Some players enjoy online or cooperative play, but don’t want to have to play with strangers. Many modern games enable a player to run their game as a host, so that their friends can connect to the game, and they can play together. But if the player hosting the game needs to leave, the other players have to disconnect, which is less than ideal. But for some games, there is another option:running a permanent private or dedicated server.
Adedicated serverapp is a special, headless version of the game that acts in the same way anMMORPGserver does, but on a smaller scale. A private server can be set up using Linux or Windows in most cases. Players can do so using a spare PC, renting a private server from a game server company, or setting up a dedicated server or virtual private server in a datacenter. This list is by no means definitive, as there are a great many games that have a standalone private server version. But it does cover some games with which it is easier to set up private servers.
Valheimis a 2021 game that became an unexpected success for developers Iron Gate Studio. The game is set in a world that is loosely based on Norse mythology, with a focuson general survival, resource harvesting, and base building. There is no main plot, but there is a basic progression system which is based on advancing through a number ofboss fightsto unlock resource and equipment tiers.
There is a private server version ofValheimavailable, which runs on either Linux or Windows. It is very easy to install using the command line version of the Steam client. Players can set options for the server, such as whether PvP is enabled and how difficult encounters are.
7 Days To Die, from The Fun Pimps, holds the dubious honor of the game that spent the longest period inearly access, ever. It was first put into early access in December 2013, and remains in early access as of 2024. However, as any current player will confirm, it plays like a fully released game.
7 Days To Diewasdeveloped using Unity. Because of this, it is possible to install a headless dedicated server version of the game, to set up a private server. The installation is done through the Steam command line client on either Windows or Linux. It is possible to set all the options for the game by editing an easy-to-understand text file.
6Avorion
A Hidden Gem Of A Space Sim
Released by Boxelware in 2020,Avorionis anindie-developedspace trading, fighting, and exploration simulator. What setsAvorionapart is the voxel-based building system for ships and structures. This is something of a hidden gem, asAvorionhas a cult following, but has not been discovered by the wider public.
The private server version ofAvorionis exceptionally well-developed. It has a profusion of features, and has been optimized to handle dozens of players. It runs on both Linux and Windows, and is fully multithreaded. It can be downloaded and installed manually, or installed using SteamCMD and the command line.
A Game That Teaches The Power Of Gravity
Space Engineers
Space Engineers is an open world sandbox game defined by creativity and exploration.It is a sandbox game about engineering, construction, exploration and survival in space and on planets. Players build space ships, wheeled vehicles, space stations, planetary outposts of various sizes and uses (civil and military), pilot ships and travel through space to explore planets and gather resources to survive. Featuring both creative and survival modes, there is no limit to what can be built, utilized and explored.Space Engineers features a realistic, volumetric-based physics engine: everything in the game can be assembled, disassembled, damaged and destroyed. The game can be played either in single or multiplayer modes.Space Engineers concentrates on construction and exploration aspects, but can be played as a survival shooter as well. We expect players will avoid engaging in direct man-to-man combat and instead use their creativity and engineering skills to build war machines and fortifications to survive in space and on planets. Space Engineers shouldn’t be about troops; it should be about the machinery you build.
Another cult classic,Space Engineerswas released by Keen Software House in 2019. The gameplay is focused on resource collection, spaceship design, and realistic spaceflight. One of the most interesting challenges of this game is simply building a ship that can break out of a planet’s gravity well without a catastrophic crash.
The private server app for this game is only available for Windows. However, using virtualization technology such as Docker (along with Wine, the Windows emulation suite for Linux), it is possible to get theSpace Engineersdedicated server running on Linux. However, it will take some technical skills and effort to do so.
As the successor toThe Forest, Endnight Games releasedSons Of The Forestin 2024. This is one of the most terrifying horror survival games around. Anyone who has encountered hordes of cannibals by taking a wrong turn while exploring a pitch-black cave will know this already.
There is only a Windows version of the private server app forSons Of The Forest. Although some people have reported some success getting it to run on Linux using Docker and Wine, there have been some networking issues. The Windows version can be installed using thetext-basedSteam client. The Linux installation should only be tackled by players who have a solid knowledge of Linux and networking in general.
Back in 2018, Facepunch Studios releasedRustto the public, and the gaming genre found its definitive title. Much has been written aboutRustin the past, and not all of it was good. Players compete for dominance of a procedurally generated map. Base building and defense are a huge part ofRust, and PvP is not optional.
TheRustprivate server app is available for both Windows and Linux. It has been updated many times since the game’s release, and is both stable and efficient. Even a modest PC can run a Rust server that can happily host aRustgame with 200 or more players online at once.
Classic Voxel-Based Building
Minecraft
Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. you’re able to survive the night or build a work of art – the choice is all yours. But if the thought of exploring a vast new world all on your own feels overwhelming, then fear not!Minecraft has no set goal and can be played however you’d like! This is why it’s sometimes called a “sandbox game” – there are lots of things for you to do, and lots of ways that you can play. If you like being creative, then you can use the blocks to build things from your imagination. If you’re feeling brave, you can explore the world and face daring challenges. Blocks can be broken, crafted, placed to reshape the landscape, or used to build fantastical creations.Creatures can be battled or befriended, depending on how you play. The world of Minecraft allows for epic adventures, quiet meditations, and everything in between. You can even share your creations with other players, or play in community worlds!
First released in 2011 by Mojang Studios,Minecrafthas become the most successful game of all time. Resource collection, combat, and exploration are all part of the main gameplay loop. However, it is the excellent building and automation features that really setMinecraftapart from other games.
TheMinecraftdedicated server app is available for Apple iOS, Windows, and Linux. However, it must be noted that the setup of aMinecraftprivate server can be a little trickier than other games. AMinecraftserver needs to use a valid Secured Socket Layer (SSL) certificate to enable private connections. So, this install should not be tackled without detailed instructions or the relevant technical skills.
This indie cult classic zombie survival sandbox game offers players a retro top-down graphical style. Released officially in 2021 by The Indie Stone, the game has a solid following. It’s a surprisingly deep game that combines combat and exploration, with colony management and building.
There is a native private server app forProject Zomboidfor both Windows and Linux. Installation is very easy using the SteamCMD tool. This is a very lightweight server app and can run on any PC without problems, allowing friends to play together.
