How to Host a Puck Server for Free (2026, After the Patreon Change)

You can host a Puck server for free by starting a self hosted server from the game's New Server screen, or by running the free Puck dedicated server (Steam app 3481440) on a spare PC with port 30609 open on TCP and UDP. Puck's own cloud servers are no longer free: since build B1153 on 10 July 2026 they need a Patreon membership.

What are the free ways to host a Puck server?

Puck is one of the lightest games to host, about 300 MB of RAM per server, so free options work well for small groups. Here is how they compare:

Are Puck cloud servers still free?

No. The B1153 patch notes from 10 July 2026 renamed "Dedicated Servers" in the browser to "Cloud Servers" and said: "Cloud servers are now Patreon-gated, to reduce the extra cost of providing free cloud servers." Puck's Patreon starts at 5 USD a month. Supporting the developer is a good reason to join, but if you just want a free rink, the two options below still cost nothing.

How to self host a Puck server from the game

The quickest free option needs nothing but the game:

1. Open the Server Browser from Puck's main menu.
2. Open the New Server screen and choose the self hosted option.
3. Set the server name, max players, an optional password and voice chat. The default port is 30609.
4. Start the server. Puck tries to open the port on your router automatically with uPnP.
5. Friends find it in the server browser or use Direct Connect with your public IP and port 30609.

uPnP does not work on every router or internet provider. If friends cannot see or join the server, forward 30609 on both UDP and TCP to your PC by hand. UDP carries the game and TCP answers the server browser's ping, so forwarding only one of them breaks it. See the port forwarding guide.

The limit: the rink closes when you close Puck, and your PC runs the physics for everyone while you play.

How to run the free Puck dedicated server

The dedicated server runs a rink on its own, without anyone in the game hosting it. It is free, downloads anonymously and ships for Linux and Windows.

1. Install SteamCMD on the machine.
2. Download the server, Steam app 3481440:

steamcmd +force_install_dir /srv/puck +login anonymous +app_update 3481440 validate +quit

3. Create server_config.json with your server name, port, max players, password and tick rate (200 by default). Since B1153 the server refuses to start on invalid JSON and tells you the file and line, so validate it first.
4. Start the server and wait for a log line like Puck B1235 is ready to accept clients on 0.0.0.0:30609!.
5. Forward 30609 TCP and UDP and allow it through the firewall.
6. Make yourself admin by adding your SteamID64 to admin_steam_ids.json.

The full walkthrough, with Windows paths and a systemd service for Linux, is in how to make a Puck dedicated server. Every config key is explained in Puck server config explained.

What PC do I need to host Puck?

Almost any PC from the last decade can run a Puck server. The server uses about 300 MB of RAM, so memory is never the problem. Two things matter:

• One fast CPU core. The server simulates the puck, sticks and bodies 200 times a second. If it cannot keep up with a full rink, everyone feels rubber banding.
• A stable connection close to your players. Puck is very sensitive to ping. A server in your city feels far better than one across a continent. Since the B1235 Rewired update, the server uses about half the bandwidth it used to, so upload speed is less of a problem than before.

What are the limits of free Puck hosting?

• Uptime. A self hosted rink is only up while the game or PC is running. Club nights and leagues need a server that is always there.
• Port forwarding and CGNAT. If your provider uses CGNAT, port forwarding will not work at all. Compare your router's WAN IP with your public IP to check.
• Your home IP is shown to everyone who joins.
• Updates. After every Puck patch, a self hosted dedicated server must be updated with SteamCMD before players on the new build can join.
• Hosting while playing. Running the server on the same PC you play on costs you frames and adds load at the moment you need it most.

When is paid Puck hosting worth it?

When your rink needs to be up for other people: a regular pickup night, a club with a password and whitelist, or a league with set teams. Because Puck is so light, it is also one of the cheapest games to rent.

A Puck server with GamezServers costs:

Every plan runs at 200 Hz, updates itself on every restart, has the port already open and puts period length, warmup, crease protection, goal slow motion, whitelist and admins in the panel. New customers get 50% off the first month, and you can split the bill with friends. The Puck hosting quick start walks through it in about a minute.

FAQ

Is it free to host a Puck server?

Yes. Self hosting from the game and the Puck dedicated server are both free. Only Puck's cloud servers need Patreon, and rented servers cost a monthly fee.

What port does a Puck server use?

Port 30609 by default, on both UDP and TCP. UDP carries gameplay and TCP answers the server browser.

Why can't my friends see my self hosted Puck server?

uPnP probably failed to open the port. Forward 30609 on UDP and TCP manually, check the firewall, and have friends try Direct Connect with your public IP.

Can I host a Puck server on Linux?

Yes. The dedicated server, Steam app 3481440, runs on Linux and Windows and downloads with an anonymous SteamCMD login.

How many players can a free Puck server hold?

You set the limit in server_config.json. A 6v6 with goalies needs 12 slots, and a home connection handles a full rink easily since B1235 cut bandwidth in half.