Host Your Own Game Server at Home | No Port Forwarding, No Static IP Required
Minecraft, Valheim, Palworld, CS2, ARK, Rust, 7 Days to Die, Project Zomboid your PC can host any of them for free. The only thing stopping most players is getting friends connected across the internet. Localtonet solves that in minutes with a secure TCP or UDP tunnel, no router access needed.
📋 What's in this guide
Why Host Your Own Game Server?
Renting a dedicated game server costs money every single month even during weeks when nobody plays. Meanwhile, the PC on your desk is almost certainly powerful enough to run a server for you and your friends at zero extra cost. The obstacle has never been hardware. It's getting external players connected to your local machine without exposing your home network.
Most residential internet connections sit behind a router performing NAT (Network Address Translation), and many ISPs stack a second layer on top called CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT). Your PC has no directly reachable public IP. The old fix port forwarding requires router admin access, firewall rules, and a static IP that most ISPs charge extra for or don't provide at all.
Your machine opens an outbound encrypted connection to a public relay server. Friends connect to that relay's public address. The relay forwards traffic to your local game server. No inbound ports need to be open. No router access. No static IP. Works behind NAT, CGNAT, corporate firewalls, and even mobile data.
What Is Localtonet?
Localtonet is a multi-protocol tunneling platform that exposes any local service to the internet without port forwarding, firewall modifications, or VPN setup. It supports HTTP/HTTPS, TCP, UDP, mixed TCP+UDP, file server tunnels, and proxy tunnels all managed through a single dashboard with a REST API and support for custom domains.
For game server hosting, the critical tunnel types are TCP, UDP, and TCP+UDP mixed. Most competing tools including ngrok, which is widely used for web development do not support UDP at all, making them useless for the majority of multiplayer games. Localtonet handles all three, making it one of the only general-purpose tunneling platforms that works natively with the full range of game server protocols.
Self-Hosting with Localtonet
- No monthly server rental cost
- Full mod, rule, and settings control
- Uses hardware you already own
- Private, invite-only sessions
- Works on any internet connection
- No router or firewall changes needed
Things to Consider
- Server only runs when your PC is on
- Upload speed limits max player count
- Free plan port may change on restart
- Host latency affects all players
If your game uses UDP Valheim, CS2, Palworld, Factorio, ARK, and most survival and shooter titles ngrok will not work at all. Localtonet is one of the very few tunneling services with full UDP and mixed TCP+UDP support.
TCP, UDP, or TCP+UDP | Which Protocol Does Your Game Use?
Selecting the wrong tunnel type means players cannot connect at all. Every multiplayer game uses one of these three configurations. When in doubt, check the game's official server documentation it always lists the required port and protocol.
| Protocol | How It Works | Best For | Common Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCP | Ordered, reliable delivery. Slightly higher latency. | Turn-based, puzzle, text-heavy games | Minecraft Java, Terraria, Factorio (listen) |
| UDP | Fastest possible. No delivery confirmation. Low latency. | Real-time action, shooters, survival | Valheim, CS2, Palworld, Factorio (dedicated), Satisfactory |
| TCP UDP |
Both simultaneously. TCP for sessions, UDP for gameplay. | Complex games needing login + real-time combat | Rust, ARK: Survival Evolved, 7 Days to Die, Conan Exiles |
🪓 Survival & Open World Games
Survival games are the most popular category for self-hosted servers. These titles encourage long-term collaborative play on persistent worlds making a private, always-available server with your own rules ideal for friend groups.
UDP · 2456–2458
UDP · 8211
TCP+UDP · 7777
TCP+UDP · 28015
TCP+UDP · 26900
UDP · 16261
TCP+UDP · 7777
UDP · 9876
UDP · 15636
TCP+UDP · 2302
Survival games generate persistent world saves. Before starting a session, make sure your PC has an SSD
for faster world chunk loading, and keep regular backups of the save folder.
Most dedicated server tools store saves in a Saves or Worlds subdirectory.
🧱 Sandbox & Building Games
Sandbox games are ideal for self-hosting because private servers let you set your own rules, install mods freely, and maintain a persistent world only your group plays on something public servers can't guarantee.
TCP · 25565
UDP · 19132
TCP · 7777
UDP · 15777
UDP · 34197
UDP · 27016
TCP+UDP · 27500
TCP+UDP · 3001
TCP+UDP · 10823
🎯 Shooters, Action & Multiplayer Games
Action and shooter titles typically rely on UDP for the lowest possible latency on player movement and hit registration. Hosting your own server lets you control maps, game modes, tick rate, and player settings without relying on official matchmaking.
UDP · 27015
UDP · 27015
UDP · 27015
UDP · 27015
TCP+UDP · 7500
TCP · 21025
UDP · 7777
UDP · 27102
All Source engine games use the same default port: 27015 UDP for game traffic and
27005 UDP for the client. If you run multiple Source servers on the same machine,
increment the port number for each instance (27015, 27016, 27017...) and create a separate tunnel for each.
