an orderly shutdown.
Virtual machine: useful isolation
A VM keeps the game process separate from other services and makes snapshots convenient. It does not create power or network independence: if the physical host reboots, every guest is interrupted. Give the VM a fixed amount of RAM and enough virtual CPU capacity, and monitor contention with other guests. Snapshot or back up the world and configuration before changing the game version; a snapshot is not a substitute for an off-host backup.
VPS or dedicated server: the remote option
A VPS places the server in a datacenter and removes your home router from the public path. Select a location close to most players, verify that the plan permits game-server traffic, and check whether CPU is shared or dedicated. A rented dedicated machine gives more predictable CPU and storage performance but costs more. Current prices, uptime guarantees and bandwidth policies vary by provider and region, so they must be checked for the specific plan rather than assumed.
Verify that the game supports dedicated hosting
Start with the game’s current official server documentation. Look for a dedicated-server download, a SteamCMD installation procedure, or a server executable that can run without launching the graphical client. If the only documented method is hosting from the normal game client, shutting down your PC will also shut down the world.
Steam and Source servers
Steam Support documents a separate Source Dedicated Server workflow. The server account is separate from the account used to play, and Steam states: “You do not need to register any games to your server account in order to host games.” The documented Source Dedicated Server player range is 1–32, with UDP port 27015 as the default example. Treat those values as defaults for that workflow, not as universal settings for every Steam title.
Rank #2
- Broadcom BCM2711, Quad core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.5GHz
- 1GB, 2GB, 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM (depending on model)
- 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz IEEE 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, BLE Gigabit Ethernet
- 2 USB 3.0 ports; 2 USB 2.0 ports.
- Raspberry Pi standard 40 pin GPIO header (fully backwards compatible with previous boards)
SteamCMD and Garry’s Mod-style installation
Games that use SteamCMD generally follow a repeatable pattern: install SteamCMD, log in with the method required by that game, download or update the server application, validate files, and launch the server with the game’s documented parameters. A generic update command is:
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11steamcmd +login <LOGIN_METHOD> +app_update <GAME_APP_ID> validate +quit<GAME_APP_ID> is the numeric application identifier supplied by the game’s documentation; do not substitute an identifier from a different title. Some servers allow anonymous login, while others require an account. The Garry’s Mod documentation covers SteamCMD installation, app_update, validation, launch commands and a game-server login token. Follow the current instructions for that title, including any token or account requirement.
Licensing, authentication and mods
Check whether the server requires a separate login token, an owner account, a license file, or acceptance of an end-user agreement. Confirm that each mod supports the server build and that its installation method is compatible with unattended updates. A mod that works on a local client can still fail on a headless server because it expects graphics, local files or a different architecture.
Size the host from the game’s requirements
Use the publisher’s server requirements as a starting point, then add headroom for your intended world size, player count, mods and backups. Requirements labeled “minimum” describe a bootable configuration, not necessarily a smooth experience at your target load.
Minecraft Bedrock Dedicated Server example
Minecraft’s official server-download documentation lists these requirements for its Bedrock dedicated server:
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Rank #3
- Broadcom BCM2711, quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1. 5GHz
- 2. 4 GHz and 5. 0 GHz IEEE 802. 11b/g/n/ac wireless LAN, Bluetooth 5. 0, BLE
- 2 × USB 3. 0 ports, 2 x USB 2. 0 Ports
- 2 × micro HDMI ports supproting up to 4Kp60 video resolution
- Micro SD card slot for loading operating system and data storage
| Item | Published requirement | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i3-3210, AMD A8-7600 APU or equivalent | Baseline listed by the official page; larger worlds and more players need additional capacity |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM | Minimum listed requirement, not a guarantee for heavily modded or high-player worlds |
| Storage | 180 MB to 1 GB available space | Listed range for the server software; worlds, logs, backups and updates require more room |
| Network | Broadband internet connection | Upload capacity and latency still depend on player count and world activity |
| Linux | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or later | Use a supported 64-bit installation as specified by the current documentation |
| Windows | Windows 10 version 10.0.15063 or later, or Windows Server 2016 or later | Keep the operating system patched and compatible with the server release |
Those figures do not establish a universal specification for other games. A title with frequent AI simulation, large maps or many plugins can need a faster CPU and considerably more memory. Leave free disk space for world growth, rotating backups and a failed update that must be rolled back.
