The Forest is a super popular survival horror game where players uncover the mysteries of a dense forest while battling mutant cannibals. You can play The Forest solo, but in our opinion, it’s much more fun with friends.
When it comes to joining a server with your friends, using a dedicated server hosting provider is the best way to guarantee security, scalability, and performance. And given that The Forest is such a popular game, you have plenty of options.
In this guide, we’ll be introducing you to a few of the best dedicated servers for The Forest (including Hostari) so you can start exploring!
What is The Forest?
The Forest is a horror game that first came out in 2014. It allows players to fight against cannibalistic creatures while scouring a remote forest in search of their son, Timmy. There’s currently a sequel out in early access called Sons of the Forest.
What is a Dedicated Server for The Forest?
A dedicated server for The Forest is a machine that just runs the game for you without sacrificing performance to run background processes. You can rent these from hosting platforms and have much of the logistics (like server setup and security) taken care of.
Why are Dedicated Servers Important?
Reliability
Dedicated servers are known for their 24/7 runtime and support, so you can keep your server running with little to no downtime.
Have Full Control
Hosting your own private dedicated server means more control over things like mods, plugins, and who joins your lobby.
Safe and Secure
One of the best benefits of using a dedicated server is their high-level security measures, which often protect against all sorts of attacks to keep your data safe from hackers.
Criteria to Consider When Choosing a Dedicated Server for The Forest
Technology Advancements
Make sure the server is compatible with your operating system and offers high enough specs to accommodate all your future needs.
Data Backups
Periodic server backups are essential for keeping your progress saved in case of failure. Some servers offer automated backups so you can play The Forest with no interruptions.
Your Budget
Finally, you must consider your budget and whether the server is affordable for you and your friends. Remember to check for any additional fees.
Best The Forest Dedicated Servers For Ultimate Gameplay 2023
Since The Forest is so well-known, there is a multitude of server providers that currently support the game. Choosing just a single provider can be challenging, especially if you’re not sure what features you’re looking for. Fortunately, we’ve done the research in your stead and now present you with a detailed list of the best hosting platforms around:
Hostari: Best for Simplified Server Configuration
Nitrado: Best for Seamless Game Switching
GTX Gaming: Best for Global Coverage
Host Havoc: Best for High Connection Speeds
PingPerfect: Best for User-Friendly Server Management
1. Hostari: Best for Simplified Server Configuration
At Hostari, our goal is to simplify server configuration to make it easy for gamers of all expertise levels to quickly set up servers and start gaming with friends. With our global data centers and lightning-fast Intel Core i9 9900K processors, we deliver unparalleled game performance and connection speeds.
You’ll be playing the games you love in just a few minutes!
Key Features
Instant Setup: Hostari automates your server setup after processing your payment so you can start gaming right away.
Secure Servers: Hostari protects against high-magnitude cyberattacks, such as DDoS, UDP floods, and source-engine query attacks.
Automated Server Backups: Your server is automatically backed up so you can always return to an earlier save if something goes wrong.
Global Data Centers: We accommodate players on an international scale, with data centers in multiple locations around the globe.
Custom Control Panel: You get access to a powerful yet easy-to-use control panel, which lets you manage all your settings from one place.
Access Controls: Personalize your gaming experience with mods, maps, and plugins of your choice.
Pricing
There are four plans on offer:
Ethical Scientist ($8.99/month)
Missionary ($9.99/month)
Cave Explorer ($10.99/month)
Passenger ($11.99/month)
The starting plan provides you with 8 player slots and 4 GB RAM. Every plan guarantees you automated backups and updates, as well as 24/7 runtime.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Global data centers.
Intuitive custom control panel.
Instant setup.
Protection against high-magnitude attacks.
Simplified configuration system.
Automated updates and backups.
24-hour free trial (no credit card needed).
Around-the-clock support.
Multiple billing cycles.
Cons:
Player slot limitations.
Disk space limitations.
Limited locations.
2. Nitrado: Best for Seamless Game Switching
Nitrado allows you to easily switch between games at any time via their user-friendly game-server configurator. They operate on the latest gear, which ensures low latencies, and provide worldwide support with their multiple global data centers.
Key Features
24/7 Customer Service: They offer 24/7 support in 7 different languages via email and chat. Their community forums also allow you to receive advice from like-minded peers.
Game Switching: Experience full flexibility by swapping between games effortlessly from just one server.
DDoS Protection: Nitrado utilizes SteelShield™ to mitigate attacks and provide ultimate DDoS protection.
