Picking the right game server hosting is key to having a smooth, frustration-free gaming experience. You’ll want a hosting provider that delivers top-notch performance and rock-solid reliability—because no one likes lag mid-match.

When choosing a host, keep an eye on important features like global server locations, scalability, strong security, and the ability to customize settings to your needs. Having full control over your server can really level up your gameplay. Don’t overlook support either—responsive customer service and an active user community can make a big difference. And of course, pricing matters too. It's all about finding that sweet spot between cost and quality.

In this guide, we’re bringing together expert advice and hands-on know-how to help you choose the best dedicated game server hosting for your setup. Whether you're gearing up for an intense eSports tournament or just want smooth multiplayer sessions with friends, we've got you covered.

Top 10 Game Server Hosting Providers

Choosing the right hosting provider can be tricky, especially with so many options out there. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top 10 game server hosting platforms that stand out for performance, features, and overall value. Whether you're looking for the power of a dedicated server or the flexibility of a game-optimized VPS, these picks deliver the reliability and control you need to keep your gameplay smooth and lag-free.

1. Hostinger

Best for: Minecraft, Palworld, Counter-Strike 2, Enshrouded, Rust
Price: From $5.99/month

Hostinger makes game server hosting super approachable, especially if you’re after solid performance and a user-friendly setup. Powered by VPS hosting with Debian 12, you get dedicated resources—up to 8 vCPU cores and 32 GB of RAM—which means your game server stays responsive and lag-free even under pressure.

It supports over 100 popular game titles out of the box, including big names like CS2, Rust, and Sons of the Forest. New games like Palworld and Enshrouded are also being added regularly. And even if a specific game isn’t officially supported yet, you can still spin up a custom server using the VPS.

Hostinger also plays well with games that support mods and third-party servers. For example, if you’re running a Minecraft server, you can install Spigot and customize it with all your favorite mods.

All plans come with Hostinger’s built-in Game Panel, which simplifies server setup, management, and mod installation. It even includes an automatic mod installer to make customization quick and painless.

Another standout feature is Kodee, Hostinger’s VPS AI Assistant. It’s like having a built-in server pro—offering help from simple setup tips to more advanced command-line scripts.

And with server locations in the U.S., Europe, India, Brazil, and more, you can pick a data center close to your player base for lower latency and smoother gameplay.

🔑 Key Features

• Wide game compatibility – Works with tons of popular titles and their extensions, including modded setups.
• Modding made easy – Install plugins and mods effortlessly with built-in tools and installers.
• Full control – Get root access and FTP support for smooth, hands-on mod and server file management.
• Game Panel included – Skip the command line; set up your server with just a few clicks.
• High-performance setup – Powered by fast SSDs and beefy CPUs for smooth, lag-free gameplay.
• AI Assistant Kodee – Your smart helper for everything from server tweaks to script setup.
• Dedicated IPs + DDoS protection – More stability, better security, and fewer connection issues.
• Built-in security tools – Comes with a malware scanner and firewall to keep your server clean and protected.

⚠️ A Few Drawbacks

• Debian only – Currently locked to Debian 12, so no Ubuntu or other Linux distro options.
• Location changes are a hassle – Switching server regions means reinstalling or reaching out to support.

2. Shockbyte

Best for: Minecraft, ARK: Survival Evolved
Price: From $2.50/month

Shockbyte is a go-to choice for many gamers—especially Minecraft fans—thanks to its super affordable pricing and feature-rich plans. Whether you're new to server hosting or just want something budget-friendly that still gets the job done, Shockbyte hits a sweet spot.

You get a 100% uptime guarantee, DDoS protection, and 24/7 support baked into all plans. While it’s well-known for Minecraft hosting, Shockbyte also supports other major titles like ARK: Survival Evolved, Valheim, and Rust—so you’re not locked into just one game.

Its custom control panel is clean and easy to navigate, letting you manage your server and install mods without a ton of technical hassle. Perfect if you want more time gaming and less time fiddling with setup.

Shockbyte also offers global server locations (mostly in North America and Europe), which helps keep latency low if your players are based in those regions. Combined with its uptime promise, that means fewer drops and smoother sessions.

