Setting up a server for any game on your own can be a challenge, so if you are not technically inclined (or if you just have better ways to spend your time) then signing on with a professional host can be a great option. In most cases, going with a hosting service will allow you to be up and running with a fairly minimal amount of fuss. Depending on the service you choose, you will still be able to have a large amount of control over your server, but without the headaches of getting the server going and dealing with any issues that might arise. Even choosing a host can seem a bit intimidating if you've never done it before, so read on for a brief primer on making the best choice possible.
Understand Pricing Schemes
It probably seems obvious, but starting with a solid budget in mind needs to be your first step. Once you know the maximum amount that you're willing to spend on your server, you can move on to comparing plans that fit within it. The vast majority of game hosting companies provide monthly rates, but many also offer annual plans at a discounted price. These cheaper plans are why it's so important to have a budget in mind upfront. If you can afford it, going with an annual plan will usually save you money and allow you to get a server with more features at a cheaper price. The downside, of course, is that you are stuck with the server you've chosen for a year.
Pay Attention to Guarantees
Whether you're hosting a Rust server for yourself and a few friends or for the wider world to enjoy, you're going to want it to be reliable and fast. Unfortunately, reviews can only get you so far and there's no substitute for trying a hosting service out for yourself. Many hosting services provide guarantees that allow you to refund your first month's fee if you are not happy with your service. This type of guarantee may not be a deal breaker, but it can be worth considering if two plans are otherwise similar. If you are considering an annual plan, it may make sense to do a trial run for a month at the higher monthly rate before committing to a yearly plan.
Don't Overbuy
Server providers will usually guarantee performance for specific player counts. If you know how many people will be playing on your server, then it doesn't make sense to pay for extra capacity. While higher capacity usually means that you have access to a greater number of resources (i.e. RAM or processing power), those resources are wasted if your server won't have enough people to utilize them. Hosting companies are familiar enough with the games they host that you can generally trust their player count estimates, so there is very little to gain by buying more server than you need. If you aren't sure about how many players you will have on your server, however, it can make sense to give yourself a little head room to avoid performance issues.
Choosing the right hosting company to manage your Rust server for you can take a bit of research, but it doesn't have to be rocket science. A little time spent reading reviews, comparing prices, and understanding your needs will get you up and running in no time at all. For more information, contact companies like Host Havoc.
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