Blog

News, updates and articles from the HostValues team.

ARK

ARK Survival Ascended: why 16GB RAM?

ARK: Survival Ascended runs on Unreal Engine 5 and asks far more than the old ARK. Memory requirements per map and how it compares to Survival Evolved.

Best ARK: Survival Ascended Mods (2026)

The best ARK: Survival Ascended mods: where to find them, how to install them on your server and the most popular picks.

Discord bots

Keeping a Discord bot online 24/7: free, bot plan or VPS?

What a bot really needs in memory, where free hosting falls short, and when a bot plan or a VPS is the better choice. With the three mistakes we see most often.

Build a Discord Bot in Python and Host It

Write a working Discord bot in Python with discord.py, host it 24/7 and avoid the three mistakes everyone makes.

FiveM

FiveM server requirements: how much RAM and CPU do you need?

What a FiveM roleplay server actually needs, from a small friends server to a full roleplay community with scripts and a database.

Best FiveM Scripts and Resources in 2026

The best FiveM scripts and resources for your server in 2026: ESX and QBCore scripts, vehicles, maps, MLOs and where to find them.

How to Set Up txAdmin on FiveM

txAdmin is the management panel for every FiveM server. First-time setup, recipe selection, player management and restarts.

ESX vs QBCore vs Qbox: FiveM Framework

QBCore development has stalled, Qbox is its successor and ESX has the most scripts. Which FiveM framework to pick in 2026.

Fix FiveM Server Thread Hitch Warnings

The "server thread hitch warning" appears when a script blocks the server. How to find the cause with resmon and profiler.

FiveM Database Setup: MySQL and oxmysql

Every FiveM RP server needs a database. How to create MySQL, configure oxmysql and import your framework SQL files.

How to Install MLOs on Your FiveM Server

What MLOs are, where to find them and how to upload and configure custom interiors on your FiveM server.

FiveM Server Whitelist and Priority Queue

Set up a whitelist and priority queue on your FiveM server. From manual lists to automated Discord verification and VIP priority.

Install ESX Legacy on Your FiveM Server

Install the ESX Legacy framework on your FiveM server. Complete step-by-step guide with database, configuration, and first resources.

Game hosting

DDoS Protection for Your Game Server: Tips

Practical tips to protect your game server from DDoS attacks. From network configuration to hosting choices and response plans.

Palworld Sakurajima Update: Guide and Tips

Everything about the Palworld Sakurajima update. New Pals, the island, the raid system, and how to prepare your server for the new content.

Games

Terraria server setup with mods (tModLoader)

Install tModLoader, add mods like Calamity, configure ports and sync mod versions between server and clients.

Satisfactory server: complete 2026 guide

Install a Satisfactory dedicated server, connect via Server Manager, configure settings and manage save files step by step.

Arma Reforger server setup guide

Set up an Arma Reforger dedicated server from scratch. Hardware specs, SteamCMD install, JSON config and mod support.

Raft dedicated server setup guide

Set up a Raft dedicated server for co-op with friends. Installation, port forwarding, save management and troubleshooting.

Vintage Story server setup guide

Set up a Vintage Story multiplayer server. System requirements, .NET setup, world configuration and mod support explained.

Hell Let Loose server setup guide

Run a Hell Let Loose community server. RCON management, configuration, CRCON tools and tips for building an active WW2 community.

ECO server setup for multiplayer

Set up an ECO multiplayer server with government, economy and ecology. Installation, world settings and legislation explained.

Soulmask server setup guide

Set up a Soulmask dedicated server via SteamCMD. Full installation walkthrough, configuration and key server settings.

Empyrion server setup guide

Set up an Empyrion Galactic Survival dedicated server. SteamCMD installation, YAML config, scenarios and performance tips.

Craftopia server setup guide

Set up a Craftopia dedicated server for multiplayer. Installation via SteamCMD, configuration, ports and save management.

Gaming

Garry's Mod server setup: DarkRP and more

Set up a GMod dedicated server for DarkRP, TTT or Sandbox. Addons, Workshop collections and the basic configuration.

Lethal Company dedicated server setup guide

Set up a Lethal Company server for your crew: requirements, installation, mods like MoreCompany, and performance tips.

Core Keeper dedicated server setup guide

Host your own Core Keeper server: system requirements, SteamCMD installation, world settings and multiplayer tips.

Stardew Valley multiplayer server setup

Run a dedicated Stardew Valley multiplayer farm: headless server setup, SMAPI mods, and tips for stable co-op.

