Rent a game server or host it at home? Pros and cons
Last updated: October 5, 2026
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There are two ways to get a server for you and your friends: run it on your own computer, or rent one from a hosting company. Both work. Which one is better depends on how often you play, how many people join, and how much setup you want to do.
Hosting at home
You install the server software on your PC (or a spare computer) and let your friends connect to it.
Good
- No monthly fee for the server itself.
- Full control over the files and settings.
- A good way to learn how servers work.
Not so good
- The server runs only while the computer is on. If you turn it off, your friends cannot play.
- Players from outside your home network need a path in. The Minecraft wiki explains that port forwarding creates a bridge between the internet and your server on your local network, and you have to set it up on your router.
- Friends connect to your home address, so that address is visible to the people who join.
- The server uses your computer’s power and your internet connection. Playing and hosting on the same PC can slow both down.
Renting from a host
You pay a hosting company, and it runs the server in a data center. You manage it from a web control panel.
Good
- The server is online all the time, even when your PC is off.
- No router settings or port forwarding on your side. The host gives you an address to share.
- Hosts usually advertise extras such as protection against attacks and automatic backups. Check what is included in the plan you pick.
- You can usually choose a data center close to your players.
Not so good
- A monthly cost.
- You depend on the host’s quality and support. We have not tested any host, so read what the provider promises with a critical eye and check the refund terms.
- A control panel can limit some advanced settings.
Which one should you pick?
| Your situation | A good choice |
|---|---|
| Testing a game or a mod for a weekend | Home |
| A few friends who play together on certain evenings | Home, or a small rented plan |
| Friends who want to join at any hour | Rent |
| A bigger group, a large world or many mods | Rent, with enough memory |
| You do not want to touch router settings | Rent |
A sensible way to start
Try home hosting first if you are curious and have a spare evening. If it becomes a hassle, because the PC is off when friends want to play, or the setup is too fiddly, move the same world to a rented server. Before you buy, work out how much memory you need with our guide on how much RAM a game server needs, and follow the step-by-step guide.
Sources
- Minecraft Wiki: Setting up a Java Edition server
- Godlike.Host, provider claims about protection and backups checked on October 5, 2026
Godlike.Host
- Games
- Minecraft (Java and Bedrock), Palworld, ARK: Survival Evolved, Terraria, Rust, Valheim and others. Also VPS and dedicated servers.
- Locations
- USA (East and West), Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Ukraine, Finland, Germany, Poland, Singapore, India, Australia.
- Support is advertised as 24/7 (Discord, tickets, email).
- DDoS protection and automatic backups are listed as included.
- Prices can be shown in USD, GBP, EUR or PLN.
- The front page mentions a 3-day money-back guarantee. Check its terms before you buy.
This is what the provider says on its own website (checked October 5, 2026). We have not tested its servers. Prices change, so check the current price on their site.
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