Quick Start: Your First Server

Create one server, join it from your game, then stop it after your session. The game-specific guide complements these steps with the settings and connection method for your chosen game.

Before you start

  • Sign in to the account that will own and pay for the server.
  • Install a compatible game client and obtain any game licence required to play.
  • Check that your Credit Balance covers the displayed first-hour rate. Add more for the time you plan to play.
  • Open the relevant Game Configuration Guide for required passwords, account information, and recommended resources.

Create the server

  1. Open Games or Browse Games and select an available game. A coming-soon card cannot be used to create a server.
  2. Read Game Information, then continue to Server Configuration.
  3. Enter Server Name. Set a password if supported or required by your game; the generic form's optional label does not replace game-specific requirements.
  4. Choose Region near most of your players.
  5. Choose Server tier, then Server size. Review the CPU, RAM, and hourly rate rather than choosing by size name alone.
  6. In Game Settings, set the supported options and select mods only if your game offers them.
  7. Open Review. Check the name, game, region, resources, settings, and hourly rate, then select Create Server once.

The first hour is charged upfront when your balance can cover it. If your balance is too low, the new server is saved in your Console as Stopped, with a top-up message. Buy Credits and use Start on that server instead of creating another copy.

For more detail, see Creating a Server.

Wait for Running

Open the server from Dashboard (the Console) and read its status and any message on Overview. Setup can take several minutes.

Wait for Running, then allow the game itself to finish loading. Do not submit another creation just because setup is taking time. If progress stops or an error appears, use My Server Won't Start.

Connect and play

Use the current connection details in Overview and the joining method in your game's guide. Some games accept an address and port; others use a server-browser search. Enter the server password when required.

Share only the details players need to join. A management share link grants website access and is different from a game connection address. See Connecting & Inviting Players.

Stop when finished

Tell players before selecting Stop, then wait for Stopped. Billing pauses and remaining Banked Hour time stays with this server for its next start. Closing the browser or leaving the game does not perform this action.

Use Start on the same server for your next session. See Starting, Stopping, and Restarting.