If you’re setting up your first game server and want a solid start without breaking the bank, Shockbyte is a strong contender.

🔑 Key Features

• Flexible plans for different games – Choose from a variety of RAM and player slot options tailored to your specific game.
• Global server coverage – Data centers in multiple regions help reduce latency for players around the world.
• Beginner-friendly control panel – Manage your server, install mods, and tweak settings without needing deep tech know-how.
• Strong DDoS protection – Keeps your server secure and online, even during unexpected traffic spikes.
• Multi-game support – Works with more than just Minecraft, including ARK: SE, Rust, Valheim, Terraria, and more.

⚠️ A Few Drawbacks

• Game-specific pricing – Each game has its own pricing structure, which can get a little confusing to navigate.
• Hardware limitations – Some users have reported lag issues, especially when running heavily modded servers.
• Stability concerns – Occasional reports of random restarts and crashes that interrupt gameplay.
• Refund and server location complaints – Some customers have raised concerns about the refund policy and actual server placement not matching the selected region.

3. Host Havoc

Best for: Minecraft, Arma 3, DayZ
Price: From $5.00/month

Host Havoc has been in the game (literally) since 2013, and it’s earned a solid rep for reliable, flexible server hosting. It supports a wide range of titles like Minecraft, Conan Exiles, 7 Days to Die, DayZ, Sons of the Forest, and more—making it a great all-around option for different types of gamers.

One of the highlights here is instant server activation—once your payment’s done, your server’s online in minutes. No waiting around. Their custom control panel also makes setup and management super straightforward, even if you’re not super tech-savvy.

Host Havoc really shines when it comes to customer support. Their team is known for fast, helpful responses and is available 24/7 via live chat, email, and ticketing. If something goes sideways, you won’t be left hanging.

Plans are reasonably priced, and you even get a three-day money-back guarantee to test things out risk-free. And if you need more horsepower, they’ve got dedicated server options for high-performance hosting with more resources and control.

🔑 Key Features

• Supports 20+ games – Great for diverse gaming communities, from survival fans to military sim players.
• 99.9% uptime guarantee – Keeps your server running smoothly with minimal downtime.
• Instant setup – Get your server online within minutes after purchase—no waiting, no hassle.
• Solid DDoS protection – Shields your server from common cyber threats and traffic spikes.
• Easy-to-use control panels – Manage your server with intuitive tools, including a custom panel just for Minecraft.
• Global server locations – Choose from multiple regions to ensure better ping and a smoother gameplay experience.

⚠️ A Few Drawbacks

• Limited regional options per game – Not every game supports all available data center locations.
• Performance dips under pressure – Servers can lag when handling lots of players or resource-heavy mods.
• Short refund window – The three-day money-back period might not be enough to fully test everything out.

4. Apex Hosting

Best for: Minecraft, ARK: Survival Ascended, Rust
Price: From $5.99/month

Apex Hosting is a favorite among Minecraft players, and for good reason—it’s built with Minecraft in mind. From beginner-friendly plans to more advanced setups, it offers a range of options to match different playstyles and server needs.

You get a web-based control panel that makes server setup and mod/plugin installation a breeze. Whether you're adding custom worlds or just tweaking settings, the interface keeps things simple and stress-free.

What really stands out is the support for all experience levels. If you're new to hosting, Apex has a massive library of helpful guides and documentation—covering everything from basic server management to advanced plugin setups.

Under the hood, Apex Hosting runs on high-quality hardware and offers a global network of data centers, which helps keep your server running smoothly with minimal lag. You won’t get a free domain name, but you can create a custom subdomain for easy server access—great for sharing with friends or your community.

Overall, it’s a solid choice, especially for Minecraft-focused hosting that’s reliable, customizable, and easy to manage.

🔑 Key Features

• Custom control panel – A clean, web-based dashboard makes it easy to manage, monitor, and tweak your game server without digging into the command line.
• Built for Minecraft modding – Tons of customization options with plugin and mod support made especially for Minecraft.
• One-click modpacks & version switching – Quickly install popular modpacks or change your server version without the usual hassle.
• High-performance servers – With global data center coverage and quality hardware, you get smooth, lag-free gameplay wherever you are.
• Automatic backups – Daily backups protect your world from accidents, crashes, or malware—just in case something goes sideways.
• Scalable hosting – Easily upgrade your plan if your server starts growing or your resource needs spike.

