FAQ
Questions about a specific game (commands, maps, plugins) live in that game's guides. This page covers how the service works.
- How does it work?
- Sign in with Steam, pick your game, a region and a mode, then deploy. Your server is ready in a few minutes, pre-configured. No config files, no SSH, no setup fee.
- How much does it cost?
- The smallest size is free once a week for 2 hours, so you can try before you buy. Beyond that, the price scales with server size and how long you run it, and longer sessions are cheaper per hour. Each game page shows its exact prices, and buying credits gets you better rates.
- How do I get free credits?
- Share your referral link (found on your account page). When a friend signs up and makes their first credit top-up, you both get $4. Your group ping test links also count as referral links.
- How long does it take to boot?
- 2-5 minutes depending on server size. You'll see real-time progress on the server card.
- Do I need to set up anything?
- No. Every server comes pre-configured with sensible defaults for the game you picked. Deploy it, share the connect details, and play.
- How do my friends join?
- The server card shows the exact connect details for your game (a console command, a direct IP, or an in-game server-browser entry). Share those with your friends and they connect straight to your server.
- Can I change the map or mode mid-game?
- On games with a web console, yes, from the map/mode dropdowns on your dashboard console. If the server needs to download files, players see a loading message in chat and the server switches automatically when ready.
- What happens when time runs out?
- You get a 30-minute grace period to join. Your paid time only starts when the first player connects. At the end, any unused grace time is added back. You'll see in-game warnings at 5 minutes and 1 minute before shutdown. You can extend anytime with credits.
- Can I set a server password?
- Yes — enter it when deploying. Only players with the password can join.
- What regions are available?
- 44 regions worldwide including US, EU, Asia, Middle East, South America, and Oceania. Use the group ping test to find the fairest region for your group.
- Do credits expire?
- No. Purchased credits never expire.
- What if my server fails to start?
- Your credits are automatically returned. If the failure wasted your time, get in touch — we usually cover these cases with bonus credits.
- Something went wrong mid-session. What do I do?
- Rare but it happens. First, reconnect: the server usually restarts itself within 10-15 seconds and you can rejoin with the same connect details.
Servers can also be sensitive to certain combinations of settings, custom content, and console commands. If an issue appeared right after changing a mode, loading a custom map, or running an unusual command, reverting that change often resolves it.
If it keeps happening or the server doesn't come back, reach out with your server ID and roughly when it happened. We'll make it right, usually with credits (often more generous than a straight refund), or a refund if you'd prefer. - I changed a setting and now the server is broken.
- Try switching back to the previous setting, or use the reset / restart control in the console to boot the server with default settings. If neither recovers it, get in touch: we can also restart the server from the dashboard.
- How do I contact support?
- Email support@2hours.gg.