Quick Start: Your First Server

This walkthrough takes you from a fresh account to a running game server.

Before you start

Step 1: Pick a game

Open the Games page and choose the game you want to host. Each game has its own configuration guide if you want details first.

Step 2: Run the create wizard

The server-creation wizard has three steps:

  1. Choose a region — pick a data-center location close to you and your players for the best ping. See Choosing a Region.
  2. Choose a plan & size — pick a size tier (Small, Medium, or Large). Bigger sizes give more CPU and RAM for more players, at a higher hourly rate. See Choosing a Plan & Size.
  3. Review & confirm — set your server name and game settings, review the hourly rate, then confirm.

When you confirm, one hour of credit is charged upfront and your server begins provisioning.

Step 3: Wait for it to come online

Your server starts in the Starting state while we provision the machine and launch the game. This usually takes a few minutes. The status changes to Running once it's ready — see Understanding Server Status.

Step 4: Connect and play

Once the server is Running, open its page in your Console to find the connection address. Share it with friends so they can join too — see Connecting & Inviting Players.

Step 5: Stop when you're done

Click Stop to pause the server and pause billing. Any time you already paid for in the current hour is banked for next time. Start it again whenever you want to keep playing.

Tip: You're only charged while a server is running. Stopping it is the easiest way to control costs.