A VPS, or Virtual Private Server, is a private slice of a larger physical server. You get your own allocated resources, your own operating system, and much more control than you would normally get with standard game server hosting.
For game hosting, a VPS is useful when you want to run something custom, host multiple smaller services, install your own panel, or manage the server yourself instead of using a ready-made game control panel.
It is also useful for games that need a manual dedicated-server setup, such as ARK Survival Ascended on a Windows VPS.
Why use a VPS for game hosting?
- More control: you can install the software, mods, tools, firewall rules, and services you need.
- Dedicated resources: your VPS plan has its own CPU, RAM, and disk allocation.
- Flexibility: you can host more than just one game server if the VPS has enough resources.
- Custom setups: useful for games, bots, databases, web dashboards, voice tools, and community services.
When a VPS is a good fit
A VPS is a good choice if you are comfortable managing the server yourself, or if you need something that a normal game panel does not provide. This might be a custom Minecraft network, a modded setup with extra services, a private test box, or a small community stack.
When standard game hosting is better
If you just want to order a server, click start, upload a few files, and play with friends, standard game server hosting is usually easier. You get the game panel, backups, updates, config tools, and support flow already built around that game.
A VPS gives you more freedom, but it also gives you more responsibility. You are normally managing updates, security, installs, ports, and troubleshooting yourself.
Linux or Windows VPS?
- Linux VPS: best for most server tools, web services, bots, Docker setups, and many dedicated game servers.
- Windows VPS: useful when the software you need is Windows-only or much easier to manage through a desktop.
For Windows game-server installs that use Steam dedicated server files, start with Installing SteamCMD on your Windows VPS.
For ARK Survival Ascended specifically, use How to install or update an ARK Survival Ascended server on a Windows VPS.
Things to think about
- How much RAM the game needs.
- How CPU-heavy the game is.
- Whether the game supports Linux or needs Windows.
- How many players you expect.
- Whether you are happy managing security and updates yourself.
If you are not sure whether you need a VPS or a normal game server, submit a support ticket with what you are trying to host and we can point you at the better option.
