To deploy a game server on a VPS, first check the game’s official dedicated-server requirements, then prepare a supported VPS, install and configure the server, allow only its required network traffic, and set up persistence, backups, and maintenance. A VPS gives you a remote machine that can stay available; you still administer its operating system and game software unless you choose a managed hosting service.
Choose self-managed VPS hosting or managed game hosting
With a self-managed VPS, you control a general-purpose virtual machine. That flexibility also means you are responsible for operating-system administration and the game-server deployment. Managed game hosting may handle some operational work, but exactly what is included depends on the service; check its documentation before deciding.
| Responsibility | Self-managed VPS | Managed game hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system administration | You maintain the VPS operating system. | Depends on the service; confirm what the provider manages. |
| Installing the game server | You follow the game’s official installation instructions. | May be handled through a provider’s panel or support; confirm compatibility. |
| Firewall configuration | You check both provider-level network controls and the host firewall. | Depends on the service and its network controls. |
| Game and operating-system updates | You plan and apply both. | Update responsibilities vary; verify them with the provider. |
| Backups and recovery | You arrange backups and know how to restore them. | Backup coverage and restoration terms vary. |
| Support and game compatibility | You troubleshoot the server and verify the game supports your chosen system. | Support scope and supported games vary. |
These options divide responsibilities differently, so compare the actual service terms rather than assuming a managed plan includes updates, backups, or a particular game.
Check the game’s requirements before choosing a VPS
Start with the current official dedicated-server instructions for the specific game and edition you intend to host. Confirm these details before selecting a VPS plan or changing firewall rules:
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- Supported operating systems and CPU architecture.
- Required libraries, runtimes, or other dependencies.
- Where and how the dedicated-server software is distributed.
- Launch options for the server name, world or map, access controls, and persistent data.
- Required ports, protocols, and any differences between connection modes.
- The supported player limit and any published hardware guidance.
- Where game saves and configuration are stored, and how the game expects them to be backed up or restored.
Do not infer CPU, memory, storage, or bandwidth requirements from another game or a player-count figure. Choose a VPS only after checking the selected game’s current guidance and considering the workload you expect.
Prepare secure remote access and the VPS
Provision an operating-system image supported by the game’s server software. Keep secure remote administration working before making changes. For an Ubuntu Server host, Canonical’s guidance covers SSH access, routine work with a non-root account, security updates, and firewall use: Ubuntu Server security overview.
- Connect using SSH. Confirm you can administer the VPS remotely and retain a recovery route through your provider if access is lost.
- Use least privilege. Create or use a non-root account for routine administration. Elevate privileges only when an administrative task requires them.
- Apply security updates. Update the operating system before exposing the server publicly, then include OS maintenance in your ongoing schedule.
- Set a restrictive firewall policy. Allow remote administration from appropriate sources and add only the game traffic the official instructions require. Ubuntu documents UFW as its default firewall tool in its firewall configuration guide.
- Check the provider firewall separately. A cloud or VPS network firewall is distinct from the firewall running inside the operating system; verify that both allow the intended traffic.
Install and configure the dedicated server
Use the game’s own current installation guide for commands, packages, and launch settings. They are specific to the game and sometimes to the operating system or distribution, so do not copy one game’s commands as a universal recipe.
Valheim on Linux: a game-specific example
Iron Gate’s Valheim dedicated-server guide, dated April 11, 2024, covers the Steam version. It says to install the dedicated-server tool through the Steam Library’s Tools section. On Linux, the guide lists libatomic1, libpulse-dev, and libpulse0 as prerequisites and names start_server.sh as the launch script. Windows uses start_headless_server.bat.
For Valheim, configure the server name, port, world, password, and—if needed—a save-directory override using the documented launch options, including -name, -port, -world, -password, and -savedir. Keep a configured copy of the supplied startup script: Iron Gate notes that Steam updates can reset the original script.
Open only the ports the game needs
There is no universal game-server port list. Check the chosen game’s current instructions for the required ports and protocol, then allow that traffic in both the provider’s network firewall and the host firewall. Avoid opening unrelated ports.
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Valheim’s documented networking behavior
In Iron Gate’s guide, a Valheim server using the Steam backend uses its configured port and the next port. The documented defaults are 2456–2457. These values are Valheim-specific; use the ports actually configured for your server and verify the current guide before creating firewall rules.
Iron Gate says Valheim’s Crossplay backend relays data and does not require router port forwarding. That distinction concerns router forwarding and should not be read as a general port rule for other games or connection modes. For rented VPS hosting, check the provider’s network-firewall controls as well as the host firewall.
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Run persistently and verify a real connection
A server started in an interactive shell may stop when that session ends. Use the game’s documented method or an appropriate service manager so the process can continue independently of your login and can be restarted deliberately. Keep the exact launch settings and the location of the server logs available for troubleshooting.
- Check the startup output or logs for errors and confirmation that the server has started.
- Confirm the configured world, name, access settings, and port match your intended setup.
- Connect with a real game client using the correct address and connection mode.
- If connection fails, recheck the server process and logs, the configured port and protocol, and both firewall layers.
Protect saves and plan maintenance
Identify the save and configuration locations before making changes or applying updates. Keep backups somewhere other than the VPS’s only copy where feasible, and document how to restore them. Choose a backup cadence based on how often the world changes and how much progress you can afford to lose; the Valheim guide does not prescribe one.
For Valheim, Iron Gate documents the default Linux save directory as ~/.config/unity3d/IronGate/Valheim and provides -savedir to select another location. Verify the active path for your setup before backing up or restoring files.
Treat game updates and operating-system security updates as separate maintenance streams: either can require a planned restart. Canonical says unattended security updates are enabled by default on Ubuntu and run daily; its automatic reboot option is configurable and defaults to off. Review the Ubuntu automatic updates documentation, and plan server restarts rather than assuming they will occur safely at a convenient time.
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What Valheim’s player limit does—and does not—tell you
Iron Gate’s official material caps Valheim dedicated servers at ten players. Its reviewed dedicated-server guide does not give a recommended CPU, RAM, disk, or bandwidth baseline. The player cap alone therefore does not establish a suitable VPS size. For another game—or a later version of Valheim—check the current official requirements rather than treating this example as a general benchmark.
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