15 Questions to Ask a Game Server Host Before Buying

Before paying a game server host, ask it a handful of direct questions by email or chat: how much RAM the plan really has, where backups are stored and if you can download them, if you get SFTP, how cancellation and refunds work, and how fast support replies at night. The answers matter, but so does how you get them. A quick, specific reply from someone who knows your game is the best preview of the support you will get when your world breaks.

How to use this list

You do not need all fifteen. Pick the ones that matter for your game and group, paste them into one message, and send it before buying. Most answers should also be on the host's site; asking anyway tests the support team.

About the plan

1. How much RAM does this plan have, and is it reserved for my server?

Good answer: a number in GB, and "yes, reserved" or a clear explanation of how sharing works. Warning sign: "it depends", "unlimited" or an answer in player slots only.

2. What CPU does it run on, and how many vCPU do I get?

Good answer: a CPU family or generation and a vCPU count. Most game servers care about single core speed, so a high clock matters more than core count. See what vCPU means on a game server plan. Warning sign: no idea, or only "powerful hardware".

3. Is there a player cap on the plan, or only the game's own cap?

Good answer: tells you whether the plan limits players or you set max players yourself, and mentions the game's own cap where there is one.

4. Where is the server located?

Good answer: a city or region you can test ping to. How to choose a server location for low ping explains how to test.

About your files

5. Do I get a file manager and SFTP?

Good answer: yes to both, with no extra charge. Warning sign: "we install mods for you" with no file access.

6. Where are backups stored, how often are they taken, and can I download them?

Good answer: off the server, on a schedule or on demand, restorable by you, downloadable as a file. Warning sign: backups on the same machine, or "contact support to restore".

7. Can I upload a world I already have?

Good answer: yes, through SFTP or the file manager, sometimes with a guide for your game.

8. What happens to my files if I cancel or a payment fails?

Good answer: a grace period of days or weeks, and you can still download during it. Warning sign: immediate deletion.

About the game

9. Which server types or loaders can I run?

For Minecraft: Paper, Purpur, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge. For Rust: Oxide or Carbon. For Terraria: tModLoader or TShock. Ask for the exact one you need. See what mod support means on a host.

10. How do game updates work?

Good answer: explains if the server updates on restart, how to hold an older version for mods, and if a backup is taken first. See should you auto update a game server.

11. Can I switch to another game later without a new subscription?

Useful if your group moves between games. See one game server for multiple games.

About billing

12. Is there a contract or minimum term, and how do I cancel?

Good answer: monthly, no contract, cancel yourself from the panel or billing page.

13. What is your refund policy for new customers?

Good answer: a specific window, like a number of hours or days after first payment. Warning sign: "at our discretion".

14. Can I upgrade or downgrade without losing my world?

Good answer: yes, prorated, same address. See how to upgrade a game server plan without losing your world.

About support

15. How do I reach support, and how fast do you reply at night and on weekends?

Good answer: a channel and an honest typical reply time. Warning sign: no answer to this very message for several days.

A message you can copy

Hi, I'm looking at a server for [game] for about [number] players,
[vanilla / with mods: list].

1. How much RAM and vCPU does the [plan name] plan have?
2. Do I get SFTP and a file manager?
3. Where are backups stored, and can I download and restore them myself?
4. Can I run [server type, e.g. Fabric 1.21.11 / Oxide]?
5. How do cancellation and refunds work for a new customer?
6. Where is the server located?

Thanks!

Reading the reply

• Speed. Note how long it took.
• Specific vs generic. Did they answer your numbered questions, or paste a sales page?
• Knowledge of your game. A good reply mentions your game's specifics, like the modloader or the save folder.
• Honesty. "We don't support that" is a good answer. It means the rest of the answers are probably true too.

If the reply raises doubts, compare it with red flags when choosing a game server host and the broader 12 point checklist.

Our answers

Since we are a host, here are ours. RAM is listed on every plan, priced at about 2.50 USD per GB a month, with vCPU and a suggested player count shown on the plan card. Every server has a file manager, SFTP, a live console and one click backups stored off the server that you restore yourself. You can switch game or server type from the panel, change plans any time with prorated billing, and cancel from the panel with no contract; files are kept for 14 days after your paid time ends. New customers get 50% off the first month and a full refund within 72 hours of the first payment if it is not right. Support is 24/7 at support@gamezservers.com, so feel free to send us the message above. Or pick a game and see the plans.

FAQ

What should I ask a game server host before buying?

Ask about RAM, CPU, location, file access and SFTP, backups, cancellation, refunds and support hours. Those decide most of your experience.

Is it normal to email a host before buying?

Yes. Good hosts expect it, and the reply shows you how their support works before you depend on it.

What is the most important question?

Getting your files out: SFTP plus downloadable backups. Everything else can be fixed by moving, and moving needs your files.

What if the host does not reply?

Treat it as your answer. If a host is slow to reply when it wants your money, it will not be faster once it has it.