Self-Hosted Game Server Platforms: Minetest vs OpenTTD vs OpenRA

Running your own multiplayer game server gives you complete control over the gaming experience — no subscription fees, no rate limits, no dependency on official matchmaking services. Open-source game platforms take this a step further by providing fully moddable, extensible engines that you can customize, host, and share with your community.

In this guide, we compare three of the most popular self-hostable open-source game server platforms: Minetest (voxel game engine), OpenTTD (transport simulation), and OpenRA (real-time strategy engine). Each represents a different genre and offers unique modding capabilities, community ecosystems, and server deployment options.

What Are Self-Hosted Game Server Platforms?

A self-hosted game server platform is an open-source game engine that includes both the client (what players see) and the server (the multiplayer backend that synchronizes game state). By hosting the server yourself, you control the game world, manage player access, install custom mods and maps, and maintain uptime on your own schedule.

Unlike proprietary games that require you to rent servers from the developer or a third-party hosting provider, open-source game platforms let you run the server on any hardware — a spare PC, a Raspberry Pi, or a cloud VPS. This is ideal for communities, schools, LAN party organizers, or anyone who wants a persistent game world without ongoing hosting costs.

Minetest

Minetest (recently renamed to Luanti) is an open-source voxel game engine inspired by Minecraft, but with a fundamentally different philosophy: it’s a game creation platform, not just a game. The engine provides a modding API, and the actual gameplay comes from mods (called “games” in Minetest terminology) that define the rules, items, and mechanics.

Key Features

• Modding-first architecture — everything is a mod, from terrain generation to gameplay mechanics
• Lua-based API — extensive scripting support for custom game modes and server logic
• Built-in game server — dedicated server mode with headless operation
• World generation — procedurally generated infinite worlds with customizable mapgen
• Multiplayer support — LAN and internet multiplayer with player authentication
• Texture packs — swap visual styles without changing gameplay
• Active mod ecosystem — thousands of community-created mods and games
• Cross-platform — runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, and BSD

Deploying a Minetest Server

Minetest ships with a dedicated server binary (minetestserver) that runs headlessly, making it ideal for Docker deployment:

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version: "3.8"
services:
  minetest:
    image: linuxserver/minetest:latest
    container_name: minetest-server
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "30000:30000/udp"
    environment:
      - PUID=1000
      - PGID=1000
      - TZ=UTC
      - SERVER_NAME=My Minetest Server
      - SERVER_PORT=30000
      - MAX_PLAYERS=20
      - CREATIVE_MODE=false
    volumes:
      - ./minetest-config:/config
      - ./minetest-world:/world

Configure your server settings in the Minetest configuration file:

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# minetest.conf
server_name = My Minetest Server
server_description = A self-hosted voxel world
server_address = games.example.com
max_users = 20
creative_mode = false
enable_damage = true
default_game = minetest_game

For a public server, configure your firewall to allow UDP traffic on port 30000 and optionally set up a reverse DNS entry so players can find your server in the public server list.

When to Choose Minetest

Minetest is the best choice for communities that want a customizable, moddable voxel world with persistent multiplayer. It’s ideal for creative building projects, educational environments, or any group that wants to define their own game rules. The Lua modding API is powerful enough to create entirely different game genres within the same engine.

OpenTTD

OpenTTD is an open-source reimplementation of Transport Tycoon Deluxe, a classic transport simulation game from 1994. It extends the original with modern features like larger maps, multiplayer support, enhanced bot opponents, and a massive library of custom content (new graphics, vehicles, and maps).

Key Features

• Transport simulation — build and manage railways, roads, shipping lines, and air routes
• Multiplayer support — up to 255 players in a single game session
• Dedicated server — headless server mode for persistent game worlds
• NewGRF system — extensive modding support for custom vehicles, industries, and graphics
• Custom bot opponents — programmable computer-controlled opponents that compete with human players
• Save game compatibility — load and continue games from years ago
• Cross-platform — runs on virtually every operating system
• Active community — decades of community-created content and ongoing development

Deploying an OpenTTD Server

OpenTTD includes a dedicated server mode that can be run headlessly:

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version: "3.8"
services:
  openttd:
    image: andrewmackrodt/openttd:latest
    container_name: openttd-server
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "3979:3979"
      - "3979:3979/udp"
    volumes:
      - ./openttd-config:/home/openttd/.local/share/openttd
      - ./openttd-save:/home/openttd/.local/share/openttd/save
    command: ["-D", "-n", "0.0.0.0:3979"]

OpenTTD server configuration uses an INI-style format:

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[server]
server_name = OpenTTD Community Server
server_password = 
server_admin_password = admin-secret
server_max_clients = 255
server_max_spectators = 10
server_game_type = public
server_lang = en

[game]
map_x = 2048
map_y = 2048
landscape = temperate
start_year = 1950

OpenTTD’s master server list automatically registers your server if you configure server_game_type = public. Players can find and join your server through the in-game server browser.

When to Choose OpenTTD

OpenTTD excels for groups that enjoy long-running, strategic transport simulation with persistent worlds. A single game session can last months or years, with players collaboratively building a transport empire. It’s ideal for communities that value cooperative strategy over fast-paced action, and the NewGRF system means you can customize nearly every visual and gameplay element.

