The Hosting Decision Every Server Owner Faces
When setting up a game server, one of the first decisions you'll make is the type of hosting. The two main options — shared and dedicated — have very different implications for performance, cost, and control.
Let's break down what each option means and help you make the right choice.
What is Shared Game Server Hosting?
Shared hosting means your game server runs on hardware alongside other customers' servers. The CPU, RAM, and network bandwidth are divided among multiple tenants.
Pros of Shared Hosting
- Lower Cost: Splitting resources means lower prices
- Managed Infrastructure: The host handles hardware and network
- Easy Setup: Usually just a few clicks to get started
- Good for Small Servers: Perfect for playing with a few friends
Cons of Shared Hosting
- Noisy Neighbors: Other servers on the same machine can impact your performance
- Limited Resources: CPU and RAM are shared and often throttled
- Less Control: Limited access to system-level settings
- Inconsistent Performance: Performance can vary based on other tenants' activity
What is Dedicated Game Server Hosting?
Dedicated hosting gives you an entire physical server or guaranteed dedicated resources. No sharing, no neighbors.
Pros of Dedicated Hosting
- Maximum Performance: All resources are yours
- Consistent Experience: No performance fluctuations from other users
- Full Control: Root access and custom configurations
- Scalable: Add more resources as your community grows
Cons of Dedicated Hosting
- Higher Cost: You pay for the full machine
- More Technical: May require server administration knowledge
- Overkill for Small Servers: Unnecessary if you only have a few players
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Shared Hosting | Dedicated Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5-15/month | $20-100+/month |
| Performance | Variable | Consistent & high |
| Player Capacity | 5-20 players | 20-200+ players |
| CPU Access | Shared cores | Dedicated cores |
| Customization | Limited | Full control |
| Best For | Small groups | Communities & public servers |
The DoomHosting Approach
At DoomHosting, we believe you shouldn't have to choose between affordability and performance. Our game server plans use:
- Dedicated CPU threads — no shared cores, even on our starter plans
- Guaranteed RAM — what you pay for is what you get, no overselling
- NVMe SSD storage — fast loading for every server
- DDoS Protection — included on all plans at no extra cost
This means even our most affordable plans deliver performance that rivals dedicated servers at other providers.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose shared hosting if:
- You're playing with a small group of friends (under 10 players)
- You're on a tight budget
- You don't need custom system configurations
Choose dedicated hosting if:
- You're running a public community server
- You have 20+ regular players
- You need consistent, lag-free performance
- You run heavy mods or modpacks
- You want full root access
Conclusion
The best hosting type depends on your specific needs. For most players starting out, a quality shared hosting plan from a provider that doesn't oversell (like DoomHosting) is the sweet spot — you get dedicated-like performance without the dedicated price tag.
As your community grows, upgrading to a VPS or dedicated server ensures your players always have a smooth experience.
View our hosting plans and find the perfect fit for your server.