Should your squad rent a dedicated server?
When hosting from a player's PC is enough, and when a server that is always on is worth it.
1Two ways to host
Most squad games let one player host from their own PC. The world only exists while that player is online. A dedicated server runs the world on a separate machine, so anyone can join at any time.
2When player hosting is fine
If your crew always plays together at the same time, player hosting is simpler and free. It works well for mission games like Deep Rock Galactic and Risk of Rain 2, where every session starts fresh.
3When a server is worth it
Persistent survival worlds such as Valheim, Project Zomboid and Core Keeper benefit most. People can log in after work, tend the farm or build without waiting for the host.
4Costs and setup
Several games provide free dedicated server tools on Steam, so you can run one on a spare PC. Rented game servers cost a monthly fee. Check each game's official documentation before you pay for anything.
5Back up the world
Whatever you choose, keep copies of the world save. A crashed PC or an update can corrupt months of shared building.
By the Squad Play Review editorial desk · Editorial policy