CPU, RAM, storage and bandwidth checks
- CPU: Check single-thread performance first when the game’s simulation runs primarily on one thread. More cores help only when the server, plugins or operating system can use them.
- RAM: Reserve memory for the operating system and file cache. Watch for swapping; a server that runs out of RAM can become unresponsive even when average CPU use looks low.
- Storage: An SSD reduces load and save delays. Keep the world on reliable storage and keep backups on a different device or host.
- Upload bandwidth: Players receive state updates from your host, so upload capacity matters more than the download speed advertised for ordinary browsing. Measure the connection under normal household use.
- Latency: Choose a home or datacenter location near the players. Geographic distance and the quality of the route affect responsiveness independently of raw bandwidth.
Raspberry Pi and ARM: verify before buying
A Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is discussed as a Minecraft host in a 2022 community guide, but that account is anecdotal and workload-dependent. It does not prove that every Minecraft configuration, mod set or player count will perform acceptably. More importantly, many Steam server binaries target x86-64. Confirm that the exact game publishes an ARM build or that a supported compatibility layer exists before choosing a Pi.
If ARM support is confirmed, test the intended world, simulation settings, mods and simultaneous players rather than relying on idle CPU measurements. Check storage endurance, cooling and power stability as well. A Pi can be an efficient host for a compatible, light workload; it is not a drop-in replacement for an x86-64 server.
Set up a home server step by step
1. Prepare the operating system and account
- Install an operating system supported by the game. Apply security updates before installing server software.
- Connect the host by Ethernet where possible, disable sleep and hibernation, and give it adequate cooling.
- Create a dedicated, non-administrator operating-system account for the game process. Store the server files outside personal documents so permissions and backups are predictable.
- Reserve a stable LAN address in the router’s DHCP settings, or configure a static address using the method recommended for your operating system.
2. Install and validate the server files
- Download the official dedicated-server package or install SteamCMD as the game documentation directs.
- Run the game’s update command and validation step. For a SteamCMD title, the pattern is
app_update <GAME_APP_ID> validate. - Read the generated configuration files and set the world name, maximum players, difficulty, mods, administrator account and authentication options.
- Launch once interactively and confirm that the world is created, the expected port is listening and the log contains no missing-file or permission errors.
3. Test locally before opening the internet
Join from another device on the same LAN using the host’s reserved private address. Test login, world saving, administrative commands and mod behavior. Stop the process cleanly and start it again to verify that the world persists. Local testing separates game configuration errors from router and firewall problems.
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For internet visibility, forward the game’s required port from the router to the host’s reserved LAN address. Bohemia Interactive’s Arma Reforger hosting documentation states: “For a hosted server to be visible from outside the local network (e.g from internet), Port Forwarding must be used.” Forward only the TCP or UDP protocol and port listed by the game; do not expose the server’s administration interface unnecessarily.
Rank #4
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- Set of 3 Aluminum Heat Sinks for the Raspberry Pi 4
5. Automate startup and recovery on Linux
A systemd unit can start the process after networking is ready, restart it after a crash and keep logs in the system journal. Adapt the executable and working directory to the game:
[Unit]
Description=Dedicated game server
After=network-online.target
Wants=network-online.target
[Service]
User=gameserver
WorkingDirectory=/srv/game
ExecStart=/srv/game/start-server.sh
Restart=on-failure
RestartSec=10
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.targetSave the unit as /etc/systemd/system/game-server.service, then run:
sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable --now game-server.service
sudo systemctl status game-server.service
journalctl -u game-server.service -fUse a wrapper script when the game needs environment variables, a specific working directory or a graceful shutdown command. Set log rotation so a runaway log cannot fill the disk.
