Best Game Server Hosts for Minecraft, ARK, and Rust in 2025

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Playing games like Minecraft, ARK, or Rust with friends is a lot more fun when the game runs smoothly. For that, many players use something called a game server. It helps keep the game online, reduces lag, and lets everyone play together without issues.

14 Top Game Server Hosts of 2025

In 2025, there are many companies offering game servers. Some are simple and cheap, others are more powerful. If you’re not sure where to start, this guide is here to help. We looked at the most popular options and explained them in an easy way — so you can find the best server, even if it’s your first time setting one up.

1. FreakHosting

If you’re new to hosting game servers and want something affordable and easy to use, FreakHosting is a great place to start. It’s a newer company, but it’s growing fast and already supports big games like Minecraft, ARK: Survival Evolved, and Rust.

Pricing:

Rust (unlimited slots):

  • 8 GB RAM: €15.99/month
  • 10 GB RAM: €19.99/month
  • 12 GB RAM: €23.99/month
  • 14 GB+ RAM: €27.99/month
  • Includes a 2-day free trial with each plan

Minecraft & ARK:

  • General pricing ranges from €3.99 to €11.99/month, depending on RAM and features
  • VPS hosting: €5–12.50/month

Key Features

Fast Hardware – Uses AMD Ryzen 9 CPUs, DDR4 RAM, and NVMe SSDs for smooth gameplay.

Strong DDoS Protection – Protected by Path.net, CosmicGuard, and Voxility (up to 17 Tbps).

Server Locations – Available in Germany, Romania, and the USA.

Rust Support – Oxide/uMod ready, A2S cache enabled, unlimited player slots, and free MySQL.

Quick Setup – Servers launch instantly with a custom Pterodactyl panel.

Free Trial – Try Rust and other games free for 2 days.

Best For

Small group hosting or budget users

Pros

  • Budget-friendly VPS and dedicated options
  • Modding tools included
  • Works with major games

Cons

  • Still growing brand
  • Support is ticket-only

2. Hostinger

If you want great performance without paying too much, Hostinger is a smart option — especially if you don’t mind a little setup work. It supports over 100 games, including Minecraft, ARK, Rust, and more.

Pricing

Minecraft VPS Plans (Game Panel) — promotional/24‑month rate:

  • 4 GB RAM / 1 vCPU / 50 GB NVMe – $4.99/month, renews at $8.99
  • 8 GB RAM / 2 vCPU / 100 GB NVMe – $6.99/month, renews at $14.99
  • 16 GB RAM / 4 vCPU / 200 GB NVMe – $10.49/month, renews at $26.99
  • 32 GB RAM / 8 vCPU / 400 GB NVMe – $19.99/month, renews at $44.99

ARK & Rust (VPS Hosting via Game Panel)

  • Shared VPS plans range from $4.99/month (4 GB RAM) up to $19.99/month (32 GB)

Key Features

Full Control – VPS hosting gives you full root access and full control over mods, plugins, and settings.

Fast Hardware – Uses AMD EPYC CPUs with NVMe SSDs. Servers are available worldwide.

Game Panel – Custom panel for Minecraft, ARK, and Rust. Supports modpacks and easy setup tools.

Safe & Reliable – Comes with DDoS protection, off-site backups, and up to 99.99% uptime.

Support Options – 24/7 live chat, email help, and AI assistant. You manage your own VPS.

Best For

Tech-savvy beginners and small-to-medium communities

Pros

  • Budget-friendly VPS plans
  • Fast setup for 100+ games
  • High-performance AMD hardware

Cons

  • Not beginner-friendly
  • No built-in game panel

3. ElixirNode

ElixirNode is a good company for people who are new to game servers. If you don’t know much about hosting, don’t worry. ElixirNode makes everything simple. You can start your Minecraft server, ARK, or Rust server in just a few clicks.

Their website is easy to use, and their support team is ready to help if you get stuck. The servers run fast and smooth, so your game won’t lag. You can start with a small plan and upgrade later if needed. ElixirNode is a great choice if you want something cheap, easy, and good.

