Setting Up a Game Server on Your VDS – Step-by-Step for Beginners

If you’re a gaming enthusiast or a developer looking to run your own private game server, a Virtual Dedicated Server (VDS) from Hosteons gives you the perfect combination of power, control, and affordability. Whether it’s Minecraft, CS:GO, ARK, Valheim, or any other multiplayer title, you can set it up on your own terms.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through setting up a basic game server from scratch on your VDS.


✅ Why Use a VDS for Game Hosting?

A VDS provides:

  • Dedicated CPU cores – unlike shared VPS resources.
  • Full root access – install and configure any game server software.
  • High bandwidth & low latency – great for hosting players globally.
  • Scalability – upgrade RAM, CPU, or storage as needed.

🛠️ Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure:

  • You’ve purchased a Ryzen VDS or Hybrid Server from Hosteons👉 Order here
  • You have a basic understanding of SSH and Linux commands.
  • Your VDS is running a supported OS like Ubuntu 22.04 or Debian 12.

🚀 Step-by-Step: Installing a Game Server

Step 1: Connect to Your VDS

Use SSH to log into your server:

ssh root@your-server-ip

Step 2: Update the System

apt update && apt upgrade -y

Step 3: Install Dependencies

For most game servers (like Minecraft or Valheim), you may need:

apt install screen wget unzip curl -y

Step 4: Create a New User (Optional but Recommended)

adduser gameserver
usermod -aG sudo gameserver

Then:

su - gameserver

Step 5: Download Your Game Server Files

Example for Minecraft Java Edition:

mkdir minecraft && cd minecraft
wget https://launcher.mojang.com/v1/objects/your_server_jar_link_here -O server.jar

Accept the EULA:

echo "eula=true" > eula.txt

Step 6: Run the Game Server

java -Xmx2G -Xms1G -jar server.jar nogui

You can also run it inside a screen session:

screen -S mcserver
java -Xmx2G -Xms1G -jar server.jar nogui

Press Ctrl+A then D to detach the session.


🔓 Open Required Ports

Make sure to allow incoming game traffic. Example for Minecraft (default port 25565):

ufw allow 25565

Adjust based on the game you’re hosting.


📡 Optional: Set Up a Domain or Subdomain

Point your domain (like play.yourdomain.com) to your VDS IP for easy connection.


💬 Common Games You Can Host

  • Minecraft (Java/Bedrock)
  • CS:GO or Team Fortress 2 (via SteamCMD)
  • Valheim
  • ARK: Survival Evolved
  • Rust
  • 7 Days to Die
  • Terraria

💡 Tips for Better Performance

  • Choose a location closer to your players to reduce latency.
  • Use SSD or NVMe storage for faster world loading.
  • Regularly back up your game data using rsync or cron.
  • Monitor server usage with tools like htop or netdata.

🔥 Why Choose Hosteons for Game Hosting?

  • High-performance Ryzen 7950X VDS
  • 10 Gbps network ports
  • Multiple locations – Los Angeles, Dallas, Salt Lake City & more
  • Full root access with no resource sharing
  • Crypto, Alipay, UPI, and 20+ local payment methods

👉 Ready to start?

Check out our VDS plans here:

🔗 https://my.hosteons.com/store/ryzen-7950x-based-hybrid-dedicated-server


🕹️ Conclusion

Hosting your own game server gives you complete freedom to customize, invite friends, and even build communities. With Hosteons VDS, you’re in control — no lag, no limits, and no middlemen.

Need help? Our support team is here 24/7 at https://my.hosteons.com

🕒 Why LATENCY Matters: Choosing a VPS Near Your Target Customers

How Server Location Impacts Performance, SEO, and User Experience

When it comes to choosing a VPS, specs like CPU, RAM, and storage are important — but one critical factor is often overlooked: latency.

Whether you’re hosting a website, running an app, or deploying a game server or trading bot, latency can make or break your user experience. At HostEONS, we operate VPS servers in strategic global locations to help you slaerve your customers faster — wherever they are.

Let’s break down why latency matters, and how to choose the best VPS location for your audience.


⚡ What is Latency?

Latency refers to the time it takes for a data packet to travel from your server to the user’s device — usually measured in milliseconds (ms). It’s also called “ping time.”

High latency = slow experience.

Low latency = fast, responsive performance.

Even if your server has plenty of CPU and RAM, a physically distant location can cause a noticeable delay — especially in real-time apps like:

  • 🌐 Websites
  • 🛒 E-commerce stores
  • 📉 Forex trading bots
  • 🎮 Multiplayer game servers
  • 📡 VoIP and streaming services
  • 📲 Mobile apps & APIs

🌎 Server Location and Real-World Latency

Let’s say your VPS is hosted in Germany, but your customers are mostly in Brazil. Each request has to travel thousands of kilometers. The result?

  • Slower website load times
  • Delayed transactions or input
  • Lower SEO rankings in Brazil
  • Frustrated users who bounce

Now imagine hosting the same site in Miami or Dallas — latency drops, speed improves, and conversions go up.


📍 How to Choose the Right VPS Location

At HostEONS, we offer multiple server locations, and here’s how to choose based on your target audience:

RegionRecommended VPS Locations
North AmericaDallas, Los Angeles, New York, Miami
Latin AmericaMiami, Dallas, Los Angeles
EuropeFrankfurt, Paris
AsiaLos Angeles (for East Asia access)
AfricaFrankfurt (low-latency to North Africa)

🧠 Pro tip: Ping your customers’ region from each data center using tools like ping.pe or cloudping.info to compare latency.


💡 Why Latency Matters for More Than Just Speed

✅ Better SEO: Google uses page speed and TTFB (Time to First Byte) as ranking factors. A VPS closer to your audience can improve your SEO.

✅ Higher Conversion Rates: Faster sites convert better. Even a 1-second delay in page load can reduce conversions by up to 7%.

✅ Improved User Experience: Whether you’re hosting an online store or a trading bot, latency directly affects user trust and retention.

✅ Lower Bounce Rate: Sites that load faster keep users engaged longer — boosting both ROI and reputation.


🚀 What You Get With HostEONS

  • ✅ KVM VPS starting at just $3.50/month
  • ✅ Global locations including the U.S. and EU
  • ✅ SSD/NVMe storage for blazing-fast read/write
  • ✅ Crypto, Alipay, local, and card payments
  • ✅ No hidden fees, full root access, instant setup

We make it easy to deploy your VPS in the region that matters most to you.


🎯 Final Thoughts

Latency isn’t just a technical detail — it’s a competitive advantage. By choosing a VPS closer to your audience, you deliver a faster, smoother, and more profitable experience.

📍 Choose smart. Choose local.

💡 Choose HostEONS.

🔗 Explore VPS Plans

📩 Contact Us for Location Advice