Setting Up And Configuring Your Own Custom Video Game Server

If you want to build your own custom video game server and skip paying monthly fees for dedicated server hosting plans from server hosting providers, this is doable. You can either use an old personal computer you have at home and just add some necessary upgrades or build one entirely from scratch. Either way, you’ll have to be ready for the costs and the complicated setup process that we’ll discuss below.

Getting the Right Hardware

If you’re building a server from an old PC or scratch, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements of today’s multiplayer games. 

• Motherboard – this is the most basic component of a server. It is what allows each component to communicate with the others. This component doesn’t need to be high-end at all and only needs to have just enough power to run all connected components at once.

1. 1. Computer chassis – a case that will fit all your components properly. This must include built-in cooling fans that can control your unit’s heat and maintain its optimum performance. Getting the wrong computer case can cause overheating and permanent damage to your server components.
   2. CPU – this is probably the most important component of a gaming server. It is what allows the server to process data coming from connected users. The more computing power, the higher the gaming tick rate. This means that players can receive inputs from the server faster with a more powerful CPU and gaming becomes more accurate and responsive. Most games require a CPU with a 2.5 GHz clock speed.
   3. RAM – most games will require at least 16 GB of RAM, but this number only goes higher the more players you plan to have on your server. For example, a 7D2D server will need at least 3-4 GB per 2-4 players.

• Storage drive – an SSD with high read and write speeds have become the norm for the latest games we have today. You’ll need at least 250 GB of storage for a 50 or 100-player server.

Router Configuration

There are a few steps that need to be done before other players can access your server. The first step is to do port forwarding. This is needed to allow outside traffic to access your home server. This process also decreases other players’ wait times and eliminates large delays between user computers and the server.

Next, you’ll need to deal with your dynamic IP address. Most internet providers today change IP addresses without notification. This may interrupt your server’s activity or prevent players from finding your server. What you can do is use  Dynamic DNS software that will allow you to use a domain name to redirect players to your server’s IP address even when it changes.

Set up a Server using SteamCMD

For Steam games, you can use Steam’s command line software SteamCMD to configure your server. The software needs to be installed on your OS along with game server files. To configure your server using SteamCMD, you’ll need to enter a few lines of command in the CMD software. These commands can be found on Valve’s official developer community site. Launching the server is different for every game. Some games use executable files while some games like ARK, Rust, and CS:GO use server manager apps.

Management Software

After everything is set up and your server’s ready to play on, you can install server management tools. These tools can make server administration and oversight easier. You’ll need these tools to efficiently manage your server updates, software patches, IP bans, mod installations, server status, IP address, and the like.

You can also use these tools to be able to monitor your server from another device. Most of these management software use web interfaces which makes them accessible on any devices, may it be mobile (iOS/Android), Windows PC or Mac.

Conclusion

Sure, creating your own custom game server is pretty much doable if you have the budget. It also has its benefits. You’ll be able to keep the hardware even after your server stops operating.

You’ll also have more freedom to customize it the way you see fit. However, you should also consider how demanding it is in the long run. It’s a high maintenance server hosting option and without the right knowledge and dedication, it can be very difficult.