6. Automate startup on Windows
Use Task Scheduler or a service wrapper that supports “start at boot,” runs under a dedicated account, restarts after failure and records standard output and error to a known directory. In Task Scheduler, create a task that runs whether the user is logged on or not, select “Run with highest privileges” only when the server genuinely requires it, set a trigger of “At startup,” and configure restart attempts under the task’s recovery settings. Test by rebooting the host and confirming that the server is reachable without an interactive desktop session.
Configure a VPS or rented server
- Select the location: Pick a datacenter region close to most players and confirm that the provider permits the game’s traffic.
- Choose resources: Match virtual CPU performance, RAM and SSD capacity to the game’s requirements and leave room for worlds, logs and backups. Shared CPU plans can vary under contention.
- Install a supported operating system: Use the same Linux or Windows versions accepted by the game’s documentation.
- Apply provider and host firewall rules: Add the required TCP/UDP port to the provider’s security group or network firewall and to the operating system firewall. A rule in only one of those layers is insufficient.
- Install and automate: Use the same dedicated account, SteamCMD or official installer, systemd/Task Scheduler configuration, logging and backup routine as on a home host.
- Test recovery: Reboot the virtual machine, check that the process returns automatically and verify that a backup can be restored before inviting players.
A VPS does not remove administrative work. You still patch the operating system, protect credentials, update the game and monitor disk, memory and process health unless you have purchased a managed service with those duties explicitly included.
Best Value
- KEEP YOUR PROCESSOR COOL: The busier a processor gets the more it heats up, leading to sub-optimal performance. To prevent this common issue, this kit includes an aluminum alloy case with a pre-installed fan. The aluminum alloy actively draws the heat from the pi board, while the fan further cools the board and case. These cooling mechanisms will help push the limits of your processor and increase its flexibility.
- SIZABLE RAM: This Raspberry Pi 4 comes equipped with 4GB of RAM, which is the same amount of RAM or more RAM than many mainstream laptops contain. With 4GB of RAM, your processor will be capable of running retro gaming setups and common computer applications, media players, and much more!
- SIMPLE TO TURN ON & OFF: This kit includes a USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 compatible power supply with an easy-to-use on/off switch that was designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 4 model to streamline processing.
- IMPROVEMENTS FROM PREVIOUS MODELS: This latest model of the Raspberry Pi 4 offers groundbreaking increases in processor speed, multimedia performance, connectivity, memory, and more! The desktop performance of this model is comparable to entry-level x86 PC systems.
- VERSATILE USE: The Raspberry Pi may have a small processor, but it is a highly adaptable little computer that can replace your desktop PC. Its functions range from practical to nostalgic since it can power an ad-blocking server as easily as it can power an outmoded gaming setup. Other uses include but are not limited to printing from non-wireless printers, playing media, making time-lapse videos, and building multiplayer network game servers and motion-capture security systems.
Firewall, ports and public access
Document the exact port and protocol from the game’s server guide. Some games use one UDP port; others require several TCP and UDP ports for queries, voice, authentication or remote administration. Never assume that a familiar port applies to a different title.
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- On a home network, reserve the host’s LAN address first, then create a single port-forwarding rule to that address.
- On a VPS, permit the port in the provider firewall or security group and in the host firewall.
- Bind management services to a private interface or restrict them to a trusted address range where the software allows it.
- Give friends the public address and game port, while keeping the private LAN address for local administration.
- After every router or provider change, test from a network outside your home rather than assuming the rule works.
Port forwarding exposes the game endpoint to the internet. It should not expose SSH, Remote Desktop, a web control panel or RCON without authentication and access restrictions.
Backups, updates and safe maintenance
Back up before every update
Stop or gracefully save the server, copy the world and configuration files, and record the game version and mod list. Keep at least one copy on a different device or host. A backup stored on the same disk does not protect against disk failure, corruption or accidental deletion.
