// MC-NODE BLOG

Game & server hosting guides

Honest comparisons, server explainers and hosting guides — written by the team behind 10,000+ servers.

Minecraft Realms or your own server: when do you outgrow Realms?
Minecraft

Minecraft Realms or your own server: when do you outgrow Realms?

Realms is the easiest way to play Minecraft together, but many groups hit its limits fast. We compare the two honestly on price, player cap, plugins and backups, and show you how to move your Realms world to a server of your own.

31 Aug 2026
Building your own minigames server: BedWars, SkyWars and a lobby
Minecraft

Building your own minigames server: BedWars, SkyWars and a lobby

BedWars and SkyWars on your own server? With Paper and BedWars1058 you'll be online faster than you think. Here's how to set up arenas, build a tidy lobby and tell when a real network with Velocity is actually needed.

31 Aug 2026
Moving your Minecraft server to a new host, step by step
Minecraft

Moving your Minecraft server to a new host, step by step

Switching to a new host does not have to cost you a single block of data. Make a complete backup, test on the new server while the old one keeps running, and only then switch your SRV record: that way you move without losing data and downtime stays down to minutes.

31 Aug 2026
Setting up your own Lifesteal SMP server: plugins, heart rules and PvP
Minecraft

Setting up your own Lifesteal SMP server: plugins, heart rules and PvP

Steal hearts on a kill, lose them permanently on death and get heartbanned at zero: Lifesteal is the SMP format of the moment. Here's how to build your own on Paper, from plugins and heart rules to spawn protection and moderation.

31 Aug 2026
Minecraft server at home vs renting: the honest trade-off
Minecraft

Minecraft server at home vs renting: the honest trade-off

Running a Minecraft server on your own PC is perfectly doable, as long as you know what you're getting into. We explain how home hosting works, do the honest maths on power costs and tell you when renting is the smarter choice.

31 Aug 2026
GTA 6 and FiveM in 2026: why your server still has a future
FiveM

GTA 6 and FiveM in 2026: why your server still has a future

Plenty of people are putting their FiveM plans on hold because GTA 6 is coming. No need: the game launches on console only, with no PC version and no roleplay platform. RP therefore stays on FiveM — and the hype is more likely to pull new players towards GTA RP.

31 Aug 2026
DayZ Badlands lands 15 October: how to prep your server for Nasdara
DayZ

DayZ Badlands lands 15 October: how to prep your server for Nasdara

DayZ Badlands arrives on 15 October with Nasdara: 267 km² of desert, the biggest official map ever. Here is how to prepare your server for the move, from map choice and loot economy to mods and the question of whether your plan can take it.

31 Aug 2026
The best Minecraft modpacks of 2026 to play with friends
Minecraft

The best Minecraft modpacks of 2026 to play with friends

Which modpack should you pick for your friend group in 2026? We line up ten options, from light vanilla+ packs to All the Mods 10 — ranked by how well they suit groups, with concrete RAM advice per pack for your server.

31 Aug 2026
Valheim mods on your server: BepInEx without the hassle
Valheim

Valheim mods on your server: BepInEx without the hassle

BepInEx turns your Valheim server into exactly the game your group wants. Here's how to install mods, know which ones your players need themselves and survive a game update without a broken server.

24 Aug 2026
Updating your FiveM server: artifacts, txAdmin and resources
FiveM

Updating your FiveM server: artifacts, txAdmin and resources

Your players' FiveM client updates itself automatically — your server doesn't. Here's how to update artifacts and resources without wrecking your server, and when it's smarter to wait.

24 Aug 2026
A Terraria server with TShock: plugins and management
Terraria

A Terraria server with TShock: plugins and management

TShock turns your Terraria server into a manageable community server with accounts, permissions and plugins, while players simply join with vanilla. Here's how to claim your superadmin, protect your spawn and make sure your world survives any griefer.

24 Aug 2026
Proximity voice chat on your server: installing Simple Voice Chat
Minecraft

Proximity voice chat on your server: installing Simple Voice Chat

With Simple Voice Chat you only talk to players standing nearby — perfect for roleplay and survival with friends. Here's how to install the mod, open the UDP port and set up groups and distances.

24 Aug 2026