How to host an Open Tibia server

1. Choose an engine and client that belong together

An Open Tibia server combines a game engine, world data, scripts and a compatible client. An account website is a separate component. Changing one part can affect the others, so record the exact engine release, supported protocol and data pack before you start.

Use the engine project's own installation and release notes. The Forgotten Server and Canary maintain separate projects; instructions or scripts for one version may need changes for another. A client number on an advertisement is not a substitute for checking compatibility.

First create a test account, log in, move around the map and test saving and restarting. For source builds, Lua, SQL and development steps, follow our create and develop an Open Tibia server guide.

2. Match your hosting to a measured workload

Test the world with the scripts, map and systems you intend to run. Watch processor use, memory, disk growth and connection quality during representative activity. A player-count target alone does not tell you how much hardware a custom world needs.

Choose a hosting region close to the audience you expect to serve. Test from relevant regions; a low ping from your own computer only describes your connection. OtservAds server pages offer an optional Check ping tool with external measurement locations.

3. Keep your database and recovery plan separate from the game launch

Import the schema supplied for your chosen engine and configure the matching account website. Use an application database account with the permissions it needs, and keep database credentials out of downloadable files and public repositories.

Back up the database, world data, configuration and custom scripts. Store a copy away from the game machine. Test restoring that copy into an isolated environment before inviting players; a backup that has never been restored is an untested recovery plan.

Use a separate test environment for upgrades. Check that accounts, characters, houses and custom systems survive the migration before applying it to the public world. Keep the previous working release and its matching backup until the new version is verified.

4. Test the actual public connection path

Point the public game hostname at the correct host and configure the game, login and status services according to your engine. Allow the necessary ports through the operating-system firewall, hosting-provider firewall and router when applicable. Your website's HTTPS service and your game status service are different endpoints.

Try a game connection from outside the hosting network. Then check the status protocol separately. OtservAds needs a valid TSQP response from the registered status port; a reachable TCP port by itself is not sufficient. The exact port comes from your configuration rather than from a generic tutorial.

If a check fails, verify the public hostname, the listening service and each firewall layer in that order. See the status-check troubleshooting notes and the engine-specific Unique Players instructions.

5. Complete a small launch rehearsal

• A compatible client can log in from an external network.
• Accounts and characters remain after a controlled restart.
• The website uses HTTPS and its account actions work.
• The game status service answers with the expected engine data.
• A recent backup has been restored successfully in a test environment.
• Your rules, supported client, experience rate and launch timezone are clear.

Once the world is reachable, add an existing server to OtservAds. Supply accurate rates, the hosting country and owner-provided features. If you set a future launch date, check the displayed time before sharing the listing.

A listing helps players find connection details and recorded activity. It does not host your engine, replace your backups or guarantee a player population. Next, prepare a clear server advertising plan.