OpenRA

OpenRA is an open-source game engine that recreates the classic Command & Conquer games (Red Alert, Tiberian Dawn, and Dune 2000) with modern networking, balance updates, and quality-of-life improvements. It’s a real-time strategy platform that honors the original games while adding modern multiplayer features.

Key Features

• Three game mods — Red Alert, Tiberian Dawn, and Dune 2000 from one engine
• Dedicated server — headless server with lobby management and match recording
• Modern networking — NAT traversal, replay system, and matchmaking support
• Balance patches — community-driven balance updates that improve competitive play
• Map editor — built-in editor for creating custom multiplayer maps
• Replay system — record and replay matches for analysis and spectating
• Cross-platform — runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS
• Active competitive scene — regular tournaments and ladder play

Deploying an OpenRA Server

OpenRA includes a dedicated server binary that can be run in headless mode:

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version: "3.8"
services:
  openra:
    image: openra/openra-dedicated:latest
    container_name: openra-server
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "1234:1234"
      - "5500:5500"
    volumes:
      - ./openra-config:/root/.openra
      - ./openra-maps:/root/.openra/maps
    environment:
      - OPENRA_MOD=ra
      - OPENRA_NAME=OpenRA Community Server

Configure the server through the settings.yaml file:

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Server:
  Name: OpenRA Community Server
  ListenPort: 1234
  AdvertiseOnline: true
  Password: 
  Map: "official_maps/lmd_red_alert_remix.map"
  RecordReplays: true
  EnableSingleplayer: false

Game:
  FloodLimitJoinCooldown: 5000
  IdleTimeout: 120
  AllowSpectators: true
  EnableSingleplayer: false

OpenRA servers register with the official master server list automatically when AdvertiseOnline: true is set. Players discover your server through the game’s built-in server browser.

When to Choose OpenRA

OpenRA is the ideal platform for competitive real-time strategy communities. It’s perfect for groups that want to host tournaments, run ranked ladders, or maintain persistent game servers for classic C&C gameplay. The replay system and balance patches make it suitable for serious competitive play.

Comparison Table

Why Self-Host Your Game Server?

Running your own game server means zero monthly hosting fees. Commercial game server hosting can cost $10-50/month per game, and those costs add up quickly when you’re running multiple game types. With open-source platforms, you deploy on any hardware you already own — a home server, a Raspberry Pi, or a low-cost VPS.

Self-hosted game servers also give you complete administrative control. Set your own rules, manage player access through allowlists or password protection, install any mods you choose, and control server uptime. You’re not bound by a hosting provider’s terms of service, mod restrictions, or scheduled maintenance windows.

For communities and educational institutions, self-hosted game servers provide a safe, controlled environment. Teachers can create custom learning worlds in Minetest, universities can host OpenTTD sessions for urban planning courses, and gaming clubs can run OpenRA tournaments without external dependencies.

Open-source game platforms also benefit from community-driven development. Bug fixes, balance updates, and new features come from passionate contributors rather than corporate roadmaps. This means the games you host today will still be actively developed years from now.

For game server management, check our Pterodactyl game server panel guide and our game streaming article covering remote play solutions.

FAQ

Can I host a Minetest server on a Raspberry Pi?

Yes. Minetest’s dedicated server is lightweight and runs well on a Raspberry Pi 4 with 2GB+ RAM. The minetestserver binary uses minimal resources when running headlessly, and a Pi can comfortably serve 10-20 concurrent players for a basic survival or creative world. For heavily modded worlds or large player counts, consider a more powerful server.

How do I make my OpenTTD server appear in the public server list?

Set server_game_type = public in your openttd.cfg file and ensure your server’s port (default 3979) is accessible from the internet. OpenTTD’s master server automatically detects and lists public servers. If your server is behind NAT, configure port forwarding on your router. The server will appear in the game’s built-in server browser within a few minutes.

Does OpenRA support private servers?

Yes. Set AdvertiseOnline: false in your settings.yaml to keep your server off the public master list. Players can still connect directly using the server’s IP address and port. You can also set a server password to restrict access to invited players only.

What mods should I install on a new Minetest server?

For a new server, start with a complete game like minetest_game (the default survival experience) or Voxelibre (a more feature-rich alternative). Popular additions include xdecor for decorative blocks, beds for player spawn points, home for teleportation, and protector for area protection. Install mods by placing them in your world’s worldmods directory or the global mods directory.

How do I backup a Minetest world?

The Minetest world data is stored in the worlds/ directory (or your Docker volume mount). To create a backup, simply copy the world directory while the server is stopped or use a snapshot tool. For automated backups, schedule a cron job that copies the world data to a backup location. Minetest also supports SQLite or PostgreSQL for world storage, which can be backed up using standard database tools.

Can players join my OpenRA server from behind NAT?

Yes, OpenRA includes built-in NAT traversal using STUN servers. Players behind home routers can connect to your server without port forwarding on their end. Your server does need to be reachable — either through port forwarding, a public IP, or a tunnel service. The lobby system also supports relay servers for players who cannot connect directly.