Server Setup Guide for [People Playground (multiplayer mods)] Gamers

Game Server Requirements

Setting up a dedicated server for People Playground with multiplayer mods, while not as resource-intensive as some AAA titles, still necessitates a careful consideration of hardware and network specifications to ensure a fluid and enjoyable experience for all participants. The core principle guiding these requirements is the need to process physics simulations, synchronize player actions, and manage the state of a potentially complex and dynamic virtual environment across multiple clients.

At the heart of any server lies the Central Processing Unit (CPU). For People Playground, which relies heavily on physics calculations and object interactions, a CPU with a high single-core clock speed is often more beneficial than a large number of cores with lower individual speeds. While the game itself may not be inherently multi-threaded to the extent of distributing all physics calculations across numerous cores, the underlying operating system and other server processes will benefit from a modern architecture. A quad-core processor, such as an Intel i5 (8th generation or newer) or an AMD Ryzen 5 (2000 series or newer), operating at a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz or higher, is generally recommended as a baseline. For servers anticipating a higher player count or more elaborate mod configurations, an Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 with a clock speed exceeding 3.5 GHz would provide a more robust foundation, minimizing potential bottlenecks during intense gameplay scenarios. The cache size of the CPU also plays a subtle but important role, as larger caches can reduce latency in data access, leading to smoother processing of game logic.

Random Access Memory (RAM) is another critical component, serving as the temporary workspace for the server to store game data, player information, and mod assets. For a basic People Playground server with a few players and light mod usage, 4 GB of RAM dedicated solely to the server application might suffice. However, as the number of players increases, or if more complex and resource-intensive multiplayer mods are introduced, the RAM requirements will escalate significantly. Each additional player and mod can consume a portion of the server's memory, and insufficient RAM will lead to frequent disk swapping, causing severe performance degradation and lag. A more practical recommendation for a dedicated People Playground server, especially one intended for public use or with a substantial mod list, would be 8 GB of RAM. For servers aiming for maximum stability and accommodating a larger community, 16 GB of RAM would offer ample headroom, preventing memory-related performance issues even under heavy load. It is also important to consider the type of RAM; DDR4 or DDR5 memory with higher clock speeds (e.g., 2666 MHz or higher) will offer better performance compared to older, slower generations.

Storage, while not as directly impactful on real-time performance as CPU or RAM, is crucial for server responsiveness and reliability. The operating system, game files, mod files, and server logs all reside on the storage drive. A Solid State Drive (SSD) is highly recommended over a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD) for the server's primary drive. SSDs offer significantly faster read and write speeds, which translates to quicker server startup times, faster loading of game assets and mods, and more responsive saving of game states. This can be particularly noticeable when the server needs to load large mod packs or when multiple players are interacting with the environment simultaneously, requiring frequent data access. A 120 GB SSD would be a minimum for the operating system and game files, but a 240 GB or 500 GB SSD would provide more comfortable space for future updates, additional mods, and server backups. For larger server deployments, NVMe SSDs offer even greater performance, though the benefits for People Playground might be less pronounced compared to applications with extremely high I/O demands.

Network connectivity is paramount for any multiplayer game server. The server needs a stable and sufficiently fast internet connection to communicate with all connected clients without excessive latency or packet loss. Both upload and download speeds are important, though upload speed is often the more critical factor for a game server, as it is constantly sending game state updates to all players. A minimum symmetrical connection of 50 Mbps (megabits per second) is a reasonable starting point for a small server with a few players. However, for a more robust experience with a higher player count and complex mod interactions, a symmetrical connection of 100 Mbps or higher is strongly advised. Latency, measured in milliseconds (ms), is equally important. A low-latency connection ensures that player actions are registered quickly and that the game state is synchronized efficiently across all clients. Servers located geographically closer to the majority of their player base will naturally experience lower latency. Furthermore, a stable connection, free from frequent disconnections or significant jitter (variations in latency), is essential for a smooth gameplay experience. The server should ideally be connected via a wired Ethernet connection rather than Wi-Fi to minimize potential interference and maximize stability.

