Survival gamer & server nerd
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Hosting Academy

Game Server Hosting Academy

By Linus Pierre · Updated November 2026

Clear, practical guides to game servers: what they are, how to size one, how to fix lag and how to choose a host. Pick the path that fits where you are.

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Not sure where to start?

If you are new to game servers, start with what a game server is. If you already know you want one, go straight to sizing a plan, then compare hosts for your game.

Start here

Pick your starting point

Choose the situation that sounds most like you. Each path lists the guides to read, in order.

New to game servers

You want to play with friends and keep hearing about servers.

  1. What is a game server?
  2. What is a dedicated server?
  3. Game server, VPS, dedicated or cloud?
  4. Find your game

Sizing a plan

You want enough power without paying for headroom you will never use.

  1. How much RAM and CPU?
  2. Slots vs RAM pricing
  3. Cheap game server hosting
  4. Requirements for your game

My server lags

Something feels slow and you want to find the cause before upgrading.

  1. RAM, CPU or something else?
  2. High ping or server lag?
  3. Valheim lag and desync
  4. Project Zomboid server lag
  5. DayZ server performance

Moving or backing up

You want to move a world to a server, or make sure you never lose it.

  1. Move a Valheim world
  2. Move an Enshrouded world
  3. Project Zomboid backups
  4. Server security

Running it yourself

You would rather run the server on your own PC or a VPS.

  1. Self-hosting a game server
  2. VPS hosting
  3. Cloud hosting
  4. Becoming a hosting provider
All guides

Every Hosting Academy guide

Thirteen guides covering the basics, choosing a host, server location, pricing, sizing, security and the different ways to host.

Start hereWhat is a game server?The basics: what a game server does, the three ways to run one and what renting gets you.The basicsWhat is a dedicated server in gaming?Host-and-play, dedicated game servers and renting a whole machine, explained.The basicsGame server vs VPS vs dedicated vs cloudThe four ways to rent a server, who does the work and which one fits your group.Choosing a hostHow to choose a game server hostA 10-point checklist, with the red flags to avoid before you pay.Choosing a hostServer location and pingWhy London matters for UK players, and how to pick a location for a mixed group.SizingHow much RAM and CPU does a game server need?Size a plan by game, and tell RAM problems from CPU problems.SizingSlots vs RAM: how plans are pricedPer slot, per GB, per player or all-inclusive, and how to compare them.Run it yourselfSelf-hosting a game serverWhat running a server on your own hardware involves.Run it yourselfVPS hosting for game serversWhen a virtual private server makes sense, and when it does not.Hosting typesCloud hostingHow cloud servers work and where they fit for games.Keep it safeGame server securityDDoS protection, passwords, backups and keeping your server safe.Choosing a hostWhat a hosting provider doesWhat you can expect a host to handle, and what stays your job.Going furtherHow to become a hosting providerWhat it takes to start offering game servers yourself.

Guides for your game

The Academy covers what applies to every game. For setup steps, RAM figures and fixes for a specific title, pick your game in the game hosting hub. Popular starting points include the Minecraft server guide, Valheim server setup, Project Zomboid server setup and DayZ RAM requirements.

Ready to choose

Compare game server hosts

When you are ready to rent, these pages compare UK hosts side by side:

Best game server hosting UKCheap game server hostingHosting for your gameHow we compare hosts
FAQ

Hosting Academy questions

What is the Hosting Academy?

The Hosting Academy is our collection of plain-English guides to game servers. It covers what a game server is, how dedicated servers work, how much RAM and CPU you need, where to put your server, how plans are priced, security, and the different ways to host, from self-hosting to renting.

Where should a beginner start?

Start with what a game server is. It explains the three ways to run one and what renting gets you. Then read how much RAM and CPU a game server needs before you choose a plan.

Do the guides cover specific games?

The Academy covers what applies to every game. For setup steps, RAM figures and fixes for one title, use the game guides in our game hosting hub.