Best Game Server Control Panels [Easily Manage Your Game Servers]

Managing game servers through command line becomes impossible when multiple admins need access. A control panel transforms complex server management into simple web-based tasks. This guide compares 10 popular control panels to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Quick Comparison

Remember: To use any of these panels, you'll need your own server. Check our guides on VPS servers and dedicated servers. If you don't want to manage your own server, see our game server hosting guide for shared hosting with panels included.

Pterodactyl

Pterodactyl leads the market with its modern interface and Docker-based isolation. It's the top choice for communities running multiple game servers on Linux.

Key features include hundreds of pre-configured game eggs, Docker container isolation for security, and seamless multi-node scaling. The active community provides excellent support through Discord and GitHub. While you can customize with Pterodactyl themes and plugins, the process requires manual installation.

WindowsGSM

WindowsGSM offers the fastest setup for Windows users - typically under 5 minutes from download to running server. While it lacks a web interface, the desktop application is incredibly user-friendly. Discord integration allows remote server control, and the standard folder structure works with any FTP server for file management.

TCAdmin

TCAdmin remains the industry standard for commercial Windows game hosting despite its dated interface. Its proven reliability over 15+ years makes it the choice of major providers like Streamline-Servers. The panel excels at hosting company features like billing integration and reseller systems. While the interface shows its age, TCAdmin delivers unmatched stability for business use.

AMP (Application Management Panel)

AMP takes a modular approach to game server management with extensive game support across popular titles. Each game runs in its own isolated instance with a dedicated web interface. The panel's strength lies in its extensive game support and built-in features like automated backups and scheduled tasks. However, users frequently report stability issues after updates and conflicts with default game configurations.

Crafty Controller

Crafty Controller represents a modern take on game server management with a focus on Minecraft servers. Built with Python and React, it offers a clean interface and Docker support for containerized deployments. The project shows promise with active development and responsive maintainers. Unfortunately, frequent breaking changes and incomplete features make it unsuitable for production environments where stability is crucial.

LinuxGSM

LinuxGSM brings professional server management to the command line with support for numerous popular game servers. Its bash-based scripts handle everything from installation to monitoring with remarkable efficiency. The tool excels in automated environments and CI/CD pipelines where GUI access isn't needed. System administrators appreciate its detailed logging, automated Steam updates, and comprehensive documentation that covers every supported game.

Multicraft

Multicraft pioneered web-based Minecraft server management and remains stable for its intended purpose. The panel includes FTP access, MySQL database management, and a simple API for automation. Its licensing model scales from hobby servers to large hosting operations. However, the interface hasn't been modernized since 2015, and the Minecraft-only focus limits its appeal when free alternatives like Pterodactyl offer broader game support with better features.

PufferPanel

PufferPanel provides a lightweight alternative to heavier control panels with its Go-based backend and simple template system. Setup takes minutes compared to Pterodactyl's more complex installation process. The panel supports Docker and traditional deployments with basic user management and server controls. While functional, it lacks the advanced features, extensive game support, and large community that make Pterodactyl the preferred open-source choice.

GameAP

GameAP offers a free, open-source solution for Linux game server management with support for popular titles. The Russian-developed panel includes basic features like server monitoring, file management, and user permissions. While functional for simple setups, the project suffers from outdated code, known security vulnerabilities, and limited English documentation. Most users should consider more actively maintained alternatives for better security and support.

Open Game Panel (OGP)

Open Game Panel pioneered many features now standard in modern control panels but hasn't kept pace with security updates. The panel supports Windows and Linux with a plugin system for extending functionality. While it includes remote server management and FTP access, critical security vulnerabilities and an abandoned codebase make it unsuitable for public-facing servers. The project appears to be abandoned, leaving it vulnerable to modern threats.

Which Control Panel Should You Choose?

For Personal Use: WindowsGSM provides the quickest setup for single servers on Windows. Perfect for small groups or testing.

For Communities: Pterodactyl offers professional features with a modern interface. Best for Linux users managing multiple servers. See our Pterodactyl installation guide to get started.

For Hosting Companies: TCAdmin remains the commercial standard with billing integration and multi-OS support.

For Automation: LinuxGSM excels at scripted deployments and CI/CD integration for technical users.

Don't want to set up your own panel? Check our game server hosting guide for managed solutions with panels included.