Finally, the operating system (OS) choice, while not directly a hardware requirement, significantly impacts server performance and management. Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu Server or Debian, are often preferred for game servers due to their lightweight nature, stability, and robust command-line interface, which allows for efficient resource management ( Linux System Programming ). Windows Server is also a viable option, particularly for those more familiar with the Windows ecosystem, but it generally consumes more resources than a comparable Linux distribution ( Windows Server Administration Fundamentals ). Regardless of the OS, it is crucial to keep it updated with the latest security patches and performance enhancements.

In summary, a dedicated People Playground server with multiplayer mods requires a balanced approach to hardware. A modern quad-core CPU with high clock speeds, 8-16 GB of RAM, an SSD for storage, and a stable, high-speed symmetrical internet connection are the foundational elements for a successful and enjoyable multiplayer experience. These specifications provide a solid platform for the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of People Playground gameplay, especially when enhanced by community-created modifications.

Beginner's Guide

Embarking on the journey of hosting your own People Playground server with multiplayer mods can seem daunting at first, but with a structured approach, it's an achievable and rewarding endeavor. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from initial setup to getting your server online and ready for action.

The very first step is to acquire the necessary server files. For People Playground, unlike some other games, there isn't a separate "dedicated server" application readily available through official channels in the same way. Instead, multiplayer functionality for People Playground is primarily driven by community-developed mods. Therefore, your "server" will essentially be a running instance of the game itself, configured to host a multiplayer session, often facilitated by a specific multiplayer mod. The most prominent and widely used multiplayer mod for People Playground is typically found on platforms like the Steam Workshop or dedicated modding websites. You will need to subscribe to or download this mod and ensure it is correctly installed within your People Playground game directory. This usually involves placing the mod files into the designated "Mods" folder within the game's installation directory. Always consult the specific mod's documentation for precise installation instructions, as these can vary.

Once the multiplayer mod is installed, the next crucial step is configuring your network to allow external connections to your server. This primarily involves "port forwarding" on your router. A port is a virtual doorway that allows specific types of network traffic to pass through your router to a particular device on your local network. For People Playground multiplayer, the mod will typically use a specific port number (e.g., 7777, 27015, or another specified by the mod developer). You will need to log into your router's administration interface (usually by typing its IP address, like 192.168.1.1, into a web browser) and navigate to the "Port Forwarding" or "NAT" section. Here, you will create a new rule that directs incoming traffic on the specified port to the internal IP address of the computer hosting your People Playground server. It is vital to ensure that the internal IP address of your server machine is static, meaning it doesn't change, to prevent the port forwarding rule from becoming invalid. Consult your router's manual or your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for detailed instructions on port forwarding, as router interfaces can differ significantly. Additionally, you may need to configure your operating system's firewall to allow People Playground and its associated mod to communicate through the specified port. This typically involves adding an "inbound rule" for the game executable.

With the mod installed and network configured, you can now launch People Playground. The exact method for starting a multiplayer server will depend on the specific mod you are using. Often, the mod will introduce a new option in the game's main menu, such as "Host Multiplayer" or "Create Server." Upon selecting this, you will likely be presented with various server settings. These settings can include the server name, maximum player count, password protection, and options related to specific mod features. Take your time to review these options and configure them according to your preferences. For instance, setting a strong password is advisable if you only want specific friends to join.

After configuring the server settings, you will typically initiate the server. The game will then load, and your instance will act as the host. To allow others to join, they will need your server's public IP address. You can find your public IP address by searching "What is my IP" on a search engine. Share this IP address with your friends, along with any password you set. They will then use the multiplayer mod's "Join Server" or "Connect to IP" option within their People Playground game, entering your public IP address and the password if required.

