π Glossary
Short, clear explanations of game server terms - from slots to wipes.
# A2S / Steam Query
πThe Steam server query protocol. It returns name, map, player count, and version. Most Source and Unreal games use it.
# Featured Server
πA server promoted to a highlighted position, obtained through a transparent auction system rather than hidden fees.
# FiveM
πA multiplayer framework for GTA V enabling community servers with custom mods - most commonly roleplay.
# Game Server
πA machine or process hosting a multiplayer game. Players connect via an IP address and port. Every listed server is checked automatically every 15 minutes.
# Griefing and Raiding
πGriefing is destroying someone else's work for fun; raiding is an organized attack on a base. Servers either allow both as part of the game or ban for them.
# Hytale
πA sandbox game by Hypixel Studios with community-hosted servers and a plugin ecosystem. Register your server among the first.
# OTS (Open Tibia Server)
πA community Tibia server running on an open engine. Custom worlds, custom rules, and faster progression than the official game.
# Ping and Latency
πThe round-trip time in milliseconds between you and the server. Under 50 ms is excellent; above 150 ms the delay becomes noticeable. Pick a server near your region.
# PvP and PvE
πPvP (Player versus Player) - players fight each other. PvE (Player versus Environment) - players cooperate against the game. Most servers list their mode in tags.
# Query Port
πA network port dedicated to status queries, often different from the join port. The query protocol exposes player count, map, and version.
# RCON
πA server's remote console. Admins issue commands through it without joining the game. Never share the RCON password and don't expose the port publicly.
# Server Directory
πA searchable catalog of game servers with live status, player counts, and community votes. Rankings come from real player votes, not paid placement.
# Slot
πOne player capacity unit. A 100-slot server can host up to 100 concurrent players. 25/100 means 25 players online out of 100 possible.
# SRV Record
πA DNS record that points a domain to a specific host and port. Minecraft servers use it to hide non-standard ports behind a clean address.
# Tickrate
πHow many times per second the server recalculates game state. A higher tickrate means more accurate hit registration and smoother movement, at a higher server load.
# Uptime
πThe percentage of monitoring checks in which a server responded as online. High uptime means a reliable server worth playing long-term.
# Vanilla and Modded
πA vanilla server runs the unmodified base game. A modded server adds mods or plugins that change or extend gameplay.
# Vote
πCommunity endorsement of a server. Vote counts influence ranking position within a category. You can vote once per day per server.
# Whitelist
πAn access control list of approved players. You can only join a whitelisted server after approval, usually via Discord or an application.
# Wipe
πA scheduled reset of world data and player progress. Common on Rust and survival servers - everyone starts fresh on a clean map.