How to build a gaming server at home

Hosting your own dedicated game server provides you with a customizable gaming experience unlike any other, acting as a dedicated host for multiplayer games, managing player connections, and providing a stable platform for consistent gameplay. Whether you’re hosting Minecraft, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO), or Rust, a dedicated gaming server provides superior memory, processing power, and bandwidth compared to standard hosting options. Plus, you’ll have complete administrative control over your gaming environment.

Interested in learning how to make a dedicated game server for yourself or for a game you can play with your friends? This guide will break it all down for you, from hosting your own dedicated server to remote management and specific game considerations.

Why host your own dedicated gaming server?

Standard multiplayer games typically use either client-server or peer-to-peer (P2P) hosting, but both have significant limitations.

In the client-server model, the main host (usually the game publisher) controls the gaming server and manages individual connections for all players. Players do not have control over all aspects of game configuration and have to depend on the main host server’s bandwidth, memory, CPU, and other resources. In the P2P model, the player who initiated the game or has the lowest latency is selected as the host for all other players. If the platform-assigned host has an inadequate device or Internet connection, all players in the game will deal with lags, glitches, or complete game crashes.

However, by creating your own dedicated server for gaming, you gain:

• Access to a private server that does not share the same resources with other websites or applications
• Control over game configuration, player access, and permissions 
• Enhanced security with your own anti-cheat measures
• Freedom to schedule maintenance during off-peak hours

What hardware do you need to make a gaming server?

If you want to go the DIY route rather than pay for premium dedicated server hosting, you can technically use an old PC that you already have (although you will definitely have to upgrade most components). Spinning up a gaming server requires all the components that a gaming PC does, aside from a graphics card. These include:

• Operating system: 64-bit Windows or Linux based on game compatibility
• CPU: Quad-core processor with a minimum of 2.5GHz clock speed
• RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB, and more optimal for larger player counts
• Storage: SSD with 500GB minimum capacity, 1TB recommended for up to 32 players (with high read and write speeds)
• Motherboard: Server-grade, recommended for 24/7 operation
• Computer case: Built-in cooling fans, cable management options

Keep in mind that the more players you want on your dedicated game server, the greater the workload will be for your hardware. If you plan on having more than 32 players per game, you’ll likely need to opt for more powerful components than the ones listed above.

Even beyond performance, a managed dedicated server from a reputable provider takes care of ongoing maintenance and routine patching and has robust solutions to keep your server secure. But this is just one pain point you’ll encounter when managing and creating a gaming server.

How to set up a game server with Steam

Steam features a seamless and centralized process for setting up a private gaming server. Before you begin, ensure that the game you want to host is featured on Steam’s list of dedicated servers. This list will tell you whether you can obtain the required software from SteamCMD (a command-line-only version of Steam) or the Steam Client.google.com

In addition, this resource also provides information like:

• If a game allows for anonymous login or if you must purchase it to access the dedicated server software.
• Step-by-step instructions for dedicated server setup for some of the popular games.

Be aware that enabling Steam server connections via the Internet requires specific router configurations.

Using SteamCMD

SteamCMD is a command-line program that allows you to install and set up your dedicated game server without installing the Steam Client. Before using SteamCMD, you must know the Steam App ID number of the game. If a game has dedicated server software without its own app ID, be sure to review the game’s installation directory.

The simplest way to use SteamCMD for a dedicated game server setup is with the SteamCMD-GUI tool. Using this convenient program, you can establish and run servers for many Steam-ready games in just a few clicks, as well as source servers for many older titles. The SteamCMD-GUI tool is quite easy to use, but you must download the SteamCMD program separately. 

Popular Steam games for dedicated servers

A few of the most popular Steam games for a dedicated game server include:

• Counter-Strike: Global Offensive: Only SteamCMD (App ID: 740)
• ARK: Survival Evolved: Both SteamCMD (App ID: 376030) and Steam Client
• Team Fortress 2: Only SteamCMD (App ID: 232250)
• Terraria: Both SteamCMD (App ID: 105600) and Steam Client
• Rust: Both SteamCMD (App ID: 244390) and Steam Client

How to set up a game server for non-Steam games

Many games don’t use Steam as the basis for a dedicated game server, which means they feature their own server software or unique server setup process. For example, Minecraft uses proprietary hosting software to create a dedicated gaming server using your own hardware. 

How to create your own Minecraft server

Creating your own Minecraft server might be easier than you expect:

• Download software for either Java or Windows 10 based on your needs.
• Create a separate Minecraft Server folder to keep the files organized once the software is downloaded.
• When you first run the server, it will create /logs/, Eula.txt, and server.properties. Open eula.txt, read the file, change the last string from eula=false to eula=true in a text editor, and save it to accept the end-user license agreement.
• When you run the server again, the remainder of the server files will be populated. You can then configure server settings by editing server.properties in a text editor. For in-depth information on setting up a Minecraft server, review the Minecraft Wiki tutorial.

Dedicated game server tips

If you plan on building and managing your own private gaming server, there are a few tips you should keep in mind, including: 

1. Consider bare metal servers for high performance

For high-performance game servers, especially those hosting complex multiplayer games, bare metal gaming servers offer significant advantages:

• Hardware configurations tailored to your game’s requirements, including CPU, server RAM, and storage options.
• Easily upgrade resources as your player base grows without the limitations of shared environments.
• Lower latency, crucial for fast-paced online games.
• Improved security with physical isolation and the ability to implement custom security measures.
• Root access and full control over the server environment, allowing for precise optimizations and configurations.