Pricing

Minecraft

  • From $0.85 per GB RAM/month (roughly $2 for a small 2 GB plan).
  • Larger plans (5–8 GB RAM + extra perks) range from $17.50 to $28/month.

ARK: Survival Evolved

  • From $2.00 per GB RAM/month for basic plans (Intel i7/Xeon).
  • Or $3.00 per GB RAM/month on higher-end Ryzen 9 + NVMe plans.

Rust

  • Starting at $8.00/month for basic shared slot plans;
  • Full pricing scale depends on RAM and slots (~$8+/GB)

Key Features

  • Flexible per-GB billing model, scaling with RAM usage
  • Hardware options:
    • Intel i7/Xeon + DDR4 RAM
    • Ryzen 9 3900X + NVMe SSD + ECC RAM (higher tier)
  • Unlimited player slots and storage, game–agnostic plans available
  • DDoS protection, free MySQL, FastDL, dedicated IPs on select plans
  • Custom panel with complete control, dark mode, mod/plugin installer, server transfers included
  • Additional perks: free website hosting, Discord bot hosting on qualifying plans

Best For

  • Beginners who want an easy way to start a game server.
  • Players looking for low-cost options.
  • Gamers who don’t want to deal with complex setup.

Pros

  • Very beginner-friendly
  • Clean and easy-to-use website
  • Good customer support
  • Strong hardware for smooth gaming
  • Affordable plans for small or new players

Cons

  • Fewer advanced features for pro users
  • Some plans may not handle big servers or heavy mods
  • Limited server locations compared to big companies

4. Blue Fang Solutions

Blue Fang Solutions is a company that gives you a place to run your game online. It works with games like ARK, Rust, and 7 Days to Die. You can use their server to play with your friends, even if they live far away. The game will run fast because the server is strong.

You don’t need to do everything by yourself. The server can install mods for you automatically, which saves time. The website and tools may look old, but they still work well. If you have a problem, the support team is there to help you. If you are new but want something that just works, Blue Fang is a safe choice.

Pricing

  • Rust: starts at $20.00/month for 50 slots; extra memory and CPU priority available as add-ons ($10–$30 each)
  • ARK & Minecraft: entry-level plans start around €5–7/month (approx. $6–8), with custom slot-based pricing (e.g., €0.65/slot for ARK, €0.30/slot for Rust, €0.65/slot for Minecraft)

Key Features

Custom Control Panel – Comes with “Overseer™ 2.0” panel, file manager, FTP/SFTP access, and server health tools.

Fast Setup – Servers run instantly using strong AMD Ryzen or Intel CPUs with SSD storage.

Strong Protection – Includes ~20 Gbps DDoS protection (with up to 12 Tbps if you choose GBSHIELD).

Global Servers – Locations in the US, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South Africa.

Smart Features – Servers restart automatically. Optional CPU priority and paid help for mods/plugins.

Refund Option72-hour refund for Rust servers, 3 days for Unturned.

Pros

  • Reliable for ARK hosting
  • Proven stability
  • Easy to scale

Cons

  • Dated dashboard
  • Lacks newer features

5. Elite Game Servers

Elite Game Servers is a good choice if you want to play games like ARK or Rust with many people. These games need fast servers, and Elite gives you that. The server runs on powerful hardware, so your game stays smooth even during big fights. It also keeps your server safe with DDoS protection, which helps stop online attacks.

But this host is better for people who already know a bit about game servers. The control panel is not simple, and there are no easy guides for beginners. Still, if you are okay with learning or asking for help, the support team is friendly and ready to help. If you want top performance and don’t mind doing some setup, Elite Game Servers is a great choice in 2025.

Pricing

ARK: Survival Evolved

  • 30-slot server: €23.10/month (€0.77/slot)

Minecraft

  • Dedicated slots: €0.01 per MB (~€10/month for 1 GB with 256 slots)

Rust

  • Follows similar slot‑based pricing (typically €0.77/slot)

Key Features

Quick Start – Servers launch right away with no setup fees.

Powerful Servers – Uses fast SSDs on high-performance dedicated machines.

Strong Protection – Multi-layer DDoS defense with secure data centers in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Fast Network – Built with top-tier fiber and internet routes for low lag.