It is important to note that running a server on your personal computer can consume significant resources and bandwidth. If you plan to host for extended periods or for a larger group, consider the implications for your personal computer's performance and your internet connection ( Computer Networks ). For a more dedicated and reliable experience, especially for public servers, exploring dedicated hosting services (discussed in the next section) is often a superior option.

Finally, remember to regularly check for updates to both People Playground and the multiplayer mod. Developers frequently release patches and improvements, and keeping everything up-to-date ensures compatibility, stability, and access to new features. Troubleshooting is an inevitable part of server management; common issues include incorrect port forwarding, firewall blocks, or mod conflicts. Patience and methodical problem-solving, often involving checking logs and consulting mod documentation, will be your best allies. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a vibrant and chaotic People Playground multiplayer experience for you and your friends.

Hosting Service Comparison and Recommendations

Choosing the right hosting service for your People Playground multiplayer server, especially with mods, is a pivotal decision that directly impacts performance, reliability, and the overall player experience. While self-hosting on a personal machine is an option for casual play, dedicated hosting services offer significant advantages in terms of uptime, bandwidth, and professional support. This section will compare different types of hosting and recommend services tailored for People Playground's unique requirements.

Types of Hosting Services

Shared Hosting

Shared hosting involves multiple websites or applications residing on a single physical server, sharing its resources like CPU, RAM, and bandwidth.

Pros: Extremely affordable, easy to set up for basic web presence.

Cons: Not suitable for game servers. Resource contention is a major issue, leading to severe lag and instability. Security can be a concern due to shared environments. Performance is unpredictable and often throttled.

Recommendation for People Playground: Not recommended. Shared hosting lacks the dedicated resources and control necessary for a smooth People Playground multiplayer experience, especially with physics-intensive mods.

Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting

A VPS partitions a physical server into several virtual machines, each acting as an independent server with its own operating system, dedicated resources (CPU, RAM, storage), and root access.

Pros: More affordable than dedicated servers, offers root access for full control over the operating system and software installations, scalable resources, good balance of cost and performance.

Cons: Performance can still be affected by "noisy neighbors" if the underlying physical server is oversold. Requires some technical knowledge to manage the OS and server software.

Recommendation for People Playground: Highly recommended for most users. A VPS provides the necessary isolation and dedicated resources for a stable People Playground server. It allows you to install the specific operating system (Linux or Windows) and configure the game and mods precisely as needed. This is often the sweet spot for balancing cost and performance for a moderately sized community.

Dedicated Server Hosting

Dedicated server hosting provides you with an entire physical server, its resources exclusively yours.

Pros: Maximum performance, complete control over hardware and software, superior reliability, enhanced security, ideal for large communities or highly demanding mod packs.

Cons: Most expensive option, requires significant technical expertise for setup and maintenance, though managed dedicated server options can mitigate this.

Recommendation for People Playground: Recommended for large communities or professional-grade hosting. If you anticipate a very large player base, plan to run numerous complex mods, or require absolute peak performance and reliability, a dedicated server is the ultimate choice. It eliminates any potential resource contention issues.

Game Server Hosting (Specialized)

Some providers specialize in hosting game servers, offering pre-configured environments and control panels tailored for specific games. While People Playground isn't as commonly supported as titles like Minecraft or ARK, some providers might offer custom solutions or allow you to install it on a general-purpose game server.

Pros: User-friendly control panels, often optimized network routes for gaming, dedicated support for game-specific issues, simplified setup.

Cons: May not explicitly support People Playground out-of-the-box, potentially less flexibility than a raw VPS or dedicated server, can sometimes be more expensive for comparable resources.

Recommendation for People Playground: Consider if available and well-supported. If you find a reputable game server host that explicitly supports People Playground or offers a flexible enough platform to install it, this can be a convenient option, especially for those less technically inclined. However, verify the specific resources allocated and the level of control offered.

