Launching a private server is exciting—you’ve got a vision, a game you love, and ideas for building a community. But the truth is, most new servers never last long. Not because the owners don’t care, but because they repeat the same mistakes.
If you’re thinking of starting your own server (or already run one), here are the most common mistakes new server owners make—and how to avoid them.
1. Rushing the launch
Too many servers go live before they’re ready. Missing features, half-finished setups, or major bugs will push players away instantly. First impressions matter more than you think.
Tip: test thoroughly with friends or a small closed group before opening to the public.
2. Ignoring first impressions
Your website, ad banners, and toplist entry information are the first things new players see. If they look unprofessional or unclear, players won’t even bother logging in.
Solution: invest time (or a bit of money) in clean visuals and clear descriptions. Highlight what makes your server different right away.
3. Overpromising features
Some owners hype big features that don’t exist yet. Players join, realize the reality doesn’t match the promise, and leave. Once you lose trust, it’s almost impossible to get it back.
Rule: only promote what’s live and ready. Future features should be a bonus, not the selling point.
4. Forgetting about community
Servers live or die by their community. If there’s no active Discord, no staff interaction, or no way for players to connect outside the game, they won’t stick around.
Pro tip: even a simple Discord server with a few active moderators can keep players engaged long-term.
5. No plan for retention
Attracting players is one thing—keeping them is another. Many new owners focus only on advertising and forget to create reasons for players to log back in.
Fix: run events, seasonal updates, and reward loyalty. Retaining 50 players is far more valuable than constantly chasing 500 new ones.
6. Not asking for feedback
Players often know what’s working and what isn’t. Ignoring their feedback—or worse, reacting defensively—creates a disconnect that pushes them away.
Better approach: set up feedback channels, listen actively, and show you’re willing to adapt.
Final thoughts
Every new server owner makes mistakes—but most of them are avoidable. Don’t rush, focus on presentation, build a community, and think about retention. Do that, and you’ll already be ahead of most new servers out there.
Want to give your server the best shot at success? Get it listed on RULOCUS, where thousands of players are already searching for their next favorite server.