Dedicated Server
vs
Game Server
Not sure which option is right for you? We break down the differences so you can pick the hosting plan that fits your budget, player count, and technical needs.
25,000+
Servers Deployed
99.9%
Uptime Guarantee
24/7
Expert Support
Always On
DDoS Protection
Two Ways to Play
We offer two distinct hosting products. Both include DDoS protection, 24/7 support, and our uptime guarantee — the difference is in control and scale.
Game Server
A managed, shared server pre-configured for a specific game. We handle the hardware, updates, and infrastructure — you just invite your friends and play. Ideal if you want a server running in minutes with zero technical setup.
Dedicated Server
A full bare metal machine exclusively yours. No shared resources, no virtualization overhead. You get root access and complete control over the operating system, software, and every game or application you want to run.
Side-by-Side Comparison
A detailed breakdown of what each hosting option includes.
| Feature | Game Server | Dedicated Server |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | Instant | Minutes to hours |
| Technical Knowledge | None required | Intermediate to advanced |
| Control Panel | Full web panel included | Optional (IPMI + SSH) |
| Hardware Resources | Shared (optimized per game) | Dedicated (100% yours) |
| Root / Admin Access | Panel-level access | Full root access |
| Number of Games / Apps | One game per server | Unlimited |
| Custom Software | Supported mods & plugins | Install anything |
| Operating System | Managed by us | Your choice (Linux / Windows) |
| DDoS Protection | Included | Included |
| Uptime Guarantee | 99.9% | 99.9% |
| 24/7 Support | Included | Included |
| Backups | Automatic | Self-managed |
| Scalability | Upgrade plan anytime | Migrate to larger machine |
| Starting Price | From a few dollars/mo | From ~$50/mo |
| Best For | Quick setup, casual to mid-size communities | Large communities, multiple servers, full control |
Which One Is Right for You?
Answer a few quick questions and we'll point you in the right direction.
Choose a Game Server if...
Choose a Dedicated Server if...
Common Use Cases
Real scenarios where each option shines.
Playing With Friends
You and a group of friends want a private server for a game like ARK, Rust, or Counter-Strike. You want it online fast, easy to configure, and affordable. A game server gets you playing in minutes with no technical headaches.
Recommended: Game ServerRunning a Gaming Community
You operate a mid-to-large gaming community with hundreds of players across multiple game titles. You need to run several game servers, a website, a Discord bot, and maybe a database — all on hardware you fully control.
Recommended: Dedicated ServerCompetitive or Tournament Play
You're running competitive matches or tournaments where lag is unacceptable. Dedicated hardware means zero resource contention — every CPU cycle, every byte of RAM is reserved for your event.
Recommended: Dedicated ServerModded Game Servers
You want to run mods and plugins but don't need root access. Our game server panel supports one-click mod installs for most games. If you need deep custom configurations or compile your own mods, a dedicated server gives you that freedom.
Recommended: Either — depends on mod complexityStill Not Sure? We'll Help.
Our team has helped thousands of customers find the right hosting setup. Reach out and we'll give you a personalized recommendation based on your game, player count, and budget — no pressure, no upsells.