Advanced Control Panel – Easy file access, one-click mod/map installs, and sub-user support.

Extra Services – You can also get voice servers (TeamSpeak/Mumble) and web hosting.

Reliable Uptime – 99.9% uptime and servers restart automatically if something goes wrong.

Best For

Competitive ARK/Rust servers

Pros

  • Great for PvP performance
  • Fast, reliable hardware
  • Strong server protection

Cons

  • Less beginner-friendly
  • Slightly higher pricing

6. RoxServers

RoxServers is a company that lets you run game servers for Minecraft, ARK, Rust, and more. It has been around for a long time and is known for being strong and reliable. It gives you many tools to use mods and change game settings. If you like to try new things or want full control of your server, RoxServers is a good choice.

The design of the website and control panel looks old and may be a little hard to use if you are new. But the prices are good, and the support team is helpful. If you don’t mind learning a bit, RoxServers is a strong option for people who want more freedom to customize their game in 2025.

Pricing

Game Servers start at €2.99/month

  • Minecraft: from €2.99 – 9.99/mo
  • ARK: €7.99/mo
  • Rust: €9.99/mo

Voice servers (Mumble/TeamSpeak) from €1.50/mo

Web hosting from €0.99/mo; Dedicated servers from €69.99–99.99/mo

Key Features

Strong Hardware – 3.9 GHz CPU with SSDs, supports up to 32 GB RAM.

Fast & Easy Setup – Instant server setup with full file access and sub-user accounts.

Minecraft Features – Custom panel with mod support and free MySQL database.

Game Templates Included – Works with Minecraft, ARK, Rust, plus free voice servers like TS3 and Mumble.

High Uptime – 99.9% uptime promise and a 24-hour refund policy.

Support Help – Get help through tickets and guides, available all week.

Best For

Modders and users needing advanced customization

Pros

  • Great for old and modded games
  • Complete control with scripting and modding allowed
  • Reliable performance and good uptime

Cons

  • The interface feels a bit outdated
  • Not the easiest for beginners


7. GameServers.com / GameServerKings

GameServerKings (also known as GameServers.com) is a good option if you want something simple and easy to use. It works with games like Minecraft, ARK, and Rust. The setup is quick—you can start your server in just a few minutes. The control panel is clean, so even beginners can manage it without problems.

It doesn’t have many fancy features, but it gives you everything you need to play with your friends. The prices are fair, and you only pay for what you use. If you’re just starting out and want a basic, no-hassle game server, GameServerKings is a solid choice in 2025.

Pricing

  • Rust: From £9.18/month (~$11.60) for base-tier servers
  • Unturned: £7.13/month (~$9.00)
  • 7 Days to Die: £13.37/month (~$16.90)
  • Other games (e.g., Terraria, Space Engineers): £7–10/month
  • Minecraft & ARK: Custom pricing based on slots/RAM; generally in the £5–12/month range (implied by shared pricing structure)

Key Features

Fast Setup – Servers start right away and there are no setup fees.

Easy to Use – Control panel is beginner-friendly and supports Oxide and other mods.

Safe & Secure – Comes with built-in DDoS protection and 24/7 support.

Always Online – 24/7 uptime with a refund if you’re not happy (1 day for Rust, 5 days for others).

Global Servers – Server locations available across six continents.

Full Access & Tools – You get full file access, mod/plugin tools, and options to increase server power.

Best For

Simplicity and reliability

Pros

  • Wide game support
  • Easy to set up
  • Helpful customer service

Cons

  • Not many advanced features
  • The dashboard feels a bit outdated

8. ServerMiner

ServerMiner is one of the easiest ways to host a Minecraft server, especially if you’re new. You can sign up for free and start your server in just a few minutes. The control panel is simple, and you can add mods, plugins, and custom game files without any trouble. It also saves your data every day, so your world is always safe.

One cool feature is player tracking, which lets you see who joined and when. Your server stays online 24/7, so your friends can play anytime—even if your computer is off. ServerMiner is only for Minecraft, but it does the job really well. If you’re looking to host Minecraft in 2025 without stress, this is a great pick.