Key Factors for Comparison

When evaluating hosting providers for People Playground, consider the following:

CPU Performance: Prioritize providers offering modern CPUs with high single-core clock speeds (e.g., Intel Xeon E3/E5 or newer, AMD Ryzen/EPYC series). People Playground's physics engine benefits greatly from strong per-core performance.

RAM Allocation: Ensure sufficient RAM (8GB minimum, 16GB recommended for larger servers/mods) is dedicated to your VPS or dedicated server.

Storage Type: Always opt for SSD or NVMe storage for faster loading times and overall server responsiveness.

Network Latency and Bandwidth: Choose a provider with data centers geographically close to your target player base to minimize latency. Look for high-speed, unmetered or generously metered bandwidth (e.g., 1 Gbps port speed).

Operating System Choice: Ensure the provider allows you to install your preferred OS (Linux for efficiency, Windows for familiarity).

Control Panel/Management: For VPS/Dedicated, root access is crucial. For game server hosts, a user-friendly control panel (e.g., Pterodactyl, TCAdmin) can simplify management.

Customer Support: 24/7 technical support is invaluable for troubleshooting unexpected issues.

Pricing Structure: Compare monthly costs, setup fees, and any hidden charges.

Recommended Hosting Providers (General Categories)

Given that People Playground isn't a mainstream game with dedicated server support from all major game hosts, the best recommendations fall into the VPS and Dedicated Server categories.

For VPS Hosting (Most Common Recommendation)

DigitalOcean: Known for its developer-friendly interface, robust infrastructure, and competitive pricing. Offers various "Droplet" sizes with SSD storage and good network performance. Excellent for those comfortable with Linux command line.

Vultr: Similar to DigitalOcean, Vultr provides high-performance SSD VPS instances across numerous global data centers. Offers a wide range of OS templates and flexible pricing.

Linode: Another strong contender in the VPS space, offering reliable performance, good support, and a straightforward management interface.

OVHcloud: Offers a broad spectrum of VPS and dedicated server options, often at very competitive prices, particularly in Europe. Their "Game" dedicated servers are specifically optimized for low latency.

For Dedicated Server Hosting (High-End/Large Communities)

OVHcloud: Their dedicated server offerings, especially the "Game" series, are excellent value for money, providing powerful hardware and anti-DDoS protection tailored for gaming.

Hetzner Online: A German provider known for its high-quality, cost-effective dedicated servers and cloud solutions. Excellent performance and reliability.

ServerMania / Limestone Networks: North American providers offering a range of dedicated servers with good network infrastructure and support.

When selecting a provider, always start with a plan that meets your minimum requirements and allows for easy upgrades as your server's needs evolve. Read reviews, check their network status pages, and consider a short-term contract initially to test their service before committing long-term. The right host will provide a stable, low-latency environment, allowing your People Playground community to thrive without interruption.

Troubleshooting

Even with the most meticulous setup, encountering issues with a People Playground multiplayer server, especially when incorporating mods, is an almost inevitable part of the hosting experience. Effective troubleshooting requires a systematic approach, patience, and an understanding of common failure points. This section outlines a comprehensive strategy for diagnosing and resolving typical server problems.

Common Server Issues and Solutions

1. Players Cannot Connect to the Server

This is perhaps the most frequent issue.

Symptom: Players receive "Connection Failed," "Server Not Found," or similar errors when attempting to join.

Diagnosis & Solution:

Incorrect IP Address: Double-check that players are using the correct public IP address of your server. If your public IP address is dynamic (changes periodically), you might need to update it or consider a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service.

Port Forwarding Issues: This is the most common culprit for self-hosted servers.

Verify that the correct port (as specified by the multiplayer mod) is forwarded on your router to the internal IP address of your server machine.

Ensure the internal IP address of your server machine is static.

Confirm that the port forwarding rule is enabled and correctly configured for both TCP and UDP protocols if the mod uses both ( Networking for Dummies ).

