How to Migrate Your Game Server to a New Host
Moving is disruptive. There will be downtime. This guide walks you through what to transfer, the order to do it, and how to tell your players about the new address.
What to migrate (per game)
Garry's Mod
- garrysmod/cfg/ - server.cfg and addon config files
- garrysmod/data/ - player data, DarkRP economy, ULX ban lists
- garrysmod/gamemodes/ - if you have a custom or modified gamemode
- garrysmod/addons/ - locally installed (non-Workshop) addons
- Workshop collection ID - add to startup parameters rather than copying files
- MySQL database dump - if using a database backend
Rust
- server/<identity>/ - save files (.map, .sav, .db) if transferring an existing world
- oxide/data/ - plugin data (player permissions, kit data, economics)
- oxide/plugins/ - installed Oxide plugin .cs files
- cfg/server.cfg - server configuration
Minecraft
- world/, world_nether/, world_the_end/ - world data (most important)
- plugins/ - all plugin .jar files and per-plugin config subfolders
- server.properties - core server configuration
- ops.json, whitelist.json, banned-players.json, banned-ips.json
Step-by-step migration process
- 1.
Take a full backup from your current host and download it to your local machine.
- 2.
Spin up your new server with the same game type and version as your current server.
- 3.
Install the game server binary via SteamCMD or the panel auto-installer. Never copy binaries from the old host.
- 4.
Upload your config files, data files, and addons/plugins via SFTP or the file manager.
- 5.
Configure startup parameters (workshop collection ID, server name, RCON password, world seed) on the new server.
- 6.
Start the new server and test it thoroughly: test addons, player data, and admin commands before announcing the move.
- 7.
Once satisfied, announce the new IP to your community.
- 8.
Keep the old server running (without allowing play) for a short overlap period in case issues arise.
- 9.
Cancel the old subscription after confirming the new server is stable.
Common migration mistakes
Forgetting to transfer player data
Ban lists, economy balances, and rank assignments are all in data files. Test player data specifically after migration. It is the most commonly missed item.
Copying game binaries
Always install game binaries fresh via SteamCMD. Copying them from the old host can cause permission issues and version mismatches.
Different directory structures
Confirm the expected file paths on the new host before uploading. Different hosts organise files differently.
Announcing before testing
Finding a critical plugin broken after you have told 200 players to reconnect is avoidable. Test thoroughly first.
Migrating on a busy day
Pick a quiet period for your server's player population to minimise disruption.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to migrate a game server to a new host?
A straightforward migration (config files, plugin data, no large world files) typically takes 2-4 hours including testing. Servers with large world files, databases, or complex addon setups can take longer. Plan for at least a few hours of downtime.
Do I need to transfer the game server binary when migrating?
No. Game server binaries (srcds, rustserver, minecraft_server.jar) should always be installed fresh on the new host via SteamCMD or the hosting panel's auto-installer. Only your configuration files, world data, and plugin/addon files need transferring.
How do I tell my players about the server IP change?
Update your Discord, any server browser listings (GameTracker, etc.), and post in your community spaces. There is no automatic redirect for game server IPs; players with bookmarks need to update them manually.
Will my player data transfer when I migrate my server?
Your player data is stored in your server's data files (e.g., garrysmod/data/ for GMod, oxide/data/ for Rust). If you transfer these files to the new host, player data including ban lists, rank assignments, and economy balances will transfer with them.
Do I need to keep both servers running during migration?
It is sensible to keep the old server running (without allowing play) during the migration as a fallback. Once you have tested the new server and confirmed everything is working, you can cancel the old subscription.
Does Zeros Host charge for migration help?
No. If you need help uploading or organising your server files, contact our support team. Files can be uploaded via SFTP or the panel's built-in file manager.
Migrating to Zeros Host? We'll help you move at no charge
Upload via SFTP or our panel's built-in file manager. If you get stuck, contact our support. Migration assistance is free.