While bare metal servers may have higher upfront costs compared to shared or VPS options, they can provide the performance and flexibility necessary for serious game hosting, especially for resource-intensive multiplayer games or game development environments.

2. Remote management

Remote management is a solid option when built-in game server admin tools don’t provide enough control. Virtual network computing (VNC) tools like TeamViewer or Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection can connect to your dedicated game server from your actual gaming PC’s desktop or another remote device and change configurations as if you were directly connected. This solution makes remote dedicated server management easy.

3. Gaming server router configuration

Port Forwarding — To run a streamlined dedicated game server, you must utilize port forwarding: 

1. Access your router’s admin panel (typically by entering 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in your web browser).
2. Locate the port forwarding section (often under “Advanced Settings” or “NAT/QoS”).
3. Add a new port forwarding rule for your game server.
4. Enter your server’s local IP address and the required port numbers (check your game’s documentation for specific ports).
5. Save the settings and restart your router if prompted.

This process successfully allows outside traffic to reach a PC on your network through your router. Simply put, you can think of port forwarding as opening a door in your router for outside traffic to get in. Port forwarding can do things like increase connection speed, decrease lobby wait times, and improve overall gameplay.

Dynamic DNS — Many cable and digital subscriber line (DSL) providers frequently change the IP address of their customers’ service.

Here’s how you configure your DDNS: 

1. Choose a DDNS provider (popular options include No-IP, DynDNS, or Duck DNS).
2. Create an account and select a domain name for your server.
3. Download and install the DDNS client software on your server or configure it in your router if supported.
4. Enter your DDNS account details in the client software or router settings.
5. Test your setup by trying to connect to your server using the new domain name.

This makes it impossible for those outside the network to access it without knowing the current IP address. Dynamic DNS (DDNS) software (which could reside in your router or on your PC) detects each IP address change and notifies the DDNS service provider. In addition, many DDNS providers allow you to have a simple domain name that you can share with others (rather than a complex IP address) that always points to the correct IP address. 

Practical considerations for home gaming servers

When setting up a gaming server at home, several practical factors beyond hardware specs and OS choice can impact your daily life and the feasibility of your setup.

1. Power consumption

Power consumption is a key concern for 24/7 server operation. Choose energy-efficient components and implement power management features in your OS and BIOS settings. Monitor power usage with tools like Kill A Watt to understand and optimize your server’s energy consumption.

2. Noise levels

Noise can be disruptive, especially in living areas. Opt for components designed for quiet operation, such as efficient CPU coolers and cases with sound-dampening materials. Consider using large, slow-spinning fans or liquid cooling for better noise management. Placing the server in a less-frequented area or using a server cabinet can help contain noise.

3. Space requirements

Space constraints are crucial in many homes. Assess your available space before choosing components. Consider compact form factors like Mini-ITX or Micro-ATX for a balance of power and space efficiency. Ensure adequate ventilation in your chosen location and plan for future expansion if needed.

Scalability and future-proofing your gaming server

To ensure your gaming server can handle future demands, focus on scalable components and flexible configurations from the start. Here are some key strategies to ensure your gaming server meets your needs now and in the years to come:

1. Choose a motherboard with extra RAM slots and PCIe lanes for future upgrades.
2. Select a PSU with additional wattage to accommodate future hardware additions.
3. Implement a hypervisor like Proxmox or VMware ESXi to run multiple game servers on one machine, allowing easy resource allocation.
4. Ensure space for additional drives and cooling solutions.
5. Use RAID for improved performance and data redundancy, allowing easy storage expansion.
6. Use Docker to containerize game servers, making it easier to manage and scale multiple games.
7. Invest in a network switch and router that can handle increased traffic as your server grows.
8. Use tools like Prometheus and Grafana to track resource usage, helping you identify when it’s time to upgrade.
9. Choose server management tools that can handle multiple games and servers as you expand.
10. Plan and set aside funds for regular hardware refreshes to keep your server current.

Managed dedicated server hosting: An easier alternative

Learning how to make a game server can be an overwhelming process. From buying and maintaining expensive equipment, hardware, and software to needing technical expertise to set up and manage your server daily, there are many things to consider before making your own dedicated game server at home.

Fortunately, there is a way to reap all the benefits of a private gaming server without the headache of running one on your own: managed dedicated server hosting. Managed dedicated server hosting through a professional provider makes setting up your own game server easy, affordable, secure, and fast. 

At Liquid Web, we provide fully customizable dedicated server hosting, so you don’t have to stress over hardware costs, the server setup process, or security risks like DDoS attacks. Plus, you can utilize our managed dedicated servers with both Steam and non-Steam games. Provided that the server’s operating system is compatible with the specific game, the sky’s the limit with full root and admin access (something you can also expect with our dedicated servers). In addition, we provide real-time server monitoring, 100% power & network uptime guarantees, and access to higher bandwidth options—all to ensure you a smooth gaming experience.

Discover how easy it is to set up your own dedicated server for gaming with Liquid Web today. 

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