Game Server Hosting
Your own game server, running around the clock. No slot limits, no mod restrictions, and no separate subscription per game. One server in Germany is enough for multiple games simultaneously. You set the rules, the mods and who gets to play.
Why your own game server?
Gaming groups and clans
A server that is reachable around the clock. Friends can play anytime, even when the host is offline. No dependency on a single PC that needs to run permanently.
Full control over mods and settings
Managed hosters frequently restrict which mods can be installed and how many players can connect simultaneously. On your own server, there are no artificial limits. Every mod, every plugin, every setting is in your hands.
One server for multiple games
Instead of paying a separate subscription for each game, Minecraft, Valheim and more titles run in parallel on one server. Docker isolates the games from each other. You only pay for the server, not per game.
Content creators and streamers
A stable server that runs independently of your own PC. Your community can join anytime, even outside of streams. Full control over whitelist, bans and server events.
Proven containers for your games
itzg/minecraft-server 13,700+ GitHub Stars, actively maintained (2026)
The standard Docker image for Minecraft Java Edition (GitHub, Docker Hub). Supports Vanilla, Paper, Fabric, Forge and more server types via a single environment variable. Automatic version management, modpack support and plugin downloads. Installation via Docker Compose on your Seed.
Suited for: Minecraft Java Edition, Paper Server (performance), Fabric/Forge (mods), Bedrock via Geyser.
lloesche/valheim-server 2,200+ GitHub Stars, Alpine-based, actively maintained
Docker image with automatic updates, integrated world backups, BepInEx mod support and crossplay option (GitHub, GHCR Image). Checks for new game versions every 15 minutes and updates automatically when no player is connected. Installation via Docker Compose on your Seed.
Suited for: Valheim server, Crossplay (Steam + Xbox), modded servers with BepInEx.
Proven tools for your server
Docker containers for each game
Each game runs in its own Docker container, isolated from the rest of the system. Updates, backups and configuration are separated per game. Proven community images with thousands of GitHub stars handle management: automatic updates, integrated backups and mod support.
Automatic updates
The Docker images regularly check for new game versions and update automatically as soon as no player is connected. No manual intervention needed. The server always runs the latest version.
Isolation and security
Docker containers share the kernel but not the filesystem. A faulty Minecraft plugin cannot affect the Valheim server. Each container has its own ports, its own data and its own resource limits.
Automatic world backups
Both recommended Docker images offer integrated backup mechanisms. Worlds are saved regularly with configurable retention periods. Additionally, the dataforest Cloud offers automatic offsite backups as a bookable option.
Mod and plugin support
Minecraft with Paper plugins or Fabric mods, Valheim with BepInEx modifications. The Docker images support all common mod frameworks. Install mods via environment variable or volume mount.
Low latency in Germany
A server in a German data center means low ping times for European players. Typically under 20ms for players in Germany, under 50ms across Europe.
Self-hosting or managed game hosting?
Your Own Game Server
Best choice for groups with multiple games and the desire for full control.
- One server for any number of games simultaneously
- No slot limits or player restrictions
- Any mod and any plugin installable without restrictions
- Full control over server configuration and game rules
- More cost-effective long-term with multiple games
- Data on your server in Germany
- Linux knowledge required for setup and maintenance
- Updates and troubleshooting are your responsibility
- No dedicated support for game issues
Managed Game Hosting
Best choice for beginners who want to run a single server without technical knowledge.
- Server online in minutes, no technical knowledge needed
- Web panel for configuration, mods and player management
- Automatic updates and maintenance by the provider
- Support for server problems
- One-click modpacks with many providers
- Separate subscription per game with individual costs
- Slot limits depending on plan (10, 20, 50 players)
- Mod support often restricted or only certain versions allowed
- Server files and worlds stored at the provider
- Limited configuration options beyond the web panel
Self-hosting is suited for groups that play multiple games and prioritize full control over mods and settings. Managed game hosting is the better choice when a single server should be running in minutes without any technical effort.
Your own game server in a few steps
Create a Seed
Choose a model with at least 2 CPU and 4 GB RAM for a single Minecraft server. For Valheim or multiple games in parallel, 4 CPU and 8 GB RAM are recommended. Debian 13 as operating system is lean and ideal for game servers.
Install Docker and start games
Docker and Docker Compose can be installed with a single command. Create a Docker Compose file with your desired games and start everything with one command. The Docker images download the respective game automatically.
Open ports and invite friends
Open the game ports in the firewall (25565 for Minecraft, 2456-2457 for Valheim). Share your Seed's IP address with your friends. Done. Detailed instructions can be found in our guides.
Step-by-step setup
Detailed tutorials by our engineers, tested on a current dataforest Seed. Accessible without an account.
Set Up a Minecraft Server with Docker
Step-by-step guide to set up a Minecraft Java Edition server on a dataforest Seed. Paper server with Docker Compose, automatic updates and backups.
Open guideSet Up a Valheim Server with Docker
Step-by-step guide to set up a Valheim server on a dataforest Seed. Docker Compose with automatic updates, world backups and crossplay support.
Open guideConfigure a seed
Billed hourly, no minimum term, no setup fee. One server for all your games, your worlds and your community.
Entry
Beginner
Standard
All-rounder
Performance
CPU-optimized
All prices incl. 19% VAT
Why dataforest Cloud?
Data sovereignty
Your data stays in Germany. All seeds run in certified data centers in Frankfurt. No data transfers to third countries, full GDPR compliance.
Deployed in seconds
Seeds are provisioned automatically. From configuration to a running server takes only seconds. No waiting, no tickets.
Hourly billing
You only pay for what you use. No minimum terms, no setup fees. Seeds can be created and deleted at any time.
Full control
Root access, public API and full transparency. You decide what runs on your seed. No vendor lock-in, no hidden restrictions.
Bevor Sie loslegen.
Which games can I host on my own game server?
How much RAM does a game server need?
Do I need Linux knowledge?
How many players can play simultaneously?
Do mods and plugins work?
What responsibility do I take on with self-hosting?
What happens on a server restart?
Can I only run the server when playing?
How do I back up my game saves?
Which operating system is recommended?
Any questions?
Then our experts are happy to help. You'll be surprised how fast we are.
