How to Make a Game Server Private (Password, Whitelist, Hidden)

To make a game server private, set a join password, turn on a whitelist so only approved players get in, and hide the server from the public server list. A password is the quickest step, a whitelist is the strongest, and hiding the server stops strangers finding it. Using all three makes a server effectively friends only.

Every game handles privacy a little differently: some only have a password, some only a whitelist, and a few have both. This guide explains which method to use, then lists the exact setting or command for 15 popular games.

Password, whitelist or hidden: which should you use?

Use a whitelist when you want a server only named people can join, a password when you want a simple shared key for a friend group, and a hidden listing on top of either to keep strangers from trying. The three methods protect against different things.

Method	How it works	Best for	Weak spot
Join password	Anyone with the password can join	Small friend groups, quick setup	Passwords get shared on
Whitelist (allowlist)	Only listed accounts can join	Communities, long running worlds	You add each new player by hand
Hidden from the server list	The server is not shown publicly	Cutting down random visitors	Anyone with the address can still try
Ban list	Blocks specific accounts	Removing one problem player	Does not stop new strangers

A hidden server is not a private server on its own. Its address can still be found, shared or scanned, so always pair it with a password or a whitelist.

How do you make a server private in each game?

Here are the settings for popular games. File names are for a self hosted server. On GamezServers, the same options appear as plain settings in your panel, with the setting name shown below.

Game	Password	Whitelist	Hide from list
Minecraft: Java Edition	No built in password	`white-list=true` in `server.properties`, then `/whitelist add <name>`	Not listed by default
Minecraft: Bedrock Edition	No password	`allow-list=true`, then `allowlist add <name>`	Not listed by default
Valheim	`-password`, at least 5 characters	`permittedlist.txt` with Steam IDs	`-public 0`
Palworld	`ServerPassword` in `PalWorldSettings.ini`	No built in whitelist	Leave out `-publiclobby`
ARK: Survival Ascended	`ServerPassword`	`-exclusivejoin`, then `AllowPlayerToJoinNoCheck <EOS ID>`	Still listed, the password locks it
Rust	No join password	Through a whitelist plugin	No reliable option, use a whitelist plugin
Terraria	`password=` in `serverconfig.txt`	Through TShock	Not listed by default
Factorio	`game_password` in `server-settings.json`	`/whitelist add <name>`	`"visibility": {"public": false}`
Project Zomboid	`Password=` in `servertest.ini`	`Open=false`, then add accounts	`Public=false`
7 Days to Die	`ServerPassword` in `serverconfig.xml`	Through `serveradmin.xml`	`ServerVisibility` set to 0
Enshrouded	Friend password in `enshrouded_server.json`	Through user group passwords	No separate setting, rely on the password
Satisfactory	Join password set in game	No whitelist	Not listed publicly
DayZ	`password` in `serverDZ.cfg`	Through admin tools or mods	Still listed, the password locks it
Counter-Strike 2	`sv_password`	Through plugins	`sv_lan` is for LAN only, use a password
Hytale	Join password	`whitelist enable`, then `whitelist add <name>`	Depends on your listing

The game guides go deeper: Minecraft whitelist, Bedrock allowlist, Project Zomboid private server, Enshrouded passwords and permissions and FiveM whitelist.

How do you set up a whitelist step by step?

A whitelist takes a few minutes and is the safest way to keep a server private. The steps are similar in every game that supports one.

Collect each player's exact name or ID. Minecraft uses the player name, ARK uses the EOS ID, Valheim uses the Steam ID.
Add yourself first, so you do not lock yourself out.
Add every other player with the whitelist command or file.
Turn the whitelist on with the setting or the whitelist on style command.
Restart the server if your game only reads the setting on start.
Test with someone not on the list. They should be refused with a message such as "You are not whitelisted on this server!" in Minecraft.

On Minecraft Java 26.3 and later, the whitelist is on by default for new servers, so new players are refused until you add them. See Minecraft 26.3 for servers.

How do you choose a good server password?

Pick a password that is easy to share by voice or chat, but not easy to guess. Four random words or a mix of 10 or more letters and numbers works well.

Avoid the server name or game name inside the password.
Check the game's rules. Valheim needs at least 5 characters and cannot contain the server name.
Change it when someone leaves the group on bad terms, then share the new one only with current players.
Keep the admin password separate. The join password lets people play, the admin or RCON password gives full control. Never share the admin one.

What else keeps a private server safe?

A password and whitelist stop strangers joining, but a few more habits keep a private server safe from friends of friends and from attacks.

Give admin rights only to people who need them. Most griefing on private servers comes from someone who already had access.
Keep backups. If someone does get in and wrecks the world, you can roll back. See how to back up a game server.
Use DDoS protection. Private servers are rarely attacked, but a leaked address can still be flooded.
Do not host from home if you do not want friends to see your home IP. A hosted server has its own address. Our home hosting safety guide explains the risks.

Making a GamezServers server private

On GamezServers, the join password is in the Settings tab of your panel, and on many games you can set it at checkout too. Games that support a whitelist have a Whitelist only switch and a Whitelist player button, so you add friends with a click instead of typing commands. Every server also gets a private invite link at gamezservers.com/join/<code> with the address and join steps, which you can share instead of posting the address in a public channel. DDoS protection and one click backups come with every plan. See all games or the getting started docs.

FAQ

How do I make my game server friends only?

Set a join password and, if the game supports it, turn on a whitelist with each friend's name or ID. Then hide the server from the public list so strangers do not see it.

Is a password or a whitelist better?

A whitelist is stronger because it checks each account, so a leaked password does not let anyone in. A password is easier for groups that change often.

Can people find a server that is not on the server list?

Yes, if they have or find its address. Hiding a server cuts down random visitors, but it is not a lock, so always use a password or whitelist too.

Does a whitelist stop DDoS attacks?

No. A whitelist decides who can join the game, while DDoS attacks flood the server's network connection. You need network level DDoS protection for that.

How do I let a new friend join a whitelisted server?

Add their exact player name or ID with the game's whitelist command or panel button. Most games apply it straight away, and they can join without a restart.