Use an online port checker tool (e.g., "canyouseeme.org") to verify if the port is open from the internet.

Firewall Block: The operating system's firewall on the server machine might be blocking incoming connections.

Add an inbound rule to your firewall (Windows Defender Firewall, ufw on Linux) to allow traffic on the specified port for the People Playground executable ( Windows Server Administration Fundamentals ).

If using a hosting provider, check if their network firewall or security groups are blocking the port.

Server Not Running: Ensure the People Playground game instance acting as the server is actually launched and actively hosting. Check server logs for startup errors.

Mod Mismatch: If players are using a different version of the multiplayer mod or have conflicting mods, they may be unable to connect. Ensure all players have the exact same version of the multiplayer mod and any other shared mods.

2. High Latency (Lag) and Desynchronization

Lag manifests as delayed actions, rubber-banding, or objects behaving differently for different players.

Symptom: Players experience significant delays, stuttering, or inconsistent physics.

Diagnosis & Solution:

Insufficient Server Resources: The server's CPU or RAM might be overloaded.

Monitor CPU and RAM usage on the server. If consistently near 100%, consider upgrading your hosting plan (more CPU cores/speed, more RAM).

People Playground's physics are CPU-intensive; a high single-core clock speed is crucial.

Network Bandwidth Saturation: The server's internet connection might be saturated, especially the upload speed.

Check bandwidth usage. If it's consistently maxed out, you need a higher-bandwidth connection from your ISP or hosting provider.

Ensure no other applications on the server or local network are consuming excessive bandwidth.

High Ping to Server: Players' internet connections might have high latency to the server.

Players can use ping or traceroute commands to diagnose their connection quality to the server's IP address.

Consider a hosting provider with data centers closer to your player base.

Excessive Objects/Complex Physics: People Playground can become very demanding with many objects, contraptions, or complex modded elements.

Encourage players to be mindful of the number of active objects.

Some multiplayer mods may have server-side settings to limit object counts or physics complexity.

Mod Conflicts/Inefficiencies: Poorly optimized mods can introduce performance bottlenecks.

Temporarily disable mods one by one to identify the culprit.

Check mod documentation for known performance issues.

3. Server Crashes or Freezes

The server unexpectedly stops running or becomes unresponsive.

Symptom: The game instance hosting the server closes, or players are disconnected with no ability to rejoin.

Diagnosis & Solution:

Out of Memory (OOM) Errors: The server runs out of RAM.

Check server logs for "Out of Memory" messages.

Increase server RAM.

Reduce the number of active mods or complex objects.

Mod Conflicts or Bugs: Incompatible mods or bugs within a mod can cause crashes.

Review server logs for error messages related to specific mods.

Disable recently added mods.

Ensure all mods are updated to their latest versions.

Game Bugs: Rare, but the base game itself might have a bug triggered by specific interactions.

Ensure People Playground is updated to the latest version.

Operating System Instability: Underlying OS issues can cause crashes.

Ensure the OS is stable, updated, and not running out of disk space.

Check system event logs (Windows) or dmesg/syslog (Linux) for OS-level errors.

4. Mods Not Loading or Functioning Correctly

Symptom: Mods appear in the game but don't work, or don't appear at all.

Diagnosis & Solution:

Incorrect Installation Path: Verify that mod files are placed in the correct Mods folder within the People Playground installation directory on the server.

Mod Compatibility: Some mods may conflict with each other or with the multiplayer mod.

Test mods individually to isolate conflicts.

Consult mod documentation for known incompatibilities.

Missing Dependencies: Some mods require other mods or specific game versions to function.

Read mod descriptions carefully for prerequisites.

Server-Side vs. Client-Side Mods: Ensure you're not trying to run a purely client-side visual mod on the server, or vice-versa, if the multiplayer mod has such distinctions.