⚠️ A Few Drawbacks

• Mostly Minecraft-focused – While it does support some other titles, the features and support are clearly geared toward Minecraft hosting.
• No flat pricing – Month-to-month plans can get a bit pricey, especially compared to annual options or competitors with simpler pricing.

5. ScalaCube

Best for: Minecraft, Hytale, Valheim, Project Zomboid
Price: Free (premium plans start at $2.00/month)

ScalaCube is one of those providers that offers both flexibility and affordability. The free plan is a great starting point—especially if you just want to test the waters—offering unlimited player slots so you can get a feel for the service before committing.

It’s known for fast, reliable servers, and with multiple global data center locations, you’re guaranteed low-latency gameplay, no matter where your players are. Plus, with robust DDoS protection and a web-based firewall, your server’s security is covered.

A standout feature of ScalaCube is unlimited traffic and player slots within the plan’s memory and disk limits, giving you more flexibility as you grow your server. If you’re into Minecraft, you’ll also appreciate the custom Minecraft launchers and one-click plugin installers, making setup and management a breeze.

The unified control panel lets you handle all your game servers from one place—whether you’re hosting Minecraft, Valheim, or Project Zomboid. With over 2.4 million users worldwide, their customer support is quick and reliable, so you won’t be left hanging if something goes wrong.

🔑 Key Features

• Scalable plans – Whether you’re running a small server or need something more robust, ScalaCube’s flexible plans scale to fit your needs.
• Custom Minecraft launcher – For an extra fee, you can customize your Minecraft server’s launcher to suit your unique gameplay style.
• Performance monitoring – Keep track of your server’s health and performance with an easy-to-read dashboard.
• Unlimited traffic & slots – No restrictions on player slots or traffic, giving you the freedom to run your server without worrying about running out of room.
• Full FTP access – Easily upload files to customize your game server, whether it’s mods, maps, or server settings.

⚠️ A Few Drawbacks

• Premium plans can get pricey – While ScalaCube offers a free plan, their premium options are on the higher end compared to other providers.
• Extra charges for add-ons – Things like a custom domain name or the Minecraft launcher cost extra, which can add up if you want more features.

6. GameServers

Best for: Conan Exiles, Rust, Minecraft
Price: From $0.34/month

GameServers may not support as many titles as some other providers, but it truly shines when it comes to hosting high-demand games like Rust, Minecraft, and Counter-Strike. The custom control panels for each game make server management super easy, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time host.

What sets GameServers apart is its global network of data centers spread across six continents—including Africa. This extensive reach means you’ll get low-latency connections no matter where your players are located.

GameServers also supports over 200 mods for a variety of games, letting you add plenty of customization to your gameplay. And if you need voice communication, they’ve got you covered with hosting for platforms like TeamSpeak, Ventrilo, and Mumble—perfect for squad chats during multiplayer sessions.

One unique perk is the free 3-hour game server hosting for testing or short sessions. It’s ideal for training, quick tournaments, or just checking out the service before committing to a full plan.

🔑 Key Features

• Custom control panels – GameServers offers McMyAdmin for Minecraft and tailored panels for other games, both packed with strong plugin support to customize your server.
• Global data center reach – With servers on six continents, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, you get low-latency connections for players worldwide.
• 200+ mods – Choose from a massive library of mods to customize your game and make each server unique.
• 5-day refund policy – If you’re not happy with the service, you can get your money back within five days, offering peace of mind.
• Reliable hardware – High-quality servers ensure smooth gameplay, even during resource-heavy multiplayer sessions.

⚠️ A Few Drawbacks

• Limited game selection – GameServers currently supports around 20 game servers, so it’s not the best fit if you need a huge variety of games.
• No official uptime guarantee – They don’t offer an uptime guarantee on their website, which might be a concern for players who need consistent availability.
• Customer support feedback – While support is available, there have been reports of user dissatisfaction with response times and issue resolution.

