Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Choose a Private Game if a small group normally starts and ends each session together. Choose a Dedicated Server if the world must stay available while the original host is away, players keep different schedules, or you need persistent administration. A self-hosted dedicated server provides the most control but demands setup and maintenance; a managed rental trades that work for a recurring fee.
The difference in one sentence
In a Private Game, V Rising runs the server in the background of the host’s game client. In a Dedicated Server, a separate V Rising server application runs independently of any player’s game client. That location of the server process determines who can connect, when the world is available, and how much administration is required.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Question | Private Game | Dedicated Server |
|---|---|---|
| Where does the server run? | Inside the host’s V Rising client | As a separate server application |
| Can friends play when the original host is offline? | No. The host must launch the game and world. | Yes, if the server process and network remain available. |
| Setup effort | Lowest; configured through the normal game flow | Higher; install, launch, configure and maintain the server tool |
| Control | Basic settings and the host’s save workflow | Persistent settings, administration, logs, restarts and save-file management |
| Cost model | Uses the host’s existing computer | Self-hosting costs hardware, bandwidth and time; rental adds a recurring hosting charge |
| Best fit | Small groups that play together | Asynchronous groups, clans, communities and persistent worlds |
The distinction is not a marketing label. Stunlock’s official server material describes the client as including a server that runs in the background for a local private game, while the dedicated-server instructions cover downloading and running a separate application. In practical terms, a Private Game is client-hosted; a Dedicated Server is a standalone process. A stronger computer or faster connection can improve either setup, but it does not remove the host-dependency of a Private Game.
When a Private Game is the better choice
Everyone’s schedule overlaps
A Private Game is the quickest way to start co-op. The server component is included with the client, so the host creates the world through the regular game menus rather than deploying another application. If your group usually agrees on a play time and leaves together, a separate always-on machine adds complexity without solving a problem you have.
#1 Best Overall
- BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
- EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
- COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
- WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.
You want the least administration
There is no dedicated executable to launch, no separate server installation directory to maintain and no standalone service to monitor. The host handles the world through the same client used to play. This is particularly useful for a first playthrough or a small group that does not need custom administration. You can concentrate on character progression and building instead of learning server configuration, update procedures and recovery steps.
You accept host-dependent availability
The trade-off is structural: the world exists for other players only while the host has the game running. When the host closes V Rising, friends cannot enter that world until the host starts it again. The save and its management also remain tied to the host’s computer and normal client workflow, so changing hosts requires deliberately moving or replacing that save rather than simply handing over a server address.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhen a Private Game becomes inconvenient
Host dependency is easy to overlook during the first few sessions. It becomes a real limitation when one player progresses during a different time zone, when a group wants to leave automated activities running, or when the usual host is unavailable for several days. Asking one person to launch the client for every visit can also turn that person into an unofficial administrator. If independent access is becoming a regular request, the dedicated option is solving a genuine availability problem rather than adding infrastructure for its own sake.
When a Dedicated Server is worth it
Players need an always-available world
A dedicated process can continue running while the owner is at work, asleep or playing something else. Players do not have to wait for one person to launch the game, making this the practical choice for groups whose members log in at different times. Persistence is conditional, however: the machine, server process and network still have to be operating. A dedicated server is independent of a player’s client, not independent of electricity, connectivity or maintenance.
You are running a clan or community
Persistent administration matters more as the player count and social organization grow. A dedicated deployment gives you a stable server identity, repeatable settings and a place to manage permissions, restarts, logs and configuration files. Those controls are useful when several people share responsibility for a world. They also make it easier to communicate a predictable ruleset: administrators can document the server name, access permissions and non-default gameplay settings instead of relying on one person’s memory.
You are comfortable maintaining infrastructure
Self-hosting means keeping the process online, making the required network ports reachable, applying game and server updates, and protecting the save files. The dedicated application does not remove those jobs; it separates them from the game client. If nobody in the group wants to perform them, a managed host is usually a better form of “dedicated” than running the server on a player’s desktop.