Pricing

  • Plans range from $7.58/month (Stone — 1.5 GB RAM, ~15 players)
  • Up to $47.74/month (Bedrock — 10 GB RAM, unlimited player slots)

Key Features

Easy Control Panel – Uses the SMPicnic panel with one-click access to over 50,000 modpacks and plugins.

Quick Start – Servers are ready in under 30 seconds. No contracts – just pay as you go.

Unlimited World Size – Grow your world as big as you want. You also get full file access.

Player Tracker – See where players are and when they log in.

Backups & Rollbacks – Go back up to 7 days if something goes wrong.

Free Extras – Includes a 10-slot voice server, MySQL database, 45-day Enjin website, and BuyCraft Premium.

Built-In Protection – Comes with DDoS protection (details not listed).

Trusted by Users – Rated 4.8 out of 5 based on our hundreds of user reviews.

Best For

Minecraft-only hosting

Pros

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Free daily backups

Cons

  • Only supports Minecraft
  • No multi-game flexibility

9. GTXGaming

GTXGaming is a trusted name for game server hosting. It works well with popular games like Minecraft, ARK, and Rust. The servers use fast Intel and AMD CPUs with SSD storage, which helps your game run without lag. They also have many server locations around the world, so your connection is always smooth.

One of the best things is the easy-to-use control panel. You can install mods, change settings, and manage your server without knowing any coding. They offer instant setup, backups, and protection against attacks. The support team is also available all the time. While it costs a bit more than cheap hosts, you get great performance and support. It’s a solid choice if you’re hosting for many players or serious gaming in 2025.

Pricing

  • Minecraft Java: Starting at £11.70/month (~$14.83)
  • Minecraft Bedrock: $2.41/month (Free 3 GB servers also available)
  • ARK: Survival Evolved: From £9.99/month (~$12.66)
  • Rust (shared plans): From £9.99/month (~$12.66)—e.g., 10 GB RAM, 50-player slot base;
  • Basic Rust USA:
    • $18.65 for 10 GB/50 slots
    • Medium $32.90 (12 GB/100 slots)
    • Large $51 (16 GB/160 slots)

Key Features

Quick Setup – Servers start right away using game templates. You can control everything from your phone too.

Powerful Hardware – Uses strong Intel or AMD CPUs with SSD storage. Servers are regularly upgraded to stay fast.

Global Servers – Runs in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia with fast 10 Gbps internet for low lag.

Strong Protection – Built-in DDoS security to keep your server safe.

Mod & Plugin Support

Minecraft – One-click install for Forge, Curse, and Modrinth mods.

ARK – Supports Steam Workshop mods, server upgrades, and travel between clusters.

Rust – Supports Oxide plugins, auto installs, and adjusts power based on needs.

Backups & Access

  1. Saves backups daily to another location
  2. Full file access and options to add other users

Support & Safety

  1. 24/7 help through live chat, Discord, or tickets
  2. Refunds: 1 day for Rust and Minecraft, 7 days for ARK
  3. Extra safety with SSL, two-step login, and a built-in firewall

Bes For

Gamers want premium, global hosting with strong support and modding capabilities.

Pros

  • Offers hosting for many games
  • Reliable uptime and strong support
  • Worldwide server locations

Cons

  • Premium plans cost more
  • Learning the control panel may take time

10. ScalaCube

ScalaCube is a great choice if you are new to game servers. It works well with Minecraft, ARK, and Rust. You can even try it for free before paying. The setup is super quick, and the control panel is easy to use. You can install mods with just one click — no need to be a tech expert.

If you want more control, you can use FTP to upload mods and change settings yourself. The basic plans are cheap and good for small groups. You can upgrade anytime if your server grows. If you’re starting your first Minecraft server, ScalaCube is simple, fast, and beginner-friendly.

Pricing

Minecraft

  • First-month promotional: $2/month for 768 MB RAM and 10 player slots, renews at $4/month
  • Tiered plans up to 32 GB RAM and 300–600 player capacity, maximum around $96/month

ARK

  • APX $15.20/month for “20 player slots” (includes 32 GB RAM and 320 GB SSD)

Rust

  • Plans start at $19.20/month, unlimited slots defined by resource tier, includes full mod support

Key Features

Fast Setup – Servers are ready instantly. You get a custom control panel and one simple billing system.