🧠 Strategy, RPG & Indie Multiplayer Games
Strategy and indie games often have smaller but highly dedicated player communities that benefit most from private self-hosted servers full control over game speed, difficulty, mods, and which players can join.
UDP · 27015
TCP+UDP · 25444
UDP · 7777
TCP+UDP · 27015
TCP+UDP · 10999
TCP+UDP · 8777
General Setup | Works for Any Game
The process is identical for all games listed above. Install the dedicated server software, run the Localtonet client, create a matching tunnel, and share the relay address with your friends.
Download and run the game's dedicated server software
Most games provide a free dedicated server tool in Steam under Library → Tools
(search for "[GameName] Dedicated Server"). Others use SteamCMD. Start the server software and note
the local IP (127.0.0.1) and port it listens on from the game's documentation.
Install and authenticate the Localtonet client
Download the Localtonet client for your OS (Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, Docker) from localtonet.com/download. Run it with your AuthToken from the My Tokens page in the dashboard. The client authenticates your device and connects to the relay network.
Create a TCP, UDP, or TCP+UDP tunnel in the dashboard
Open the
TCP-UDP tunnel page
at localtonet.com. Select the correct Protocol Type for your game
(see the Quick Reference table below). Choose your AuthToken, select a server region
close to your players, enter 127.0.0.1 as IP and your game's port number,
then click Create.
Start the tunnel and share the relay address
Click Start in the tunnel list. Localtonet will display a public relay address
in the format example.localto.net:XXXXX. Share this with your friends they enter it exactly as shown in the game's "Direct Connect" or "Add Server" screen.
(Optional) Reserve your port for a permanent address
Free plan tunnels may receive a new port after each restart. Go to Setting in the TCP-UDP tunnel page to reserve a port. Your address stays the same every session share it once and it never changes again.
Minecraft Dedicated Server | Complete Walkthrough
Minecraft Java Edition is the most popular game for self-hosted servers in the world. The server software is free, runs on any OS, and supports mods via Forge, Fabric, and Paper. A mid-range PC comfortably handles 5–15 players. Here's the complete setup.
A Set Up the Minecraft Java Server
Free · server.jarDownload server.jar
Get the latest server.jar from minecraft.net and place it in a new dedicated folder (e.g. C:\MinecraftServer).
Run it once and accept the EULA
Run java -jar server.jar. It generates config files then stops. Open eula.txt and change eula=false to eula=true, then save.
Start the server
Run the jar again. The server starts on 127.0.0.1:25565. Wait for the message "Done! For help, type 'help'". Keep this window open while the tunnel is running.
B Create the Localtonet TCP Tunnel
TCP · Port 25565Authenticate your device
Log in at localtonet.com, go to My Tokens, copy your AuthToken. Run the Localtonet client and enter the token when prompted.
Configure the tunnel
Navigate to localtonet.com/tunnel/tcpudp.
Set Protocol: TCP ·
IP: 127.0.0.1 ·
Port: 25565.
Select your AuthToken and preferred server region. Click Create.
Start the tunnel and connect
Press Start. Copy the relay address shown (e.g. example.localto.net:43218). Friends open Minecraft → Multiplayer → Add Server → paste the address → Join. Done.
Your tunnel is publicly accessible to anyone by default. Share the relay address only with players you trust. On a paid Localtonet plan, use IP Restrictions to whitelist specific IP addresses, ensuring only your friends can connect regardless of whether the address leaks.
Complete Port & Protocol Quick Reference
Use this table as your go-to reference when setting up a Localtonet tunnel for any game. Match the Tunnel Type column exactly when creating your tunnel in the dashboard.
| Game | Genre | Default Port(s) | Tunnel Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minecraft Java Edition | Sandbox | 25565 | TCP |
| Minecraft Bedrock Edition | Sandbox | 19132 | UDP |
| Palworld | Survival | 8211 | UDP |
| Valheim | Survival | 2456 | UDP |
| Counter-Strike 2 | Shooter | 27015 | UDP |
| Garry's Mod | Sandbox | 27015 | UDP |
| Team Fortress 2 | Shooter | 27015 | UDP |
| Left 4 Dead 2 | Co-op Shooter | 27015 | UDP |
| ARK: Survival Evolved | Survival | 7777 + 27015 | TCP+UDP |
| Rust | Survival | 28015 | TCP+UDP |
| 7 Days to Die | Survival | 26900 | TCP+UDP |
| Project Zomboid | Survival RPG | 16261 | UDP |
| Conan Exiles | Survival | 7777 | TCP+UDP |
| V Rising | Survival RPG | 9876 | UDP |
| Enshrouded | Survival | 15636 | UDP |
| Terraria | Sandbox | 7777 | TCP |
| Factorio | Strategy | 34197 | UDP |
| Satisfactory | Sandbox | 15777 | UDP |
| Space Engineers | Sandbox | 27016 | UDP |
| Don't Starve Together | Survival | 10999 | TCP+UDP |
| Barotrauma | Co-op RPG | 27015 | UDP |
| Starbound | Sandbox | 21025 | TCP |
| Eco | Strategy | 3001 | TCP+UDP |
| Farming Simulator 25 | Simulation | 10823 | TCP+UDP |
| Mordhau | Action | 7777 | UDP |
| Astroneer | Exploration | 8777 | TCP+UDP |
Localtonet vs. Other Tunneling Tools for Game Servers
Several tunneling services exist, but UDP support is the critical differentiator for game server hosting. Most tools simply don't support it.