Persistence is valuable enough to justify a process
A dedicated server is most valuable when the world itself has become an ongoing project. Long-running builds, clan territory, shared progression and a community schedule all benefit from a world that is not attached to one person’s play session. If your group only needs occasional co-op and never logs in separately, the same persistence may not justify a monthly bill or an additional computer.
Rank #2
- WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
- AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
- PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
- ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
- COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed
Cost: what you are really paying for
A Private Game has no separate hosting line item because it uses the host’s existing computer and internet connection. That does not mean it is cost-free in every sense: the host supplies electricity, bandwidth and the time spent launching the game. For a few friends who already own gaming PCs and play together, those marginal costs are usually negligible.
Self-hosting shifts the expense from a provider invoice to equipment and attention. You may need a machine that can remain powered, enough storage for saves and backups, a reliable connection, router or firewall configuration, and time for updates and troubleshooting. If you repurpose an existing computer, the cash outlay can be low; if you buy hardware solely for the server, compare that one-time cost with the recurring price of a managed service. Also account for the value of the administrator’s time, especially for a community that expects quick restarts or frequent rule changes.
A managed rental adds an ongoing hosting charge. In exchange, the provider supplies the machine and typically exposes controls for status, basic settings, logs, configuration files, restarts, updates and permissions. The right comparison is therefore not “free versus paid,” but “host labor and equipment versus a predictable service fee.” Prices, resource limits, data-center locations and regional availability vary, so check the provider’s current terms rather than relying on an old quote or promotion. No physical Amazon product is required for this decision; the relevant commercial products are digital game-hosting services.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Dedicated server options: self-hosted or rented
| Option | What you provide | What you gain | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted | An always-on computer or other suitable machine, network access, storage and administration time | Maximum control over files, settings, updates, access and restart policy | You are responsible for uptime, port forwarding, security, backups and troubleshooting |
| Managed rental | A recurring hosting payment and your server configuration choices | A provider-managed control panel for status, settings, logs, files, restarts, updates and permissions | Ongoing cost and dependence on the provider’s locations, limits and availability |
Stunlock’s official hosting guidance names PocketHost as a service through which readers can rent and manage a V Rising server. The listed controls include status, basic settings, logs, configuration files, restarts, updates and permissions. Current prices, data-center locations and resource limits are not fixed by that guidance, so check the provider’s live terms before committing.
For PlayStation 5, Stunlock’s FAQ names GPORTAL as a server-rental option. Availability, regional coverage, pricing and any promotional program can change; verify the current offer for your region and platform. The PS5 instructions are a separate branch from the PC instructions, so do not assume a PC setup applies unchanged.
Before renting, identify who owns the account and who can retrieve the save and configuration files. A provider control panel can simplify day-to-day work, but your group should still keep its own backup and know how to cancel, migrate or restore the world. Ask whether the plan supports the platform and version you use, where the server is located, what restart controls are available, and how updates are scheduled. Those questions matter more than a headline price if your players are spread across regions or need a predictable maintenance window.
How to set up a V Rising dedicated server
The exact files and update commands depend on your platform and the current server version. Stunlock publishes separate current and legacy instructions for PC and PS5; follow the branch matching the installation you actually use. The following sequence shows the decisions that apply to a normal dedicated deployment.
Rank #3
- Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
- Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
- Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
- ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
- Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)
- Install the server tool. In Steam, open the Tools section of your library and install V Rising Dedicated Server. This is a separate application from the game client.
- Choose the correct official instruction branch. Confirm whether your deployment is for PC or PS5 and whether the guide is for the current version or a legacy version. Mixing instructions from different branches is a common cause of missing files or incompatible settings.
- Launch from the installation directory. Open the dedicated server’s install folder and run the server executable as described by Stunlock’s guide. A first launch uses default settings and creates the files the server needs.
- Set the identity and rules. Change the server name and the advanced options you want before inviting players. Keep a copy of the configuration files so you can restore a known-good setup after an edit or update.
- Make the network reachable. A self-hosted machine must accept the required game traffic through its local firewall and any router or forwarding rules used by your network. Use the port values and syntax in the current platform-specific guide rather than copying an old community post.