Built-In Security – DDoS protection and automatic backups come with every plan.

Easy Access & Mods – Full file access, free subdomain, and support for over 1,000 Minecraft modpacks and Steam Workshop mods for ARK.

Strong Hardware:

  • Minecraft: Up to 32 GB RAM, 320 GB SSD, 3.4 GHz CPUs on higher plans
  • ARK & Rust: Get the same top-level performance on all plans

Global Locations – Servers in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Poland, Singapore, India, and Australia.

ScalaCube Launcher – lets you manage your server and launch your game in one place.

Unlimited Use – No traffic limits and almost 100% uptime.

Best For

Newcomers seeking a simple way to get going

Pros

  • Extremely newbie-friendly
  • Comes with a free trial
  • Strong modpack support

Cons

  • Not so good for many players
  • Some users report lag on cheaper plans

11. PebbleHost

PebbleHost is a good choice if you want to host a Minecraft server without spending too much money. It offers low prices, easy setup, and helpful features like support for modpacks, custom JAR files, and automatic backups. The control panel is very simple, so even beginners can get started quickly.

You also get free DDoS protection to keep your server safe. If you upgrade to a premium plan, you’ll get better speed and stronger hardware, great for bigger servers. PebbleHost is best for Minecraft and is perfect if you’re just starting out and want something reliable and affordable in 2025.

PRICING

Minecraft (Java & Bedrock)

  • Budget tier: $1/GB/mo (e.g. 2 GB = ~$2/mo)
  • Premium tier: Higher performance, Ryzen 7900 CPUs, DDR5 — priced per GB

ARK

  • 30 slots (7 GB RAM): $11.99/mo
  • 50 slots (8 GB RAM): $19.99/mo
  • 75 slots (10 GB): $29.99/mo
  • 100 slots (12 GB): $39.99/mo

Rust

  • 50 slots (8 GB RAM): $14.99/mo
  • 75 (10 GB): $19.99/mo
  • 125 (12 GB): $27.99/mo
  • 150 (14 GB): $39.99/mo

Key Features

Instant setup with custom control panel

Enterprise-grade NVMe SSDs and Ryzen/Intel CPUs

Global data centers (North America, Europe, Asia, India)

Up to 800 Gbps DDoS protection

One-click installer for 12,000+ Minecraft modpacks

Mod and plugin installer for ARK and Rust (Oxide support)

Full FTP access, sub-user management, firewall settings

Automated daily backups and server analytics

100% uptime guarantee

24/7 Discord support with a 72-hour refund policy

Best For

Minecraft players on a budget.

Pros

  • Low prices
  • Easy mod support
  • Simple user panel

Cons

  • Less suited for Rust or ARK
  • Basic plans come with a resource

12. Simple Game Hosting

Simple Game Hosting is a great pick if you’re just starting out and want to create a game server without any stress. It works well with games like Minecraft, ARK, and Rust. You don’t need to know anything technical — just a few clicks and your server is ready.

Even though it’s a cheap option, it still gives you useful features like mod support, custom JAR uploads, automatic backups, and protection from attacks. The control panel is clean and very easy to use. It may not be the most powerful host out there, but for small groups or casual play, it’s a smart and beginner-friendly choice in 2025.

PRICING

Minecraft Servers

  • 2 GB: $7.49 first month, then $9.99/month
  • 4 GB: $14.99 → $19.99/month
  • 6 GB: $22.49 → $29.99/month
  • 8 GB: $29.99 → $39.99/month
  • 10 GB: $37.49 → $49.99/month
  • 16 GB: $43.49 → $57.99/month

Note: Pricing is flat across games. Plans can be used for Minecraft, ARK, Rust, and others.

Key Features (all included; no paid add-ons)

Everything Included – No extra charges for features.

Fast Setup – Your server is ready right after you buy.

One-Click Mods – Add hundreds of modpacks in one click.

No Player Limits – Play with as many people as you want.

Java & Bedrock – Works with both Minecraft versions.

