Best VPS for Game Servers (Minecraft, CS:GO, Valheim): Performance, Setup, and Comparison

Hosting your own game server can elevate your multiplayer experience to an entirely new level - better performance, more control, mods, and a private environment for your friends or community. Whether you're running a survival world in Minecraft, setting up competitive matches in CS:GO, or exploring Viking lands in Valheim, a Virtual Private Server (VPS) offers an ideal balance of affordability, customization, and power.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the best VPS for your gaming server needs. We’ll cover technical requirements, performance considerations, geographical location, setup tips, and compare various options - so you can make an informed decision.

Why Use a VPS for Game Servers?

A VPS acts like your own private server space on a larger physical machine. Unlike shared game hosting, a VPS gives you:

• Full root access - Install any software or mods.

• Guaranteed resources - CPU, RAM, and disk are allocated just for you.

• Freedom to host multiple games - Run more than one server or service.

• Better performance and lower latency than shared or P2P hosting.

• Affordable scaling - Add resources when needed, without downtime.

For developers and serious gamers alike, a VPS provides the flexibility needed for a seamless multiplayer experience.

System Requirements: What Your Game Server Needs

Not all games are equal in terms of server load. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Minecraft

• RAM: At least 2 GB for basic servers; 4+ GB for modded (e.g., Forge, Spigot, FTB).

• CPU: High single-core performance is crucial. Minecraft is mostly single-threaded.

• Disk: SSD is essential. NVMe preferred for faster chunk loading.

• Network: Low-latency, high bandwidth, DDoS protection recommended.

CS:GO

• RAM: 2 GB is enough for a few players, 4 GB for competitive 10+ slot servers.

• CPU: Multi-threaded support, but still benefits from fast single-core performance.

• Disk: Less demanding than Minecraft; SSD is recommended.

• Network: Fast connection with low jitter is vital for fair play.

Valheim

• RAM: 2-4 GB for a stable co-op world.

• CPU: Dual-core minimum, quad-core preferred.

• Disk: SSD required for loading structures and terrain.

• Network: Up to 10 players; requires stable outbound connection.

Key VPS Specs to Consider

To run game servers reliably, your VPS should include:

Choose VPS plans with dedicated resources, not shared CPU/RAM that gets throttled during peak load.

VPS Location Matters for Multiplayer Games

Ping kills gameplay. Choose a VPS geographically close to your players.

• If most of your players are in Europe, pick a data center in Germany, Netherlands, or Ukraine.

• For North American players, choose East Coast or Central regions.

• For mixed global audiences, consider two VPS servers with region-specific routing.

Some hosts offer Anycast IPs or Global Load Balancers, but for most indie setups, picking the right region manually is enough.

How to Set Up a Game Server on VPS (Quick Overview)

Setting up a game server on a VPS isn’t as hard as it sounds:

1. Choose your OS - Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or Debian 12 are common for stability.

2. Install dependencies - Java (for Minecraft), SteamCMD (for CS:GO, Valheim).

3. Download and configure the game server - via official tools or community launchers.

4. Open necessary ports - e.g., 25565 for Minecraft, 27015 for CS:GO.

5. Use tmux or screen - to keep servers running in the background.

6. Configure firewall (ufw) and DDoS protection.

7. Automate backups and restarts - using cron jobs or monitoring tools.

Many VPS providers (like 3v-Hosting) offer pre-installed templates that simplify this process.

Comparing VPS Hosting Providers for Game Servers

When selecting a VPS host for your game server, consider:

Pro Tip: Avoid free VPS - they are unreliable and often blacklisted. Always opt for trusted providers with transparent pricing and uptime records.

3 Best VPS Options for Hosting Game Servers

Here’s a general comparison of three ideal VPS setups:

1. Starter VPS - For lightweight Minecraft or Valheim

   • 1 vCPU, 2 GB RAM, 30 GB SSD

   • Ideal for small friends-only servers

2. Standard VPS - For public CS:GO or modded Minecraft

   • 2–3 vCPU, 4-6 GB RAM, 50+ GB NVMe

   • Can handle 10-20 players with mods

3. High-Performance VPS - For game communities or multiple instances

   • 4 vCPU+, 8-16 GB RAM, 100+ GB NVMe, DDoS protection

   • Great for managing large modpacks or multiple servers

The Best VPS Depends on Your Needs

Choosing the best VPS for Minecraft, CS:GO, Valheim, or other games depends on:

• Player count and expected traffic

• Mod usage (heavier mods require more RAM and CPU)

• Region and latency expectations

• Technical skills - some VPSs are fully unmanaged

If you're planning to grow a community, host events, or just want more control over your gameplay, VPS hosting is the way to go.

If you're looking for reliable game-ready VPS hosting in Europe with SSD storage, DDoS protection, and instant deployment, check out what 3v-Hosting offers. Fast support, scalable options, and full root access - everything a gamer-admin needs.