| Feature | ngrok | Hamachi | ZeroTier | playit.gg | Localtonet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCP tunnels | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| UDP tunnels | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| TCP+UDP mixed | ✘ | ~ | ~ | ✘ | ✔ |
| HTTP/HTTPS tunnels | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| No software for friends | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Custom domains | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| REST API | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Works behind CGNAT | ✔ | ~ | ~ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Android native app | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Price | $10+/mo | $49/yr | Free/Paid | $3/mo | $2/tunnel/mo |
Performance Tips for Game Server Hosts
🌍 Choose a Relay Region Closest to Your Players
When creating your Localtonet tunnel, select the relay server region closest to your players not necessarily closest to you. A relay in Frankfurt cuts latency for European players even if the host is in Asia. This is the single biggest latency improvement you can make.
🔌 Use Wired Ethernet on the Hosting Machine
Wi-Fi introduces variable latency and occasional packet drops that compound severely in real-time multiplayer games. Connect the hosting PC to your router via Ethernet cable. Players notice the difference immediately, especially in CS2, Valheim, and ARK.
📌 Reserve a Port for Regular Sessions
Free plan tunnels may receive a new port number after each restart. Use Localtonet's Port Reservation add-on to lock your address permanently. Share the address once with your friend group it never changes.
👥 Set Player Slot Limits Based on Your Upload Speed
Each active player consumes roughly 1–2 Mbps of upload bandwidth for most survival and sandbox games. Run a speed test (fast.com or speedtest.net), check your upload result, and set the server's max player slots accordingly. Most residential connections comfortably support 5–15 players.
🔒 Use IP Restrictions for Private, Invite-Only Servers
Paid Localtonet plans include IP Restriction settings. Collect your friends' public IPs (they check at whatismyip.com) and whitelist only those addresses. Your server becomes completely invisible and unreachable to anyone not on the list no password needed.
💾 Keep Backups of Your World/Save Files
Tunneling doesn't protect against data loss. For games with persistent worlds (Minecraft, Valheim, ARK, Rust), schedule regular backups of the save folder. Many dedicated server tools have a built-in backup interval setting enable it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I host a Minecraft, Palworld, or Valheim server at home without port forwarding?
Yes. Localtonet creates an encrypted tunnel from your PC to a public relay. Friends connect to the relay address no port forwarding, no static IP, and no router configuration is needed on your end at all.
Do my friends need to install Localtonet too?
No. Only the host (you) needs Localtonet installed. Friends simply connect to the relay address you share, exactly as they would connect to any normal game server.
Does Localtonet work behind CGNAT or mobile data?
Yes. All Localtonet connections are outbound from your device, bypassing both NAT and CGNAT entirely. The Localtonet Android app also lets you host directly from a smartphone on mobile data.
My game uses UDP will Localtonet support it?
Yes. Localtonet fully supports UDP tunnels. This is a significant advantage over most competing services notably ngrok, which does not support UDP at all. Select UDP (or TCP+UDP for games that need both) when creating the tunnel in the dashboard.
What happens to my server address when I restart the tunnel?
On a free plan, the public port may change after each restart. Reserving a port (an Add-on feature on paid plans) locks your address permanently the same address is assigned every time you start the tunnel.
How many players can I host?
Localtonet places no player limit it forwards all traffic through the tunnel. The real limit is your PC's CPU, RAM, and your internet upload speed. A rough guide: most games need 1–2 Mbps upload per player. A 20 Mbps upload connection can comfortably support 10–15 active players.
Is there a bandwidth limit on Localtonet?
Paid plans include unlimited bandwidth at $2 per tunnel per month. The free tier has usage limits that may affect extended gaming sessions with multiple players, so long-running servers are best on a paid plan.
Can I run multiple game servers on the same machine?
Yes. Create one Localtonet tunnel per server, each pointing to a different local port. For example, a Minecraft server on port 25565 and a Valheim server on port 2456 can both run simultaneously, each with its own public relay address.
Ready to Host Your Own Game Server?
Install Localtonet, create a TCP or UDP tunnel matching your game's protocol, and share the relay address. Your server can be live in under five minutes no port forwarding, no static IP, no monthly hosting bill.
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