Strong Protection – Keeps your server safe from attacks.

Free Tools – Get a free subdomain, file access, and team sharing options.

Backups Every Day – Saves your data daily (10 backups kept).

Worldwide Locations – Servers in the US, Europe, Singapore, and Australia.

Live Support – Chat help, expert guides, and a 7-day refund are available.

Best For

Casual players or small groups

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Mod support included
  • Beginner-friendly

Cons

  • Not many advanced features
  • Limited support availability

13. GBNodes

GBNodes is a newer hosting company, but it’s quickly becoming popular. It’s a smart pick if you want to save money and still play games like Minecraft, ARK, or Rust with friends. Even the low-cost plans support mods and plugins, which is great for private or small group servers.

In 2025, GBNodes has improved its servers and added more global locations, so your game runs faster and smoother. The setup is quick, and the control panel is simple to use — even if you’re a beginner. It may not have all the fancy features, but it has the basics you need. If you’re just getting started with game hosting, GBNodes is a solid and budget-friendly option.

Pricing

Minecraft / General Game Servers (including ARK & Rust):

  • $0.90 per GB RAM per month (~₹80/GB/mo)

Indian Minecraft Plans (monthly in INR):

  • Coal (6 GB): ₹540
  • Iron (8 GB): ₹720
  • Gold (10 GB): ₹900
  • Diamond (12 GB): ₹1,080
  • Emerald (16 GB): ₹1,440
  • Netherite (20 GB): ₹1,800
  • Obsidian (24 GB): ₹2,160
  • Bedrock (32 GB): ₹2,900

Key Features

Easy Control Panel – Comes with a clean look. You can install mods, plugins, or change versions in one click.

Fast SSD Storage – Uses strong and fast SSDs to keep your server running smoothly.

Strong Protection – Your server is safe with powerful DDoS protection (up to 12 Tbps).

Powerful Servers – Uses top CPUs like Intel i9 and Ryzen 9 for great performance.

Quick Setup – Your server starts in minutes. Locations in USA, India, Germany, and more.

Free Backups – Your data is saved automatically. You also get full file access.

Always Available Help – Support team is ready 24/7 on Discord or tickets. You get 7 days to ask for a refund if needed.

Benefits

  • Good pricing
  • Supports mods
  • Easy to set up

Drawbacks

  • Limited support team
  • Fewer data center locations

14. Fozzy Gamer Servers

If you’re comfortable with a bit of technical setup and want full control over your server, FOZZY might be the right fit for you. It’s well-known for its fast VPS hosting and now supports popular games like Minecraft and Rust.

Pricing

Minecraft (Java & Bedrock)

  • Starting at $7.98/month for 10 slots

ARK: Survival Evolved

  • Starting at $10.98/month for 10 slots

Rust

  • Starting at $23.98/month for 20 slots

Key Features

Strong Hardware – Runs on Dell PowerEdge servers with fast 5 GHz CPUs and NVMe SSDs.

Quick Setup – Servers are ready in 5–10 minutes using the Pterodactyl control panel.

Easy Modding – One-click install for mods, plugins, and modpacks.

Built-In Protection – Includes enterprise DDoS protection and automatic backups.

Global Servers – Locations in the US, Europe, and Asia with 99.99% uptime.

Refund Policy3-day money-back guarantee on game servers.

Best For

Tech-savvy users and modders

Pros

  • Great speed and uptime
  • Global server network
  • Full control for advanced users

Cons

  • Not beginner-friendly
  • No automatic setup tools

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best game server host in 2025 depends on what you really need. If you are new or just want something quick and simple, ServerMiner, PebbleHost, or ScalaCube are great options. They’re easy to set up, work well with Minecraft, ARK, and Rust, and let you add mods with just one click.

But if you play with a big group or want better performance for serious gaming, you might like GTXGaming, Hostinger, or Elite Game Servers more. They offer faster servers and give you more tools and control. For smaller budgets, GBNodes and FreakHosting are still good choices.

Ask yourself: Do you want something easy, or do you need something powerful? No matter what, there’s a host here that will help you enjoy your game smoothly and without stress.

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