Barotrauma dedicated server setup guide

Host a Barotrauma server: requirements, SteamCMD setup, submarine selection, campaign settings and Lua mods.

The Isle dedicated server setup guide

Run your own The Isle Evrima server: requirements, installation, growth settings, rules and performance tips.

Squad dedicated server setup guide

Set up a Squad server: hardware requirements, installation, map layers, admin tools, and OWI server licensing.

Green Hell dedicated server setup guide

Host a Green Hell co-op server: requirements, SteamCMD install, survival settings, and Amazon rainforest tips.

SCP: Secret Laboratory server setup guide

Run an SCP: Secret Laboratory server: LocalAdmin setup, EXILED plugins, role config, and verified server tips.

FiveM Server Setup: Beginner Guide for 2026

Set up a FiveM server from scratch: license key, server.cfg, framework, database and txAdmin. A complete walkthrough.

How to Set Up and Manage a Minecraft Whitelist

A whitelist keeps unwanted players out. How to enable it, add players, edit the JSON and the difference with a ban.

How to Install Custom Vehicles on Your FiveM Server

Step-by-step guide to adding addon vehicles to FiveM: folder structure, fxmanifest, stream files and spawning via vMenu.

How to Set Up a Server Resource Pack

Force all players to load your resource pack automatically. Hosting, SHA1 hash, require setting and common mistakes.

Velocity Proxy: Multiple Servers in One Network

Connect a lobby, survival and creative server with Velocity proxy. What you need, how it works and when a proxy makes sense.

Install EUP and Custom Clothing on FiveM

Custom uniforms, clothing and EUP on your FiveM server: how it works, what you need and how to upload and configure it.

How to Set a Custom Minecraft Server Icon

A server icon shows next to your name in the server list. The exact specs, how to upload it and common mistakes.

Connect a Custom Domain to Your MC Server

Give your server a name instead of an IP. How SRV records work, how to set them up and why it makes your server look professional.

Minecraft 26.2 Chaos Cubed: What Is New?

Everything about the Minecraft 26.2 Chaos Cubed update: new biomes, mobs, blocks and what it means for your server.

How to install FiveM scripts and resources

A step-by-step guide to downloading, uploading and configuring FiveM resources on your server, with common mistakes to avoid.

Minecraft server for friends: the easy way

Set up a private Minecraft server for your friend group. What you need, what it costs and how everyone connects.

SMP server guide: survival multiplayer done right

From a small friend server to a community SMP. The plugins, rules and settings that make the difference.

How to get players on your Minecraft server

A server without players is a waste. Where to list your server, how to build a community and what actually works.

Valheim dedicated server setup guide

Run your own Valheim server: settings, world import, mods with BepInEx and the minimum requirements.

Terraria server setup: the complete guide

Start a Terraria server with TShock or Vanilla: server configuration, mods, ports and common pitfalls.

Satisfactory dedicated server setup guide

Run your own Satisfactory server: system requirements, configuration, save file import and multiplayer setup.

Minecraft Nether portal linking explained

How Nether portal linking works, the coordinate calculation and the most common mistakes when connecting portals.

FiveM server performance: fix lag and low FPS

Your FiveM server is not hitting 60 FPS? The most common causes of server lag and how to fix them.

BungeeCord vs Velocity: Which Proxy?

BungeeCord and Velocity compared for Minecraft networks. Performance, security, plugin support and which to pick in 2026.

Set Up a Minecraft Economy Server

Build a Minecraft economy server with shops, currency and trading. Plugin setup, configuration and tips to keep the economy balanced.

How to Set Up a Minecraft PvP Server

Build a Minecraft PvP server from scratch. Kit setup, arena design, anti-cheat, plugins and performance tuning for competitive play.

Minecraft OP and Permissions Guide

How OP levels and permission plugins work in Minecraft. When to use /op, when to use LuckPerms, and how to set up ranks and groups.

How to Back Up Your Minecraft Server

Complete guide to Minecraft server backups. Panel snapshots, manual backups, automated schedules and how to restore when things go wrong.

Rust Server Hosting: A Beginner's Guide

From RAM requirements to wipe cycles and Oxide plugins: what you need to run a Rust server that attracts players.

ARK: Survival Ascended Server Setup

Run your own ARK: Survival Ascended dedicated server. System requirements, configuration basics and mod installation.

Guides

Backup Strategies for Game Servers

How to back up your game server: automatic backups, offsite storage, restore procedures and game-specific backup tips.