General Troubleshooting Best Practices

Check Server Logs: The most invaluable tool. People Playground and its multiplayer mods will often generate log files (usually in the game's installation directory or a Logs subfolder). These logs contain error messages, warnings, and diagnostic information that can pinpoint the exact cause of a problem.

Restart the Server: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches or clear memory issues.

Isolate the Problem: If you've recently made changes (added a mod, changed a setting), revert those changes one by one to see if the issue disappears.

Consult Mod Documentation and Community Forums: The developers of multiplayer mods and the People Playground community are excellent resources. Many common issues have already been discussed and resolved.

Test with a Clean Install: If all else fails, try setting up a fresh People Playground installation with only the multiplayer mod to rule out deep-seated conflicts or corrupted files.

Monitor Resources: Regularly use tools like Task Manager (Windows) or htop/top (Linux) to monitor CPU, RAM, and network usage on your server. This helps identify resource bottlenecks before they cause critical issues.

By systematically applying these troubleshooting steps, you can effectively diagnose and resolve most issues encountered while running a People Playground multiplayer server, ensuring a more stable and enjoyable experience for your players.

Performance Optimization Tips

Optimizing the performance of a People Playground multiplayer server, especially when running numerous mods, is crucial for maintaining a smooth, low-latency experience for all players. Given the game's physics-intensive nature, even minor inefficiencies can quickly lead to significant lag and desynchronization. This section provides actionable tips to enhance server performance.

Server-Side Optimizations

1. Hardware and Hosting Environment

Prioritize CPU Single-Core Performance: As established in the requirements, People Playground benefits immensely from a CPU with high clock speeds. If using a VPS, choose a plan with modern CPU cores that offer strong per-core performance rather than just a high core count. For dedicated servers, select a processor known for its single-threaded capabilities.

Allocate Sufficient RAM: Ensure your server has ample RAM (8GB-16GB recommended). Monitor RAM usage; if it consistently approaches its limit, upgrade. Insufficient RAM leads to disk swapping, which is a major performance killer.

Utilize SSD/NVMe Storage: Always host your server on an SSD or, ideally, an NVMe drive. The faster read/write speeds significantly reduce loading times for the game, mods, and save files, contributing to overall responsiveness.

Stable and High-Bandwidth Network: A low-latency, high-upload-speed internet connection is non-negotiable. Ensure your hosting provider offers reliable network infrastructure and that your server is connected via a wired Ethernet connection.

2. Operating System and Server Configuration

Choose a Lightweight OS: For VPS and dedicated servers, Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu Server, Debian) are generally more resource-efficient than Windows Server. They consume less RAM and CPU overhead, leaving more resources for the game ( Linux System Programming ).

Minimize Background Processes: Shut down or disable any unnecessary services or applications running on the server. Every background process consumes CPU cycles and RAM that could otherwise be dedicated to People Playground.

Keep OS and Drivers Updated: Regularly apply operating system updates and ensure all hardware drivers (if applicable for dedicated servers) are current. These updates often include performance enhancements and bug fixes.

Firewall Optimization: Configure your firewall to only allow necessary incoming and outgoing connections for the game server. Overly complex or poorly configured firewall rules can sometimes introduce minor latency.

3. Game and Mod-Specific Optimizations

Update Game and Mods Regularly: Developers frequently release performance patches and optimizations for both the base game and multiplayer mods. Staying updated ensures you benefit from these improvements.

Review Multiplayer Mod Settings: Many multiplayer mods offer server-side configuration options. Look for settings related to:

Physics Tick Rate: A higher tick rate means more frequent physics calculations, leading to smoother but more CPU-intensive gameplay. Experiment with this setting to find a balance between smoothness and performance.

Object Limits: Some mods allow you to set a maximum number of active objects or contraptions. Limiting these can prevent the server from becoming overwhelmed by excessive physics calculations.

Despawn Timers: Configure objects to despawn after a certain period of inactivity to prevent clutter and reduce the number of active physics objects.