7. GTXGaming

Best for: ARK: Survival Evolved, 7 Days to Die, Atlas
Price: From $6.00/month

GTXGaming stands out for its broad compatibility, solid hardware, and easy-to-use control panel. With support for over 100 popular games like ARK, Minecraft, Rust, and Valheim, it’s a go-to option for gamers across many genres.

One of the biggest perks of GTXGaming is its mod support, making it super easy to customize your server and integrate mods. Whether you're running a modded ARK server or tweaking your Minecraft world, GTXGaming gives you the flexibility to fine-tune your gaming experience.

Their infrastructure is top-notch, with regular hardware updates and a high-performance network to ensure minimal lag and smooth gameplay. Plus, with global data center locations, you get the benefit of low-latency connections no matter where your players are.

A unique feature is the mobile control panel, which allows you to manage your server on the go—great for those moments when you're not at your PC but still want to keep an eye on things. GTXGaming also has a wealth of guides and blog posts, making it a solid choice for newcomers looking to set up their first server.

Lastly, their responsive customer support ensures that any technical hiccups get sorted out quickly, which is always a bonus when hosting a server.

🔑 Key Features

• Support for over 100 games – Whether you’re into ARK, Minecraft, or more niche titles, GTXGaming covers a wide range of gaming preferences.
• Regular hardware updates – Their servers get annual updates to stay ahead of gaming demands, ensuring your server is always up to speed.
• Optimized network – With multiple 10 GB fibers and built-in redundancy, you get low-latency connections and minimal ping, even for demanding multiplayer games.
• Responsive customer support – Professional support that’s quick to resolve any issues you might run into while hosting your server.
• Extensive mod support – GTXGaming makes it easy to add and manage mods, offering a ton of flexibility for customizing your server.
• Mobile control panel – Manage your server on the go with their user-friendly mobile app, so you’re never out of the loop.

⚠️ A Few Drawbacks

• Higher pricing for some games – Certain game hosting plans are a bit pricier compared to other providers.
• Limited server locations – There are no servers in South America or Africa, which could lead to higher latency for players in those regions.

8. PingPerfect

Best for: Space Engineers, Minecraft, Wreckfest, Path of Titans, Conan Exiles
Price: From $1.22/month

PingPerfect is a solid choice for hosting a variety of games with high-performance hardware and a wide game selection. Whether you're into Minecraft, Space Engineers, or Conan Exiles, PingPerfect provides a reliable and responsive hosting experience.

One of its standout features is competitive pricing across a broad range of games. Plus, if you're not sure about committing, PingPerfect offers a 48-hour free trial on every title, giving you the chance to test the waters before you dive in.

PingPerfect is transparent about its hardware specs, running up to 64 GB of RAM, 500 GB SSD storage, and 5 GHz processors to ensure smooth, lag-free gameplay. With 32 server locations globally, PingPerfect offers one of the most extensive data center networks in the game server hosting world, ensuring that you get the best connection possible.

To further enhance reliability, PingPerfect uses an in-house backup system to keep your game data safe, preventing any potential loss. Plus, the provider stays ahead of the curve by quickly adding new game API servers, ensuring you're always up to date with the latest releases.

🔑 Key Features

• Support for 175+ games and mods – Whether you're playing Minecraft, Wreckfest, or exploring other titles, PingPerfect has you covered with extensive game and mod support.
• Responsive customer support – Their support team is quick and efficient, offering timely solutions when you run into any issues.
• In-house backup system – PingPerfect has its own backup system to safeguard your game data and minimize risks of loss.
• Easy game switching – Switching between games or mods is a breeze, giving you flexibility without the hassle of starting over.
• Fast SSDs & high-speed processors – Servers are equipped with high-performance SSDs and speedy processors for quick load times and lag-free gameplay.

⚠️ Drawbacks

• Extra charges for specific server locations and hardware – Some server locations and hardware options come with added costs, so be mindful of those when choosing your plan.
• Custom control panel issues – A few users have found PingPerfect’s custom control panel to be less intuitive than other providers, making it a bit tricky for first-timers.
• Performance concerns with dedicated hosting – Some players have reported performance issues with PingPerfect’s dedicated hosting plans under heavy load.
• Short refund window – With just a 24-hour refund policy, there might not be enough time to thoroughly test the service before deciding if it's right for you.

