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VGSources / Best Game Server Control Panels / Pterodactyl Panel

Pterodactyl Panel

pterodactyl.io

  • Free
  • Linux
  • Web
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What it is

Pterodactyl Panel is a free, open-source game server management panel built with PHP, React, and Go. It runs servers in isolated Docker containers with strict resource limits, and supports games including Minecraft, Rust, Terraria, TeamSpeak, Mumble, Team Fortress 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Garry’s Mod, and ARK: Survival Evolved. Backups can use local storage through Wings or remote storage through AWS S3 or compatible services. The panel includes bcrypt password hashing, AES-256-CBC encryption, HTTPS support, and invisible reCAPTCHA to help protect the login page against brute-force attacks. It is designed to run on an administrator’s own web server and requires root access. The installation guide lists PHP 8.2 or 8.3, MySQL or MariaDB, Redis, and a web server among its dependencies. Supported server operating systems include specified Ubuntu, RHEL-family, and Debian releases. Most OpenVZ systems are noted as unsupported because of Docker incompatibilities. Anonymous telemetry is enabled by default but can be disabled in environment configuration. The project uses the MIT License and points users to Discord for community support.

Good, and not so good

  • Free and released under the MIT License.
  • Runs servers in isolated Docker containers.
  • Supports local and remote backup storage.
  • Includes login protections and HTTPS support.
  • Supports several listed games.
  • Requires root access and Linux system administration.
  • Most OpenVZ systems are unsupported.
  • Anonymous telemetry is enabled by default.
  • Requires several server dependencies.

Who it suits

It suits administrators who want a free panel to manage game servers on their own web server and can handle root access and Linux system administration. Its listed game support and local or remote backup options may suit communities running multiple kinds of servers.

Pterodactyl Panel offers free self-hosted server management with Docker isolation, game support, and backup choices. It requires administrative setup, and most OpenVZ systems are not supported.

Plans

  • Pterodactyl Panel100% free · self-hosted · requires root access and Linux system administrationFree

As pterodactyl.io lists them, read 3 Oct 2026.