Hosting

What does a Minecraft server cost? An honest breakdown

What you actually pay for a Minecraft server, what drives the price, and how to avoid paying for capacity you never use.

DDoS protection for game servers explained

What a DDoS attack is, why game servers are targeted and how network-level protection keeps your server online.

Rust wipe explained: when, why and how

Force wipe, map wipe and BP wipe: the differences, when Facepunch forces a reset and how to set your own schedule.

Secure your VPS after installation

The first five steps after installing a VPS: SSH keys, firewall, fail2ban, automatic updates and disabling root login.

Game server hosting: what to look for

Not every host is equal. The six things that matter when choosing a game server hosting provider.

ARK Survival Ascended server setup guide

Run your own ARK: Survival Ascended server with custom rates, mods and cluster transfers.

Run game servers with Docker on a VPS

Use Docker to run isolated game servers on your VPS: Minecraft, Palworld, Valheim and more in containers.

Rust server setup with Oxide plugins

From first boot to your first plugin: set up a Rust server, install Oxide (uMod) and configure essential plugins.

Linux vs Windows for game servers

Performance, RAM overhead, security and compatibility compared for game server hosting.

Schedule server restarts the right way

Set up automatic restarts using panel schedules, cron jobs and RCON commands with player warnings.

Project Zomboid dedicated server setup guide

Run your own Project Zomboid server: installation, settings, mods from the Workshop and performance tips.

Enshrouded dedicated server setup guide

Host your own Enshrouded server: requirements, configuration, world import and performance optimization.

V Rising dedicated server setup guide

Run your own V Rising server: castle settings, PvP vs PvE configuration, admin commands and blood moon events.

7 Days to Die server setup and configuration

Set up a 7 Days to Die dedicated server: Blood Moon settings, loot abundance, land claims and performance.

CS2 dedicated server setup guide

Run your own Counter-Strike 2 server: GSLT token, game modes, maps, competitive settings and Workshop maps.

DayZ dedicated server setup with mods

Set up your own DayZ server: installation, server configuration, Steam Workshop mods and loot economy.

Conan Exiles dedicated server setup guide

Run your own Conan Exiles server: admin settings, building rules, thrall limits, mods and Purge configuration.

Factorio multiplayer server setup guide

Run your own Factorio server: headless setup, mod sync, save management and UPS optimization for megabases.

Don't Starve Together server setup guide

Host a DST server: caves, mods from the Workshop, world regeneration settings and seasonal configuration.

Space Engineers dedicated server setup guide

Run a Space Engineers server: world settings, PCU limits, mods from the Workshop and performance management.

Unturned server setup with Rocket plugins

Set up an Unturned server: installation, Rocket/OpenMod plugins, Workshop mods, kits and permissions.

Sons of the Forest dedicated server guide

Set up a Sons of the Forest server: requirements, configuration, save management and co-op settings.

Palworld vs ARK vs Minecraft: which to host

Comparing the three biggest creature/survival games: server requirements, gameplay loop and which fits your group.

NVMe vs SSD vs HDD for game servers

How storage type affects game server performance: chunk loading, save speed and player count scaling.

Fix High Ping and Latency on Game Servers

Diagnose and fix high ping on your game server. Common causes, step-by-step solutions and when to upgrade your hosting plan.

Fix "Connection Timed Out" on Minecraft

Fix the Minecraft "Connection timed out" error. Common causes, port and firewall checks, step-by-step troubleshooting and when to contact your host.

Port Forwarding Not Working? Fix It Here

Troubleshoot port forwarding for self-hosted game servers. CGNAT, double NAT, firewall issues and when to switch to hosted.

Fix Server Crashes from Out of Memory

Diagnose and fix OOM crashes on game servers. Check logs, tune memory, remove leaking plugins and prevent future crashes.

Server Keeps Crashing: Troubleshooting Guide

Systematic guide to diagnosing game server crashes. Check logs, isolate causes, fix common issues and prevent future crashes.

Minecraft: Game Server Hosting vs VPS

Managed game hosting or a self-managed VPS? What each path involves, what it costs, and which one fits you.

Fix Slow Chunk Loading in Minecraft

Speed up Minecraft chunk loading and world generation. Storage, RAM, async chunks, pregeneration and server optimization tips.

How to Install Nginx on Your VPS

From a bare VPS to a running web server: install Nginx with PHP on Ubuntu, add SSL via Certbot and host your first site.