9. ScalaHosting

Best for: Minecraft
Price: Starts at $61.95/month

ScalaHosting offers top-tier Minecraft hosting solutions with a strong focus on performance, security, and user convenience. They provide four distinct plans—Zombie, Slime, Guardian, and Giant—each offering different system resources and capabilities to match your needs.

Teaming up with Amazon AWS, ScalaHosting runs cloud VPS servers that are tailored specifically for Minecraft. These powerful servers support both Java and Bedrock editions, allowing for cross-platform multiplayer.

But ScalaHosting doesn’t stop at just offering great performance; they include some bonus features like an advanced cybersecurity system and a LiteSpeed web server—together valued at $78.95—to enhance both security and speed.

One of their standout qualities is their educational approach, helping beginner server admins understand virtual private server management and cloud tech. This makes ScalaHosting not just a hosting service, but a learning resource for those new to server management.

Ideal for commercial uses like reselling, hosting large gaming communities, or esports tournaments, ScalaHosting places a high priority on performance and security—making it a strong choice for serious Minecraft hosting.

🔑 Key Features

• Support for multiple Minecraft editions – ScalaHosting supports both Java and Bedrock editions, making it easy to run cross-platform multiplayer sessions.
• BungeeCord and custom plugin ports – Offering customizable plugin ports and BungeeCord support for more personalized Minecraft servers.
• Automatic world check-and-repair – An automatic world repair feature ensures your Minecraft environment stays stable and free of issues.
• Free domain & dedicated IP – Get a free domain and a dedicated IP address, adding a more personalized hosting experience.
• 1 Gbps uplink ports – Fast 1 Gbps ports for minimal latency and quick connections that keep your gameplay smooth.
• Comprehensive backups – With automatic backups and additional options for extra data security, your server’s safety is a priority.

⚠️ Drawbacks

• Higher pricing – ScalaHosting’s plans come with a premium price tag, which might be a bit steeper than some other providers.
• Minecraft-only hosting – This service is limited to Minecraft, so if you’re looking to host other games, you might want to look elsewhere.

10. ServerBlend

Best for: ARK: Survival Evolved, Space Engineers, Rust, ARMA 3
Price: Starts at $4.00/month

Previously known as HostASpace, ServerBlend has been around since 2014 and has earned a solid reputation in the hosting industry. It offers a wide range of supported games and reliable service, making it a go-to for many gamers.

As one of the top VPS providers for gaming servers, ServerBlend features powerful CPUs, fast NVMe storage, and error-correcting (ECC) RAM, ensuring top-notch performance. Plus, it boasts a DDoS-protected network, keeping your server secure and lag-free for a smooth gaming experience.

One of ServerBlend's standout features is its affordability. They offer a price match guarantee: if you find a comparable service at a lower price, they'll either match it or give you one month of free service—talk about value!

ServerBlend also makes it easy to switch between games for free, offering flexibility for gamers who want to try out different titles. Their custom TCAdmin-based control panel is easy to use, and they operate multiple data centers, mainly in Europe, North America, and Australia, ensuring good global coverage.

🔑 Key Features

• Custom control panels tailored for specific games like Space Engineers, making setup and tweaks way easier.
• Beefy processors and NVMe storage for smooth, high-performance gameplay with minimal lag.
• Top-tier support team that’s quick to respond and actually helpful when issues pop up.
• Price match guarantee so you're not overpaying if a competitor offers a better deal.
• Seven-day refund policy, giving you a risk-free way to try things out.

⚠️ Drawbacks

• While the game selection is solid, it’s not as massive as what some other hosts offer.
• Premium servers for certain games can get a little pricey compared to competitors.

Best Game Server Hosting: A Quick Comparison

Picking the right game server host can feel like a boss-level decision—there are tons of choices out there, each with its own perks and quirks. To make things easier, we’ve put together a comparison of some of the top game server hosting providers so you can find the one that fits your gaming needs best.