Network Interpolation/Extrapolation: These settings can help smooth out player movement and object interactions over a network, potentially reducing the perceived impact of minor latency.

Curate Mod List Carefully: Not all mods are created equal in terms of performance.

Test Mods Individually: Before deploying a large mod pack, test new mods on a development server to gauge their performance impact.

Avoid Redundant or Poorly Optimized Mods: Some mods might offer similar functionality but with vastly different performance profiles. Choose the most efficient ones.

Server-Side vs. Client-Side Mods: Understand which mods need to be on the server and which are purely client-side. Only install necessary mods on the server.

Regular Server Restarts: Schedule daily or weekly server restarts during off-peak hours. This can help clear memory leaks, refresh game state, and ensure optimal performance.

Monitor Server Logs for Warnings/Errors: Pay attention to any performance-related warnings or errors in the server logs. These can indicate specific bottlenecks or issues that need addressing.

Client-Side Considerations (for Players)

While server optimization is paramount, educating your players on client-side best practices can also contribute to a smoother overall experience.

Graphics Settings: Advise players to adjust their in-game graphics settings to match their hardware capabilities. Lowering settings like shadow quality, particle effects, and resolution can significantly improve client-side frame rates.

Internet Connection: Encourage players to use a wired internet connection and ensure their own network isn't saturated by other downloads or streaming.

Mod Management: Players should also manage their client-side mods, ensuring they are updated and not conflicting with each other.

By implementing a combination of robust hardware, optimized server configurations, and intelligent mod management, you can significantly enhance the performance of your People Playground multiplayer server, providing a stable and enjoyable environment for your community to unleash their creativity and chaos.

Technical Q&A

This section addresses common technical questions that arise when setting up and managing a People Playground multiplayer server with mods, drawing upon established computer science and networking principles.

Q1: What is the difference between a "dedicated server" and "self-hosting" for People Playground?

A1: In the context of People Playground and its community-driven multiplayer mods, the distinction is primarily about the environment where the game instance runs.

Self-hosting refers to running the People Playground game (configured as a host via a multiplayer mod) on your personal computer. This means your gaming PC is simultaneously running the game for your own play and acting as the server for others. While convenient for casual play with friends, it consumes your local resources (CPU, RAM, bandwidth), potentially impacting your own gameplay performance and making your internet connection vulnerable to external traffic. It also means the server is only online when your PC is on and the game is running.

A dedicated server (or using a VPS, which acts as a virtual dedicated server) involves running the People Playground game instance on a separate, remote machine specifically provisioned for server tasks. This machine is typically hosted in a data center, offering superior hardware, dedicated resources, high-speed internet, and 24/7 uptime. It provides a more stable, reliable, and performant experience for all players, as its resources are not shared with personal computing tasks.

Q2: Why is my server lagging even with good hardware?

A2: Server lag, even on seemingly powerful hardware, can stem from several factors, often related to bottlenecks beyond raw specifications.

Network Latency/Bandwidth: The most common cause. Even if your server has a fast CPU, if the internet connection has high latency (ping) to players or insufficient upload bandwidth, data synchronization will be slow, causing lag. This is especially true for self-hosted servers on residential internet connections.

CPU Single-Core Performance: People Playground's physics engine is highly dependent on single-core CPU performance. A CPU with many cores but low individual clock speeds might struggle more than a CPU with fewer, faster cores.

Mod Overload/Inefficiency: Some mods, particularly those adding complex physics, AI, or numerous entities, can be poorly optimized or simply too resource-intensive for the server to handle efficiently, regardless of hardware. This can lead to CPU saturation.

Memory Leaks: Some mods or even the game itself might have memory leaks, where RAM is allocated but not properly released, eventually leading to the server running out of memory and slowing down or crashing.

Excessive Objects in World: People Playground thrives on chaos, but too many active objects, contraptions, or complex interactions can overwhelm the physics engine, leading to server-side lag.