Top Hosting Providers for Game Servers
If you’re serious about hosting a private game server, choosing the right hosting provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re running a Minecraft world for 10 friends or a modded Rust server with hundreds of players, your server’s speed, reliability, and protection all depend on the host you pick.
This guide covers the best hosting providers for game servers — from affordable virtual private servers (VPS) to powerful dedicated machines. We’ll also look at key features like DDoS protection, low latency locations, and mod support to help you choose wisely.
1. Hetzner
Website: hetzner.com
Why we like it: German-based Hetzner is known for unbeatable value on high-performance dedicated servers and VPS. You can get an 8-core / 32GB RAM server for under $40/month — and the performance is rock solid.
- Powerful dedicated servers
- Excellent pricing for Europe
- Fast NVMe SSD storage
- Great for mod-heavy games like Minecraft or ARK
Downsides: No U.S. locations (only Germany and Finland). English support is good but not 24/7.
2. OVH / SoYouStart
Website: ovh.com / soyoustart.com
OVH and its sub-brand SoYouStart offer dedicated servers that are specifically tailored for game hosting. With global datacenters, built-in DDoS protection, and a gamer-focused infrastructure, it’s a top pick for public servers.
- Global datacenter locations (NA, EU, Asia)
- Anti-DDoS included in all plans
- Reliable hardware uptime
- Ideal for high-concurrency games like Rust or FiveM
Downsides: Setup time can be slow (1–2 hours). Billing interface isn’t very beginner-friendly.
3. Vultr
Website: vultr.com
Vultr is a powerful cloud VPS provider with data centers all over the world. Their High Performance compute plans are perfect for low-latency game hosting and quick scaling.
- SSD and NVMe options
- 1-click OS installs (Ubuntu, Debian, Windows)
- Great uptime & low ping worldwide
- Pay as you go — only pay for what you use
Downsides: Limited bandwidth on entry plans. Support is ticket-based only.
4. Contabo
Website: contabo.com
Contabo is the budget king for VPS hosting. While their data centers are mostly in Europe, their huge RAM and disk allocations make them ideal for running game servers on a budget.
- 8+ cores and 32GB RAM VPS for under $15/month
- Great for testing and development servers
- Free DDoS protection
Downsides: Slower support, occasional provisioning delays, and mixed reviews on uptime for larger servers.
5. AWS GameLift (for developers)
Website: aws.amazon.com/gamelift/
If you’re a game developer or launching your own multiplayer title, AWS GameLift is a cloud-native game hosting solution built specifically for matchmaking, session scaling, and low-latency connections worldwide.
- Used by AAA developers
- Global reach with smart scaling
- Supports Unreal Engine, Unity, and custom servers
Downsides: Requires coding & backend skills. Can get expensive quickly if not optimized.
What to Look for in a Game Server Host
When choosing a provider, don’t just go for the cheapest. Look for:
- DDoS Protection – Especially for public servers or PvP games
- Low Latency – Choose a data center close to your players
- Scalable Plans – Start small and grow as your community grows
- Uptime Guarantees – Look for 99.9%+ uptime commitment
- Root Access – Required for installing mods, patches, and custom software
Self-Hosting vs. Managed Hosting
If you’re technically confident, go with a self-hosted VPS or dedicated server — it’s cheaper and gives full control. But if you want less hassle, consider managed hosting providers who handle setup, security, and monitoring for you.
Examples of managed providers:
- GTXGaming (Minecraft, Rust, Valheim)
- Shockbyte (Minecraft & mod support)
- PingPerfect (variety of games + control panel)
Conclusion
The best hosting provider depends on your budget, tech skills, and player expectations. Hetzner and OVH offer unbeatable power for the price. Vultr and Contabo are solid for smaller setups or testing. And if you’re building something from scratch, AWS GameLift is the dev’s dream.
Whichever you choose, make sure to monitor performance, secure your server, and grow your community. A fast, stable game server keeps players happy — and coming back for more.