Hosting Provider	Performance	Price (Starting Point)	Ease of Use	Game Compatibility	Unique Features	Customer Service
Hostinger	High	$5.99/month	User-friendly	Broad	VPS AI assistant Kodee	Highly responsive
Shockbyte	Moderate	$2.50/month	User-friendly	Broad	Customizable plans	Mixed reviews
Host Havoc	Moderate	$5.00/month	User-friendly	Broad	Instant server setup	Highly responsive
Apex Hosting	High	$5.99/month	User-friendly	Limited	One-click modpack installations	Responsive
ScalaCube	High	Free (premium from $2)	User-friendly	Broad	Server monitoring dashboard	Mixed reviews
GameServers	Moderate	$0.34/month	User-friendly	Limited	Servers across six continents	Limited
GTXGaming	High	$6.00/month	User-friendly	Broad	Mobile control panel	Responsive
PingPerfect	Moderate	$1.22/month	Moderate	Broad	48-hour free trial	Responsive
ScalaHosting	High	$61.95/month	Complex	Minecraft only	BungeeCord support	Responsive
ServerBlend	High	$4.00/month	User-friendly	Limited	Price match guarantee	Highly responsive

Hostinger’s game server hosting plans are all about high performance and reliability—ideal for a smooth, uninterrupted gaming experience. Starting at just $5.99/month, the pricing hits a sweet spot between value and powerful features.

Setting up and managing your server is a breeze, thanks to Hostinger’s user-friendly interface. Whether you’re a seasoned admin or just starting out, getting your game server online is quick and painless. Plus, you can host a wide variety of games like Minecraft, ARK, Counter-Strike, and the Call of Duty series—each with dedicated server support for optimal performance.

What really makes Hostinger shine is its top-notch customer support. The Customer Success team is quick to respond and always helpful, making sure any issues are sorted out fast and efficiently. You also get a boost from Kodee, Hostinger’s AI assistant, which can guide you through server setup and troubleshooting like a pro.

With dependable performance, an intuitive control panel, broad game compatibility, and solid support, Hostinger easily ranks among the best game server hosting providers out there.

Final Thoughts

After diving into the top game hosting companies, it’s clear there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—but plenty of strong contenders depending on what you’re looking for.

Whether you’re after raw performance, ease of use, or hands-on customer support, these providers each bring something valuable to the table. Here are our standout picks:

• Hostinger – A well-rounded choice with excellent performance, innovative features like the Kodee AI assistant, an intuitive control panel, and top-tier customer support.
• ScalaCube – Great for gamers who want flexibility, thanks to its free plan, extensive mod support, and user-friendly tools.
• GTXGaming – A powerhouse for multi-game hosting with frequent hardware upgrades and a mobile-friendly control panel for managing servers on the go.

At the end of the day, the best game server hosting provider really depends on your needs—whether you’re hosting for a few friends or managing a full-blown community. The good news? There’s a solid option out there to match just about any setup.

Best Game Server Hosting FAQ

Got questions about game server hosting? We’ve got you covered. Here are answers to some of the most common ones:

What is a game server?
A game server is a high-powered machine—either dedicated or shared—that hosts multiplayer video games. It handles all the behind-the-scenes action like syncing game data, managing player connections, and keeping the gameplay experience smooth and lag-free across the network.

How much does a dedicated gaming server cost?
Pricing for dedicated game servers can vary quite a bit. You’ll find budget-friendly plans starting at under $1/month, while more premium options can go beyond $60/month. The final cost usually depends on what you're getting—think RAM, CPU power, storage, server location, and the number of supported players. Many providers also offer customizable setups so you can tailor your server to match your game’s specific needs.

What should I look for in a game server host?
When picking a game server host, here are the essentials to keep in mind:

• Performance: Look for servers with solid CPU and RAM specs to ensure smooth gameplay.
• Uptime: A high uptime guarantee (like 99.9%) helps avoid unexpected server drops.
• Latency: Choose a provider with global data centers to reduce lag for you and your players.
• Ease of use: A clean, intuitive control panel can make server management way easier—especially if you’re new to it.
• Support: Fast, knowledgeable customer service is a must when issues pop up mid-game.