10 Game Servers You Can Run On A Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi supports both emulated and native games, making gaming surprisingly versatile.

What if you wanted something more exciting, but still game-related?

Well, how about setting it up as a game server? Imagine hosting LAN parties from wherever you are with the small, portable Raspberry Pi. All you need to do is ensure you have an Ethernet cable, a suitable power adapter and game server software.

Here are 10 games that you can host on your Raspberry Pi game server.

1. Host QuakeWorld LAN Parties on Your Raspberry Pi

You may be familiar by Quake, the multiplayer deathmatch video game from id Software. It was released in 1996. QuakeWorld is an internet multiplayer version of NetQuake.

The source code for QuakeWorld was released under the GPL licence in 1999. It is now available to download and install on your Raspberry Pi. QuakeWorld allows for multiplayer action over a local network (LAN) and is not intended as a public service.

Although compatible with a Model B Raspberry Pi 2 or later, the best results will be achieved using a Raspberry Pi 2 (or later). QuakeWorld consumes less than 32MB RAM for maximum performance. You can play with up to 16 players. However, the best experience is achieved with 6-8 players.

For the best results, ensure the Pi is connected to your router via Ethernet, rather than wireless. Wow wiki

2. AssaultCube Server

For more online shooting action, take a look at AssaultCube. This multiplayer FPS online game can be played in realistic environments and uses low bandwidth. It is perfect for Raspberry Pi. AssaultCube runs over 56Kbps due to its low latency.

If you don't have anyone to play against, AssaultCube also has a single player "bot" mode. You will also find multiple multiplayer modes. These include Deathmatch, Survivor, Pistol Frenzy, Last Swiss Standing, Capture the Flag, Hunt the Flag, and One-Shot One-Kill. Each of these can also be played as a team.

Many maps are included in the game. An editor for maps is available within the game.

Visit the assault.cubers.net website to see all details. You can download the code from GitHub and compile the game server on your Pi in just a few minutes.

3. Your Raspberry Pi can host a Minecraft server

The Raspberry Pi and Minecraft make a great pair. Raspbian includes Minecraft Pi Edition. But what about a Minecraft game server?

The best results can be enjoyed on a Raspberry Pi 3+, but a Raspberry Pi 2 will also work. This Minecraft server will produce the best results if it is used on your home network. It is not compatible with hosting Minecraft environments on the Internet.

However, within your home network, you'll have a Minecraft world ready to be built and rebuilt at your convenience! This can be accessed from the Minecraft games that are installed on Windows PCs, Androids or iOS devices.

To get started, check our guide to setting up a Minecraft server on Raspberry Pi.

4. Host Civilization Multiplayer With FreeCiv

FreeCiv is open-source, and can be used in both client and web server versions. It is based on Sid Meier’s Civilization. FreeCiv draws elements from Civilization II and CivNet, as well as elements from many other versions.

Installation is as easy and straightforward as:

You can then start your server with:

The game server will then be available to connect to from any other device running the FreeCiv game client. A server to keep Civilization running is a great idea, considering how long it can take for games of Civilization to complete.

Check the Server Manual at the FreeCiv wiki for configuration details.

5. Host Doom Multiplayer on Raspberry Pi

Quake offers a network multiplayer option on the Raspberry Pi---so how about Doom?

Doom On LAN, thanks to the Quake On LAN (also behind QuakeWorld For the Pi), is now possible. This game client uses the Zandronum port, which can support up to 64 players. There are several gameplay modes available and many mods are supported.

You can also jump and free look (both not available in the original), and create custom key bindings. As usual, the game will only work with an Ethernet connection to your router. Now all that's left is to find 63 more people to play.

6. Set Sail With a Windward Game Server

Windward, a ship-based game about pirates and trade, is a rare find on this list. It is the only open-source title. It's available on Steam for less than $10 and can be played in single or multiplayer modes.

The setup process can be slow and you will need to install Mono on your Pi (the open-source version of Microsoft.NET).

Once the installation is complete, you will find the Windward server on the Lobby screen. This setup copies some data from your PC's game folder. It's time for you to sail!

7. Terraria Server Raspberry Pi

This 2D adventure sandbox first appeared on Windows in 2011, but has been ported to Linux, macOS, and other operating systems. Terraria will allow you to host a Terraria-related game on your Raspberry pi.

You can set up the Terraria server using Raspbian on a Raspberry Pi 2 and later. Mono must be installed again. Next, you'll use TShock, the Terraria game server, which is available from GitHub. Anyone who wants to play Terraria will be able to find the Terraria server once it is up and running. Terraria can be played over the Internet, although it is best to connect to the server via a local network.

8. Crossfire

Crossfire is a multiplayer arcade adventure game. It is reminiscent rogue-like games like Gauntlet. Crossfire's world offers 3,000 maps and a complex magic system. There are 150 monster types.

Crossfire has both client and server software. Both are available on the website. Once the server is installed on your Raspberry Pi, any other client platforms will be able to join.

Crossfire is huge, engaging, and fun! There is a lot to learn.

9. The Battle for Wesnoth

The Battle for Wesnoth, a massive open source turn-based strategy game with fantasy themes, has been available since 2003. There are versions for Linux, Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, and Macintosh (upto and including macOS).

Clients for iOS or Android are also available -- AmigaOS and BeOS fans can even play. There's a browser option, too!

LAN and internet multiplayer options are available, and the game features 46 multiplayer maps. Like many games in this list, The Battle for Wesnoth has a built-in game server. All you need to do is install the game on your Pi, then set it to host a game. You can invite players from within the game.

Watch out for player-made content such campaigns, new factions or original multiplayer map designs.

10. OpenTTD Game Server

This is the ultimate desktop strategist favorite. OpenTTD is an open source version of the 1995 game Transport Tycoon Deluxe. OpenTTD is a modified version of Transport Tycoon Deluxe that can be used as a dedicated server on Raspberry Pi.

OpenTTD is a slow game, similar to FreeCiv. You'll probably be playing a particular map for quite a while. It is easy to set up and install. Start with the OpenTTD Standard Installation

Once you're done, you can run the server using:

Game clients on Windows, Linux, macOS, other Pis and mobile devices should then be able to connect to the game server. Connect using device name or IP address. You can also launch the option

This will run OpenTTD in the background, with output sent to the openttd.log file. OpenTTD's wiki has some tips for server setup.

Can You Use Raspberry Pi 4 as a Game Server?

Different Raspberry Pi models are best suited for different tasks. For example, you could run a print server with the original Raspberry Pi---it wasn't as suited to multiplayer gaming.

While game servers will run on a Raspberry Pi 2 or 3, the Raspberry Pi 4 is far more powerful. This opens a whole host of new game server options for the Raspberry Pi. At the time of writing, the 11 Raspberry Pi gaming servers listed here are all that are available.

However, there is every chance that the Raspberry Pi 4 could run a World of Warcraft (classic) server. It might even be able run an ARK-server. It depends on the generosity of game developers as much as the Raspberry Pi 4's hardware.

Set Up a Raspberry Pi Gaming Server Today

It's amazing, but the low-power Raspberry Pi---considerably less powerful than your desktop PC---can host online gaming sessions! Modern games aren't available, but 10 games is enough reason to explore more.

Want more Raspberry Pie gaming ideas? Here's how to play almost any game on your Raspberry Pi.