Free game server hosting sounds great. But what do you actually get?
What Free Hosts Offer
- Limited RAM (usually 1-2 GB)
- Server shuts down after inactivity
- No custom domain support
- Limited or no mod/plugin support
- Queue times to start your server
- Forced ads or branding on your server
What Paid Hosts Offer
- Guaranteed RAM and CPU allocation
- 24/7 uptime, server runs even when you are offline
- DDoS protection included
- Full mod, plugin and configuration control
- SFTP access and backups
- Professional support
When Free Is Fine
Testing a game briefly with 1-2 friends? A free server might work. Just know it will shut down when you leave and performance will be inconsistent.
When You Need Paid Hosting
If you want a persistent world, more than 2-3 players, mods/plugins, or any kind of community server, paid hosting starts at just a few euros per month and is worth every cent.
