What is the difference with hosting a server via 3rd party provider vs through the game?

[DugiHowser]

I'm looking to host an RP server with tasteful mods however I am not sure which way to go about it. I am already hosting a in game server with my friends but would like to make it public. Any advice will be appreciated :)

[Skarth]

Private hosting uses your own computer and internet. You have more control of the server and the performance is based on the computer running it and your internet connection.

A 3rd party host will have a dedicated virtual server to run the server, which is better if you want constant uptime or don't have a strong PC/internet connection.

3rd party is ideal for larger servers or ones you want running all the time, if it's for small casual use and you don't mind the performance hit, local will be ok and doesn't cost extra.

[DugiHowser]

Originally posted by Skarth:

Private hosting uses your own computer and internet. You have more control of the server and the performance is based on the computer running it and your internet connection.

A 3rd party host will have a dedicated virtual server to run the server, which is better if you want constant uptime or don't have a strong PC/internet connection.

3rd party is ideal for larger servers or ones you want running all the time, if it's for small casual use and you don't mind the performance hit, local will be ok and doesn't cost extra.

Thank you so much for explaining.
I have a very good latest spec PC with 1 gig internet, would I be able to host and have the server run all the time? I leave my PC on 99% of the time anyway. Or would you still recommend the 3rd party route? I don't mind paying extra to rent one if that is the must have.
Also, what is the difference between "white listed" servers?

Thanks again!

[LYNX Scout]

I run a server on my PC .. which at this stage its prob a potato. :) Only had 2 other ppl on at once but I have not yet had an issue. I just boot it up when we're all around to play. Scheduled playtimes for RP servers might work better anyway (kinda like how one would schedule playing a D&D campaign, if its only a few folks, etc.) Though these days I've noticed if I quit the game completely, I can't get the MP server to boot back up, I need to reboot my PC first., so now PZ sits on the main menu 24/7 now as I hate turning my old PC off. (I need an intervention, a SSD, or both, cause my drive is dyyyyiiinnnnggg). It's really distorting my hours played stat <3

But just here to point out even a tater seems to be running a server well :)

[DugiHowser]

Originally posted by EnigmaGrey:

You don't have to host in-game, if that's part of the question.

Grab the dedicated server package from the Tools section on Steam (in the list, click where it says Games and select Tools), open the ports on your router/firewall (16261, 16262, 8766 as UDP), and run the startserver-64.bat to start it. Then you have a dedicated server. That means it won't close when you log off the game.

All that just went over my head :( But Ill see if there is a video about it somewhere thank you!

[DugiHowser]

Originally posted by EnigmaGrey:

Originally posted by DugiHowser:

All that just went over my head :( But Ill see if there is a video about it somewhere thank you!

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2682141370

This might help?

Followed the steps, got as far as setting up sever settings, my ports, and launching via the bat file.. However, I cannot find my server when I try to join. Do I still host it like a private server or join as if I searched for one?