Docker on Your VPS: A Beginner's Guide

Install Docker on Ubuntu, start your first container and practical examples for websites, databases and bots.

Hosting Comparison: What to Look For

What actually matters when comparing hosting providers. CPU, RAM, storage, support and pricing explained so you pick the right plan.

Discord Bot Hosting Compared

Free tiers, bot panels and VPS plans for Discord bots compared. What each option gives you, what it costs and which fits your bot.

Essential Linux Commands for Your VPS

The Linux commands you actually need for VPS management. Navigation, files, services, networking and troubleshooting in one reference.

What Is Pterodactyl Panel?

How the Pterodactyl game panel works, what it can do and why most game hosts use it. Console, files, backups and startup settings explained.

Web Hosting vs VPS: Which Do You Need?

The real difference between shared web hosting and a VPS. Performance, control, pricing and when each option makes sense.

Migrate your game server without data loss

Switching hosts? Follow this step-by-step plan to migrate your game server without losing data, saves or progress.

Minecraft

Best Minecraft modpacks of 2026 and how much RAM they need

A rundown of the most popular modpacks in 2026, with realistic memory usage per pack and which server plan actually fits.

Why a free Minecraft server always goes to sleep

Free hosting looks attractive, but comes with queues, sleep mode and ads. An honest look at the limits and when renting starts to make sense.

How much RAM does your Minecraft server need?

A practical guide to sizing memory for a Minecraft server, based on player count, mods, plugins and world size.

Reducing Minecraft server lag: the complete checklist

From view distance to entity limits and the right server software: the changes that actually improve TPS, in order of impact.

Which Java version does my Minecraft server need?

Java 25 for 26.1 and newer, Java 21 for 1.20.5 to 1.21.11, Java 17 and 8 for older. With the error you see when it is wrong and how to set it in the panel.

Minecraft 26.1, 26.2 and 26.3: what changes for your server?

After 1.21.11 came 26.1, then 26.2, and 26.3 in September. Java 25 is required, plugins need updates three times a year and worlds do not go back.

Java and Bedrock on one server with Geyser and Floodgate

Let Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and mobile players join your Java server. Five-step install guide and when a native Bedrock server is the better pick.

From Aternos to your own server: move your world without loss

Download the world from Aternos, put it on your own server and keep builds, chests and inventories. Five steps plus a backup pitfall to avoid.

Modded Minecraft server: Forge vs Fabric

Forge, NeoForge or Fabric: which modloader to choose, how to install mods and how much memory you need.

Aikar's Flags: best JVM arguments for Minecraft

What each Aikar flag does, how to set them, and why Xms should always equal Xmx for server stability.

Monetize a Minecraft server (EULA-safe)

Tebex setup, compliant perks, what Mojang allows and how to fund your server without breaking the rules.

Best anti-cheat plugins for Minecraft servers

Grim vs Vulcan vs Matrix: detection accuracy, false positives and configuration for fair gameplay.

Best Minecraft seeds for multiplayer in 2026

Hand-picked seeds with villages, biome variety and ocean access near spawn for SMP servers.

Top 10 Minecraft Modpacks for Servers in 2026

The best Minecraft modpacks to run on a dedicated server in 2026, with RAM requirements per pack and installation tips.

Best Fabric Mods for Minecraft Servers

The best Fabric mods for your Minecraft server: performance boosters, utilities and gameplay mods, with installation steps.

How to Run a Create Mod Server

Set up a Create mod Minecraft server: Forge vs Fabric, RAM requirements, compatible mods and performance optimization tips.

How to Set Up an Origins Mod Server

Set up a Minecraft Origins server on Fabric: installation, datapacks for custom origins, compatible mods and multiplayer balance.

Minecraft Datapacks vs Plugins Explained

Datapacks vs plugins for your Minecraft server: differences, performance, compatibility and when to use which. A practical guide.

How Much RAM Does a Modpack Server Need?

RAM recommendations per modpack: ATM10, Cobblemon, Pixelmon, Prominence II and RLCraft. What the makers say vs what works.

Paper vs Purpur: Which Server Software?

Paper and Purpur are the two most popular server jars. What Purpur adds, when Paper is the better pick and how to switch.

Top 10 Plugins Every Minecraft Server Needs

From permissions to grief protection and performance profiling: the ten plugins that belong on every serious server.

Low TPS? How to Improve Server Performance

From view distance to entity limits and Spark profiling: the steps that measurably improve TPS, in order of impact.

