Why you need a dedicated IP
By default a game server runs on the node's shared IP address: several servers share one address and differ by port, and each gets a random port from the 16000–20000 range. A dedicated IP reserves an address for you.
What it gives
The standard port. A server on its own IP gets the game's usual port right away — 27015 for Counter-Strike — instead of a random one like 18432. The port can also be changed: the field is only available on servers with a dedicated IP.
The address doesn't change. Your IP stays yours even if the server is reinstalled or closed: the same address can be attached to the next server. You can list it in monitoring services, on the community site and in Discord without rewriting it every time.
A clean address reputation. On a shared IP your neighbours on the node affect the address's reputation. A dedicated IP is used by you alone.
Better for monitoring and bindings. Some services and plugins bind to the address — that's more reliable with your own IP.
What it doesn't give
- It doesn't speed the server up. Performance depends on the plan, not the address.
- It doesn't replace protection against DDoS attacks. Protection is on for every server — on a shared address too.
- It isn't needed for FastDL. FastDL has its own subdomain anyway.
Who should get one
| Situation | Needed? |
|---|---|
| A public project with a steady audience | Yes |
You want the standard port 27015 | Yes |
| A node without a shared IP | Mandatory — a server can't be created there without its own address |
| The server is in monitoring lists, the address is posted around communities | Yes |
| A private server for friends | Optional |
| A test server for a couple of weeks | No |
How to order
A dedicated IP can be taken together with a server or separately — see How to order and reuse an IP. The price depends on the node and is shown in the order form; on some nodes dedicated IPs aren't sold.