How much does a game server cost by the hour?
Most hosts charge a monthly subscription: you pay for the whole month, even when the server is off. TickServ bills by the hour — you only pay for the time you actually play.
The idea: pay as you go
- You top up a prepaid wallet (whatever amount you like).
- Every started hour a server is running is charged to your wallet.
- Server off = €0: no standby fees, no storage fees.
- The rate depends on the RAM and the performance (Eco = shared vCPU, Dedicated = dedicated vCPU) you choose.
When is it cheaper than a subscription?
If you play in sessions — a few hours a week, with friends — paying by the hour almost always works out cheaper, because a subscription also bills you for all the time nobody is playing.
If, on the other hand, your server needs to stay on 24/7 around the clock, a subscription can become competitive again.
The detailed comparison, with a worked cost example helps you place your budget according to how often you play.
Estimating your budget
Just do the math: hours played per month × hourly rate. A group that plays 3 hours a week spends a handful of euros a month — far from a full-price monthly plan. The cost simulator, in the console, gives you an estimate before you dive in.
No nasty surprises
- No subscription, no commitment, no automatic renewal.
- VAT included in the displayed price.
- Your unused balance is refundable.
Create your server — your first session is free.