- Protect the world data. Back up the save directory and configuration files while the server is stopped or in the safe state specified by the guide. A backup is your recovery path if an update, failed edit or hardware problem damages the live files.
- Give players a connection method. Players can search for the server by its configured name or connect using the external IP when that is appropriate for the deployment. A newly launched server may take a few minutes to appear in the browser, so wait for list propagation before assuming the configuration failed.
- Plan updates before applying them. Stunlock’s current 1.1.x PC instructions say the update procedure depends on how the server was deployed. Where applicable, SteamCMD can verify and update the installation while the server is offline. Stop the process when the chosen method requires it, back up the world, update, then start the server and check that the save and settings load correctly.
Do not publish an address until you have tested it from the players’ perspective. A local test can confirm that the executable starts, but an external connection test is what exposes an incorrect firewall rule, router setting or address. Keep the original installation and save locations documented so another administrator can take over if the usual host is unavailable.
What administration looks like after setup
Uptime and restarts
A dedicated world is only persistent while its process and network are available. Decide who notices a crash, who performs planned restarts and when maintenance is allowed. A rental control panel can expose status and restart controls; a self-hosted deployment requires you to provide the equivalent monitoring and procedure. Tell players how maintenance will be announced and what to do if the server disappears from the list.
Configuration discipline
Change one setting at a time and keep a dated copy of the previous configuration. If the server stops starting after an edit, restoring the last known-good file is faster than rebuilding every option. Record the server name, access permissions and any non-default gameplay choices so another administrator can reproduce the setup. Avoid making undocumented changes during an active session, when it is harder to tell whether a problem came from a rule edit or a version change.
Updates and version matching
The game client and dedicated server need compatible versions. Schedule updates when nobody is playing, take the server offline when the official procedure calls for it, and verify the result with a test connection before announcing that the world is open again. Retain a backup from before each update so you have a defined rollback point. When several administrators are involved, nominate one person to confirm the update and communicate the new version before everyone reconnects.
Recommended Free Tools
Save-file safety
The save is the valuable part of the installation. Keep backups on storage separate from the live server machine, and label them with dates or update versions. Never treat a successful server restart as proof that a backup is restorable; periodically test that you can identify and copy a known save into a safe test location. Protect access to those files, because anyone who can replace the save or configuration effectively controls the world.
Permissions and continuity
Persistent worlds benefit from a small, clearly documented administrator group. Decide who can change rules, restart the process, distribute connection details and restore a backup. If the original owner leaves the game, the group should already know where the files or provider account are located and how to transfer responsibility. This continuity is one of the practical advantages of a standalone server over a world locked to one player’s client.
Private Game versus dedicated server: decision guide
Choose Private Game when all of these are true
- The same small group normally plays at the same time.
- The host is happy to launch V Rising whenever the world is needed.
- No one needs to administer the world while the host is away.
- You prefer the client’s built-in setup over separate configuration and backups.
- The group is still testing whether it will play regularly enough to justify persistent hosting.
Choose self-hosting when these needs outweigh the work
- The world must remain online independently of any player’s game session.
- Someone can keep a machine, network connection and server process available.
- You need direct control over configuration files, permissions, logs and update timing.
- Your group accepts responsibility for firewall rules, backups and recovery.
- You can document the setup well enough for another person to maintain it.
Choose a managed rental when persistence matters but no one wants to run infrastructure
- Players have different schedules or the community expects regular access.
- You want web-based status, settings, logs, restarts, updates and permissions.
- A recurring charge is preferable to buying or dedicating hardware and spending time on maintenance.
- You have checked the provider’s current region, capacity, pricing and platform support.
- You have confirmed how to download backups and recover the world if you leave the service.
Common problems and practical fixes
Friends cannot connect when the host is away
This is expected behavior for a Private Game, not a network fault. The host must start the game and world. Move to a dedicated deployment if independent access is a requirement rather than an occasional convenience.
Rank #4
- Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
- Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
- 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
- Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
- USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC
The dedicated server is not visible immediately
Wait several minutes after a fresh launch; Stunlock’s instructions note that list appearance can be delayed. If it still does not appear, confirm that the process is running, the server name is spelled as intended, and the network and firewall configuration follows the current platform guide. Test by external IP when the deployment supports that method.
