Rent a Core Keeper server
On a server without a graphics card, Core Keeper needs a virtual display and compiles shaders in software. How long that takes decides whether the server is ready in four minutes or in 40 seconds.
Core Keeper server: tiers and prices
All prices are final prices under § 19 UStG (German small-business rule), billed monthly in advance. No direct debit, no renewal without your payment.
| Tier | Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|
| S2 GB · 2 vCPU · 10 GB | 2 GB · 2 vCPU · 10 GB | 2.99 €/month |
| MRecommended4 GB · 3 vCPU · 15 GB | 4 GB · 3 vCPU · 15 GB | 5.89 €/month |
| L6 GB · 4 vCPU · 25 GB | 6 GB · 4 vCPU · 25 GB | 8.69 €/month |
What you can configure yourself
Core Keeper doesn't have its own settings editor yet. Under “Settings” in the panel you'll find the start values: world name, world index, seed, game mode, player count, Game ID, password and automatic updates. They apply on the next start. Worlds and logs are reachable via the file manager or SFTP.
Four minutes on first start, then about 40 seconds
Without a graphics card the Core Keeper server renders in software, which recompiles every shader on each start unless there's a cache. Here that cache stays with the server. Measured on 24.10.2026: the very first start took 3:49 minutes, every later one 34 to 42 seconds.
To be honest: after a game update the first start may be slow again, because the shaders may have changed. We haven't measured that yet. If the server takes a few minutes after an update, that's this step, not a crash.
Crossplay: Game ID or IP
Steam players join via the Game ID, without address or port. Players on Epic, Xbox/Microsoft Store and GOG use “Join via IP” with address, port and password. The Game ID isn't a secret; it's public in the Steam server query. If you want Game ID and password to stay the same across restarts, set both under “Settings” in the panel.
The hardware your server runs on
- Processor
- Xeon Gold 6138
- Clock (turbo)
- 3.7 GHz
- Location
- Frankfurt am Main
- Upload
- up to 10 Gbit/s
- Storage
- Mirrored SSD
Included with every server
- Dedicated RAM, no overbooking, no shared reserves
- DDoS protection included
- A backup every night, the last 7 kept, plus on demand
- Full spec sheet and server console in the control panel
- Provisioning typically under five minutes, fully automatic
- File manager and SFTP access
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the Game ID?
The server writes it to GameID.txt on start; open it in the file manager. Steam players enter it in the game under “Join”.
Can players on Xbox, Epic or GOG join?
Yes, via “Join via IP” with address and port from the panel and the server password. The password is in GameInfo.txt and only applies to that route.
Why does the first start take so long?
Because on the very first start the server compiles the shaders for software rendering, 3:49 minutes here. After that they're cached and a start takes 34 to 42 seconds.
What happens when Core Keeper updates?
With “Auto Update” on in the panel (default), the server checks for a new version via SteamCMD on every start. After an update the first start may take a few minutes again, because the shaders get recompiled.
Have you tested joining?
The Steam server query answers from outside here with name and version. We haven't joined with a real game client yet, neither via Game ID nor via IP. If it doesn't work, open a ticket.
How do I back up my world?
In the panel under “Backups”: back up now, restore, lock. Regular backups go under “Schedules”.
Do I have to cancel when I want to stop?
No. Billing is monthly in advance: if you don't pay the next invoice, the contract ends with the paid period. You can cancel at any time via “Cancel contract” in the client area, effective at the end of the paid period. After that the server is suspended and deleted three days later, backups included. Download your world from the “Backups” tab first.
More on Core Keeper
Start your Core Keeper server
Ordering, provisioning and management all run through the same control panel. If something breaks, you write to a person, not a queue.
Other games
Same hardware, same control panel:
MRMedia provides hosting for this game, nothing more. We are not affiliated with, endorsed or sponsored by the rights holder. You need to own the game separately.