Cutting-Edge Hardware: Nitrado uses the latest technologies and hardware to deliver quality game performance.
Pricing
Nitrado offers four different packages, which vary in terms of player slots:
8 slots ($12.99)
12 slots ($17.79)
20 slots ($24.99)
Customizable plan (4 – 200 slots & 3 – 365 runtime)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Custom plan.
Prepaid option available.
9 locations.
Full-time support in 7 languages.
Easy game switching.
Up to 5 games available on one server.
DDoS protection.
Mobile app.
Automated backups.
Cons:
Limited runtime.
No add-ons available.
Limited options for the custom plan.
High cost per player slot (over $1.20).
3. GTX Gaming: Best for Global Coverage
GTX Gaming provides coverage for the entire globe, with data centers in over 15 locations, including the US, Netherlands, and Thailand. They regularly update their hardware and security to ensure you’re always receiving the best quality service.
Key Features
Mobile-Compatible Control Panel: You can access your control panel from your mobile for easy server management.
Global Coverage: GTX Gaming covers multiple regions, with data centers in Asia, the US, and Europe.
24-Hour Customer Support: GTX Gaming provides support 24 hours a day via tickets or their Discord server.
Full Offsite Game Server Backups: Full backups of your server are made daily and moved off-site to ensure you never lose all your progress.
DDoS Protection: They use cutting-edge DDoS protection to keep their network secure against hackers.
Game Switching: Their game servers come with an integrated switching tool to make game swapping easy.
Pricing
The starting price is $13.92 for 16 player slots, 5 GB memory, and 100 GB disk space. You can pay additional fees for:
Migration ($7.47)
Higher clock speed ($6.23 – $7.47)
NVMe hard disk ($6.23)
More memory ($3.73 – $29.93)
Higher disk space ($8.72 – $18.70)
CPU priority ($6.23 – $8.72)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Full global coverage.
24/7 customer support.
Daily offsite backups.
Automated setup.
Integrated game-switching tool.
Easy-to-use custom panel.
Cons
High minimum player slot.
Upgrades are expensive.
Migration fees.
Instant setup costs money for certain locations.
4. Host Havoc: Best for High Connection Speeds
Host Havoc makes use of ultra-fast processors and NVMe SSDs to greatly reduce loading times. Their network is made up of the latest Xeon and Ryzen CPUs, with up to 4.6 GHz clock speed to ensure fast connections.
Key Features
Ultra-Fast Processors: They use top-end hardware with high CPU clock speeds to provide reliable game performance.
24/7/365 Support: Their support team is always available, with less than 10 minutes as their average ticket response time.
10 Data Centers Worldwide: Host Havoc has data centers in multiple locations, such as Germany, the US, and the UK.
99.9% Uptime Guarantee: Their uptime is guaranteed to be 99.9% or more since their servers are based in high-end data centers with reliable uplinks.
Pricing
Host Havoc offers a starting price of $16.00 for 20 player slots. Every server comes with free DDoS protection, instant setup, and normal CPU priority. You can upgrade to a higher priority by paying $4.00 extra.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Automatic setup.
Fast processors.#
99.9% uptime guarantee.
72-hour refund.
10 global data centers.
Fast ticket response times.
24/7 support available.
Cons:
No free trial.
High minimum player slot.
Very few add-ons available.
5. PingPerfect: Best for User-Friendly Server Management
PingPerfect is home to over 170 game servers and offers 24/7 customer support from experienced technicians. With a team of like-minded staff and a user-friendly game panel, hosting your server is made simple and stress-free.
Key Features
DDoS Protection: Their custom network is well protected against DDoS attacks.
Instant Server Setup: Servers are instantly installed and set up upon purchase.
Full Backup System: PingPerfect’s custom in-house backup system ensures you never lose your data.
Game Panel: Use their intuitive game panel to easily configure your server.
Pricing
PingPerfect’s starting price is $8.20 for 8 player slots. There are additional fees for:
Migration ($10.81)
NVMe ($2.03)
CPU priority ($4.05 - $13.52)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
User-friendly game panel.
Mobile app.
Access permissions.
Automated setup.
DDoS protection.
Full backup system.
48-hour free trial.
Cons:
Migration fees.
Limited upgrade options.
Limited currency options.
Conclusion
The Forest is an immensely popular horror game that's enjoyed by many—especially when played with friends.
To connect with other players, you need to join the same server as them—this is where hosting providers like Hostari come into play. Hostari simplifies the configuration process, so players can spend less time sorting logistics and more time gaming.
Start your 24-hour free trial today to start hosting your very own The Forest server in minutes