Use repeatable updates
SteamCMD’s update and validation commands make a repeatable maintenance job possible. Schedule updates during a quiet period, announce downtime to players, run validation, start the server and inspect the log. Do not update automatically without a rollback plan when a mod or world format may change.
Monitor the essentials
- Process state and restart count
- CPU load, memory pressure and swap activity
- Free disk space and log growth
- World-save timestamps
- External reachability from a player’s network
Keep a short incident record with the last known good game version, configuration changes and backup location. It reduces recovery time when an update or power interruption causes a failure.
Security practices that matter
- Run the game under a dedicated account rather than an administrator or root account.
- Patch the operating system and server software on a planned schedule.
- Use strong, unique credentials or the game’s current token-based authentication method.
- Do not expose RCON or other administration interfaces without authentication; restrict management access to trusted networks or a secured tunnel where practical.
- Keep server files, secrets and backups out of publicly served directories.
- Review installed mods and remove abandoned components that no longer receive updates.
- Test restoration, not merely backup creation.
Costs and practical trade-offs
The supplied figures do not establish current comparable hosting prices, electricity rates or provider uptime guarantees. A meaningful cost comparison therefore has to use your own region and workload. For a home host, add hardware, electricity, replacement storage, a UPS if desired and the value of your maintenance time. For a VPS or dedicated machine, add the recurring rental charge, backup storage, traffic overage and any managed-service fees.
Home hosting usually wins on one-time cost and control, but an outage at home affects everyone. A datacenter host usually wins on power and remote connectivity, but you pay continuously and must accept the provider’s resource and network policies. A VM is attractive when you already have an always-on host; buying a new hypervisor solely for one small server can cost more and add administration compared with a simple spare computer.
Troubleshoot the common failure points
| Symptom | Likely cause | Checks and fix |
|---|---|---|
| The server runs locally but friends cannot join | Missing port forwarding, firewall rule or incorrect public address | Confirm the host’s reserved LAN address, forward the documented port and protocol, open both provider and host firewalls where applicable, then test from outside the home network |
| The process exits immediately | Wrong launch arguments, missing files, unsupported architecture or permissions | Run it interactively, read the first error in the log, re-run the update/validation command, check the game’s supported OS and CPU architecture, and verify ownership of the server directory |
| The server does not return after reboot | Service or scheduled task disabled, wrong working directory or account permission | Check the service status and boot logs, run the task under the intended account, and confirm that the executable path and network dependency are correct |
| Players experience lag during busy periods | Single-thread CPU saturation, insufficient RAM, storage stalls or inadequate upload capacity | Measure CPU per core, memory and disk latency while players are connected; reduce simulation-heavy settings or move to a host with stronger CPU, more RAM or better uplink |
| The world disappeared after an update | Wrong working directory, failed migration or missing backup | Stop the server, locate the actual save path in the configuration and logs, restore the pre-update copy, then repeat the update with validation and a tested rollback |
| A Raspberry Pi installation will not start | The game binary targets x86-64 or required dependencies are unavailable on ARM | Check the publisher’s architecture support before troubleshooting further; use a compatible x86-64 host if no supported ARM build exists |
Which setup should you choose?
Choose a spare home computer when
- Your group is small and mostly near your home region.
- You already own compatible hardware and can accept occasional power or internet outages.
- You want physical control and no recurring server rental.
Choose a VM or second home host when
- You already operate a reliable, always-on machine.
- You need isolation, snapshots or several services on one physical system.
- You are comfortable managing a hypervisor as well as the game server.
Choose a VPS or dedicated server when
- Players are distributed geographically or need access while your home is offline.
- You do not want to expose your home network or maintain hardware.
- You can budget a recurring fee and want datacenter power and connectivity.
In every case, validate the game’s dedicated-server support first. Then size the host for the real world and player load, expose only the required port, automate recovery, and maintain off-host backups. Your gaming PC can stay powered off because the server process has its own host and its own operating lifecycle.
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