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How do I Host a Game Server?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

The way in which you can host a game server depends on the particular game you are trying to host, though certain settings can be common among different games. In general, you need to determine if you can host a game while using a utility provided with the game to connect to other players, or if you need to use your Internet protocol (IP) address to help others connect to your hosted game. You should also consider any privacy settings that may be available through the software, such as server settings and password protection.

When you host a game server, you typically use your computer to act as a server for other players who act as clients that connect to your server. This host computer usually needs to have the game software installed on it and be connected to a network, such as a local network or the Internet. You can then use various settings and features included with the game to host a game server on your computer.

Racks of servers.
Racks of servers.

One of the best ways to start when you want to host a game server is to first look at the options available to you through the game software. Many games allow you to host a game through the software provided with it, and may include matchmaking options to help you play with friends and other players. This can make hosting quite simple, and allow you to have other players connect to your host computer quickly and easily.

You may need to use your IP address to host a game server, especially for older games or games that do not include matchmaking features. The game may display your IP address for you, though if it does not, you can use various utilities and Internet sites to quickly determine your IP address. You can then give this to your friends, which they will likely need to use to connect to your host server from within the game.

Once you determine how to host a game server using the particular game software you are running, you should look at some of the other features provided. You may be able to set a password for your game server, for example, which you can use to control who is able to access your game. As you host a game server, you may also be able to control the settings for the game, such as team composition, the number of players allowed, and the type of game that is being played on your server.

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    • Racks of servers.
      Racks of servers.