| Runs oniWhere the files live. Server means only your host needs them. Players means every player needs a copy too, usually downloaded automatically on join. | Server: yesPlayers: noYour PC: no | Server: yesPlayers: yesYour PC: no | Server: yesPlayers: yesYour PC: no | Server: yesPlayers: noYour PC: no | Server: noPlayers: noYour PC: yes | Server: noPlayers: noYour PC: yes | Server: yesPlayers: noYour PC: no | Server: yesPlayers: yesYour PC: no |
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| Players install itiWhether each player has to download something before they can join your server. | NoPlayers join like it is a vanilla server. Nothing to download. | Yes, automaticSteam or CurseForge downloads the mod when a player joins. The first join can take a few minutes on large mods. | SometimesCustom maps on ARK and DayZ download on join. Minecraft and Rust maps stay on the server. | NoSettings files never leave the server. | NoAssets are building blocks for creators. Players only see them inside a finished mod or map. | NoTools run on your own PC or in the browser. Players never touch them. | NoScripts run beside the server process. Players never see them. | Depends on gameRust skins are applied server side. In ARK and Minecraft, skins usually ship inside a mod or resource pack. |
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| Restart needediWhether the server has to restart before the change takes effect. | Often noMany ArkApi and Oxide plugins reload with a single console command. | YesMods load at boot, so add or remove them during a scheduled restart. | Yes, new worldSwitching maps starts a new world save. Back up the old one first. | YesMost games only read config files at startup. | Not neededAssets are imported into a project, not loaded by a running server. | NoMost tools connect over RCON or FTP while the server keeps running. | SometimesScheduled scripts start on their own. Startup scripts need one restart. | Usually noServer-side skin plugins reload without a restart. |
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| Where it goesiThe folder or setting your host uses to load it. | Plugins folderFor example ArkApi/Plugins on ASA or oxide/plugins on Rust. | Mod ID listAdd the Workshop or CurseForge ID to your server's mod list or launch arguments. | World folderUpload the world files and point the server's map setting at them. | Config folderFiles like GameUserSettings.ini or serverconfig.xml. | Your projectImport into the dev kit, Unity, Blender or your mod project. | Your PCInstall like any app, then connect it to your server with RCON or FTP. | Scripts folderUsually next to the server binary, run by cron or Task Scheduler. | Skin config or packFor example a skin plugin's data file or a resource pack. |
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| Survives game patchesiHow likely it is to keep working after the game itself updates. | UsuallyMay need an updated framework build after a big patch. | Often breaksMajor patches can break mods until the author updates them. | UsuallyMaps rarely break, but new game content may be missing from them. | Almost alwaysSetting names rarely change between game versions. | YesAsset files depend on the dev kit, not the live game version. | UsuallyTools may need an update when RCON or file formats change. | UsuallyPaths and launch arguments sometimes change after big updates. | UsuallyItem IDs can change after a patch, which hides affected skins. |
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| Console playersiWhether console players can join a server that runs it. | PC servers onlyConsole-hosted servers do not allow plugin frameworks, but PC servers with crossplay do. | ASA via CurseForgeASA mods from CurseForge work for PC and console players alike. | Depends on gameMost games limit console players to official maps. | YesAny server that gives you its config files can use them. | Through modsConsole players only get assets that are packaged into a cross-platform mod. | YesTools manage the server, so the platform your players use does not matter. | YesScripts run on the server, not on the player's device. | Depends on gameServer-side skins work for everyone. Mod skins follow the mod's platform support. |
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| Price hereiThe real price range of what is listed right now in this type. | Free to $24.97Lowest listed price across 29 listings, 22 of them free. | Free (Workshop)Mods come from the Steam Workshop and are free to subscribe to. | Nothing listed yetNothing is listed in this type yet. | Nothing listed yetNothing is listed in this type yet. | Nothing listed yetNothing is listed in this type yet. | Free to $24.97Lowest listed price across 2 listings, 1 of them free. | Nothing listed yetNothing is listed in this type yet. | Free (Workshop)Skins come from the Steam Workshop and are free to subscribe to. |
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| Setup timeiTypical time for a first install on a standard rented host, including one server restart. | 5 min | 10 to 20 min | 15 to 30 min | 2 min | Varies | 5 to 10 min | 5 min | 3 min |
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