This overview explains what game server panels are, what they do, and which ones we cover on HostingBuff. Find the right panel for your hosting needs.

01 // What Are Game Server Panels?

Game server panels are web-based management interfaces that allow you to easily create, configure, and manage multiple game servers from a single dashboard. They simplify the process of hosting game servers by providing a user-friendly interface for common tasks like:

  • Creating and deleting game servers
  • Starting, stopping, and restarting servers
  • Editing server configuration files
  • Monitoring server performance and player activity
  • Installing mods and plugins
  • Managing user accounts and permissions

02 // Supported Panels

HostingBuff provides comprehensive guides for setting up and using the most popular game server panels. Here are the panels we currently cover:

Free & Open Source

Pterodactyl Panel

The most popular open-source game server management panel. Supports over 200 games with Docker-based servers.

Beginner Friendly
 Free • CLI • 100+ Games

LinuxGSM (Linux Game Server Manager)

The lightest panel that exists — pure bash scripts, zero daemons, 100+ supported games. Includes interactive game picker, systemd unit, cron automation, Discord alerts, and 10 common-problem fixes.

18 sections · 20 min read
 Commercial • Polished

AMP by CubeCoders

Premium game server panel with 100+ supported games, one-line installer, and commercial support. Works on Linux and Windows.

Beginner Friendly
 Free • Windows • GUI

WindowsGSM

Free, GUI-based game server manager for Windows. Zero Linux knowledge required. Run Minecraft, Rust, ARK, CS2, Valheim & more with point-and-click simplicity.

Beginner Friendly

03 // Choosing the Right Panel

When selecting a game server panel, consider these factors:

  • Technical Expertise — Some panels like Pterodactyl are beginner-friendly with web interfaces, while others like LinuxGSM require command-line knowledge.
  • Number of Servers — If you're running multiple game servers, a panel with multi-server support is essential.
  • Game Support — Ensure the panel supports the specific games you want to host.
  • Hosting Requirements — Some panels have higher system requirements than others.
  • Features Needed — Consider if you need features like automatic backups, mod management, or player banning.
Tip

Start with Pterodactyl if you're new to game server panels. It's the most user-friendly with the best community support.

04 // Hosting Requirements

  • Operating System — Most panels require a Linux VPS (Ubuntu 20.04+ recommended).
  • RAM — Minimum 8GB for the panel itself, plus additional RAM for each game server.
  • CPU — Modern multi-core processor recommended.
  • Storage — Minimum 20GB NVMe storage, more for multiple servers.
  • Network — 100Mbps+ dedicated bandwidth for good player experience.
Recommended Hosting

Hostinger KVM 2 — Perfect for Panel Hosting

8GB RAM, 2 vCPU, 100GB NVMe. Ideal for running Pterodactyl or LinuxGSM with 1-2 game servers. €8.49/month.

Get KVM 2 →
Alternative — Managed Hosting

Nitrado — One-Click Game Servers

Prefer a managed option? Nitrado sets up your server in under 2 minutes. No Linux, no terminal, no maintenance — they handle everything. Perfect for beginners who want to focus on playing, not server admin.

Get Nitrado →