The Top 5 Self-Hosted Games: How to Install and Create Your Own Gaming Universe!

In recent years, the landscape of online gaming has seen a significant shift towards self-hosted dedicated servers, providing players with greater control, customization, and community engagement. This paradigm shift has led to the emergence of a vibrant ecosystem of self-hosted gaming communities, where players can create and curate their own gaming experiences. Among the multitude of games available for self-hosting, certain titles have risen to prominence, captivating players with their immersive gameplay, modding capabilities, and dedicated server support.

In this article, we’ll delve into the world of self-hosted gaming and explore the top five video games that have become staples of the self-hosted gaming community. From crafting and survival to fast-paced first-person shooters, these games offer something for every type of gamer, providing endless hours of entertainment and camaraderie. Join us as we take a closer look at these gaming juggernauts and discover why they continue to reign supreme in the realm of self-hosted gaming.

The 5 most popular self-hosted games are

1. Minecraft
2. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
3. ARK: Survival Evolved
4. Rust
5. Valheim

These games are very popular for self-hosting because of their multiplayer nature and their ability to customize servers, allowing players to create unique experiences and play with their friends or community.

How do you install these games on your dedicated server or VPS ?

#1 Tutorial: Installing Minecraft on a Dedicated Server

1. Download Minecraft Server

wget https://minecraft.net/download/server

2. Create Server Directory

mkdir minecraft_server

3. Move and Extract Minecraft Server Files

mv server minecraft_server/ 
cd minecraft_server/ 
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui

4. Accept the Minecraft EULA

Open the eula.txt file and change eula=false to eula=true

5. Launch Minecraft Server

java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar server.jar nogui

#2 Tutorial: Installing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)

1. Download StreamCMD package

wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

2. Extract package

tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

3. Download CS:GO Server

./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./csgo +app_update 740 validate +quit

4. Navigate to CS:GO Server Directory

cd csgo

5. Configure Server Settings

Edit the server.cfg file with your desired server settings.

6. Launch CS:GO Server

./srcds_run -game csgo -console -usercon +game_type 0 +game_mode 1 +mapgroup mg_active +map de_dust2

#3 Tutorial: Installing ARK: Survival Evolved

1. Download StreamCMD package

wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

2. Extract package

tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

3. Download ARK Server

./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./ark +app_update 376030 validate +quit

4. Navigate to ARK Server Directory

cd ark/ShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/

5. Launch ARK Server

./ShooterGameServer TheIsland?SessionName=MyServer?ServerPassword=MyPassword?ServerAdminPassword=AdminPassword -server -log

#4 Tutorial: Installing Rust

1. Download StreamCMD package

wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

2. Extract package

tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

3. Download Rust Server

./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./rust +app_update 258550 validate +quit

4. Navigate to Rust Server Directory

cd rust

5. Configure Server Settings

Edit the server.cfg file with your desired server settings.

6. Launch Rust Server

./RustDedicated -batchmode +server.port 28015 +server.identity "rustserver" +server.level "Procedural Map" +server.seed 12345 +server.worldsize 4000 +server.maxplayers 50 +server.hostname "My Rust Server" +server.description "Welcome to my Rust server!" +server.url "http://myrustserver.com" +server.headerimage "http://myrustserver.com/banner.jpg" +server.saveinterval 300 +server.globalchat true +server.tickrate 30.0 +server.secure true +server.steamgroup "123456" +server.world "myservermap" +server.password "mypassword" +server.identity "rustserver" +server.levelurl "myservermap" +server.seed 12345 +server.worldsize 4000

#5 Tutorial: Installing Valheim

1. Download StreamCMD package

wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

2. Extract package

tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

3. Download Valheim Server

./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./valheim +app_update 896660 validate +quit

4. Navigate to Valheim Server Directory

cd valheim

5. Launch Valheim Server

./valheim_server.x86_64 -name "MyServer" -port 2456 -world "Dedicated" -password "mypassword" -public 1

These command-line instructions will guide you through the process of installing each game on your dedicated server, allowing you to set up your own gaming environment for you and your friends.

Have fun !