The server starts with defaults after an edit
Stop the process and inspect the configuration location and syntax specified by the official instructions. Restore the last known-good copy, then reapply one change at a time. Keeping configuration backups prevents a typo from becoming a full rebuild.
An update leaves the world unavailable
Do not repeatedly overwrite the installation. Stop the server, preserve the save and configuration backups, and use the update method for your deployment. On current 1.1.x PC setups, the official procedure may use SteamCMD to verify and update while the server is offline. After updating, check version compatibility and test with one player before reopening the world.
You are unsure which instructions apply
Identify the platform first, then the server version and deployment type. Stunlock maintains separate current and legacy guidance for PC and PS5. A guide written for another branch can produce a plausible-looking installation that nevertheless fails to connect.
The usual administrator is unavailable
For a Private Game, another player cannot simply connect to the closed world. For a dedicated deployment, the remedy is operational: give a second administrator access to the provider panel or documented machine, configuration and backup locations. Establish that handoff before an emergency, not after the server has already gone offline.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How official servers fit into the choice
Official servers are a third option for players who want to join without creating or renting their own world. In a May 3, 2024 announcement, Stunlock said the goal of official servers was to provide a stable V Rising experience, while expecting players eventually to move to private servers with more tailored gameplay. That announcement stated a 60-player cap for official servers at the time. Treat both the policy and the number as historical: server rules and capacity can change.
An official server avoids your setup and maintenance responsibilities, but you accept the operator’s rules, schedule and configuration. A Private Game gives a small group immediate control with host-dependent availability. A Dedicated Server gives persistence and administration, at the cost of deployment work or a recurring rental fee. If your priority is simply playing without operating a world, checking current official-server availability may be sensible before paying for hosting.
Best Value
- Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
- Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
- Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
- Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
- Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.
Bottom-line decision
Start with a Private Game if your group is small, coordinated and focused on playing together rather than operating a server. Move to a Dedicated Server when access between sessions, independent uptime or administrator controls become essential. Self-host only when someone is willing to own updates, networking and backups; otherwise, a managed rental is the simpler persistent option. Reassess the choice when your schedule, player count or tolerance for maintenance changes.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Frequently Asked Questions
Can friends play on my V Rising Private Game when I am offline?
No. The Private Game server runs through the host’s game client, so the host must launch V Rising and the world before friends can join.
Does a dedicated server stay online automatically?
It can remain available independently of a player’s client, but only while the server process, host machine or rental service, and network are running. Crashes, maintenance and outages still require attention.
Is renting a V Rising server worth it?
It is often worthwhile for groups with different schedules or communities that need regular access but do not want to maintain hardware, networking, updates and backups. Compare the recurring fee with your equipment and administration time.
Where do I install the V Rising Dedicated Server?
Install the separate V Rising Dedicated Server tool from Steam’s Tools section, then launch the server executable from its installation directory as described in Stunlock’s current platform-specific guide.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What dedicated-server host does Stunlock name?
Stunlock’s hosting guidance names PocketHost for renting and managing a V Rising server. Its PlayStation 5 FAQ names GPORTAL. Pricing, locations and availability can change, so check current terms.
Why can’t I see my newly launched dedicated server?
The server list can take a few minutes to update. Confirm that the process is running, the name is correct, and the firewall and network settings match the current instructions. Where supported, test the external IP.
How do I update a V Rising dedicated server safely?
Follow the procedure for your platform and deployment, take the server offline when required, back up the save and configuration, update, then verify that versions, settings and the world load correctly. Current 1.1.x PC instructions may use SteamCMD for verification and updates while offline.
Can I move a Private Game world to a dedicated server?
A move requires deliberately locating and transferring the save and configuring the dedicated deployment; it is not automatic. Back up the Private Game save first and follow the current platform-specific file and server instructions.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe Bottom Line
Bottom line: Use a Private Game for simple, coordinated co-op. Use a Dedicated Server for persistent, independently accessible play. Self-host for maximum control; rent through a managed provider when you want persistence without running the infrastructure.
Quick Recap
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.