Install Dynmap: A Live Map of Your World

Dynmap creates a Google Maps-style live map of your server world. Installation, port setup and making the map accessible.

Protect Your Minecraft Server from Griefers

Whitelist, permissions, anti-cheat and grief protection: a complete security checklist for your Minecraft server.

How to Install Datapacks on Your Server

Datapacks add features without mods. Where to find them, how to upload them and how they differ from plugins and mods.

Minecraft Server Keeps Crashing? 7 Fixes

From low RAM to plugin conflicts and corrupt chunks: the seven most common crash causes and how to find them in logs.

How to Choose the Best Minecraft Seed

What a seed is, how to set it, the best seeds for survival and SMP in 26.3, and how to preview the map before starting.

Minecraft server cost: what does it cost?

The real cost of a Minecraft server: by plan, by player count and compared to self-hosting on a VPS or at home.

Free Minecraft servers: the real drawbacks

Free hosting like Aternos has queue times, sleep mode and limited resources. An honest look at the trade-offs and when paid hosting is worth it.

Free Minecraft server or paid hosting?

What you actually get with a free Minecraft server, what self-hosting at home costs in electricity and hassle, and when paid hosting is the smarter choice.

Minecraft 26.3 update: what is new?

Minecraft 26.3 is the third major update of 2026. Learn what changes and how to prepare your server for the newest version.

How to Set Up Server Rules in Minecraft

Learn how to set up and communicate server rules using MOTD, welcome messages, and rule plugins. Practical steps for an organized server.

Run an Adventure Map on a Minecraft Server

Run an adventure map on your Minecraft server for multiplayer. From downloading and installing to permissions and player protection.

Minecraft Plugin Development: Getting Started

Start developing Minecraft plugins. From Java basics and the Bukkit API to your first working plugin on a Paper server.

Minecraft Server Monitoring: Spark, Plan and More

Monitor your Minecraft server with tools like Spark, Plan, and Grafana. Discover performance issues before your players notice them.

Install a Minecraft Server on a VPS

Step by step guide to installing a Minecraft server on a bare VPS. From Java 25 installation to server optimization and auto-start.

Events and Minigames on Your Minecraft Server

Organize successful events and minigames on your Minecraft server. From planning and plugins to promotion and execution.

Palworld

Setting up a Palworld dedicated server: the settings that matter

From memory requirements to the settings in PalWorldSettings.ini: what you need to know to run a Palworld server that stays smooth.

Palworld server settings explained

Every setting in PalWorldSettings.ini broken down: XP rates, damage multipliers, catch rates and what values actually work.

Palworld breeding guide: best combos and tips

How breeding works in Palworld, the best Pal combinations for strong offspring, passive skill inheritance and egg hatching.

Best Palworld base locations for your server

The best spots to build a base in Palworld: flat terrain, nearby resources, ore access and strategic positions.

How much RAM does a Palworld server need?

Palworld server RAM requirements: minimum, recommended and what happens when you run out.

Palworld server not showing up? Fix it now

Your Palworld server is invisible in the browser? PublicIP/PublicPort settings, version mismatches and connection methods.

Best Palworld Mods in 2026

The best Palworld mods in 2026: how to install them with UE4SS, which mods work on servers and the most popular picks.

Best Palworld Breeding Combinations

The best Palworld breeding combinations: how breeding works, the strongest Pals to aim for and work suitability optimization.

How to Install Mods on a Palworld Server

Install the best Palworld server mods: from spawn tweaks and QoL improvements to full gameplay overhauls.

Palworld Server Performance Optimization

Fix lag, limit memory leaks and keep your Palworld server running smoothly with these optimization tips.

Palworld Crossplay: Steam and Xbox Setup

Enable crossplay on your Palworld server so Steam and Xbox Game Pass players can play together.

Palworld multiplayer tips for server admins

Key settings, multiplayer quirks and practical tips to keep your Palworld dedicated server stable and enjoyable for everyone.

Palworld breeding guide: best combinations

How breeding works in Palworld, the best Pal combinations for powerful offspring, passive skill inheritance and egg hatching.

Rust

Best Rust Oxide and Carbon Plugins in 2026

The best Oxide and Carbon plugins for your Rust server in 2026: gather rates, teleportation, kits, economics and more.

Rust Wipe Schedules Explained

Everything about Rust wipes: forced wipes, map wipes, blueprint wipes, how to plan your schedule and what happens during a wipe.

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