Linux Game Server Panel for a VPS
CFTools Architect deploys and automates game servers on your own machines (VPS or dedicated), including installation, updates, configuration, and backups.
Quick answer
CFTools Architect is a game server panel for a Linux VPS or dedicated server you control. Install the Architect Agent as root on that machine. The Agent then deploys, updates, configures, and backs up game servers there. You do not install a separate web server, database, or container runtime to operate the panel. Supported systems are Debian 11, Debian 12, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. One agent equals one machine and can run unlimited game servers on it. Some hosts need a DNS or firewall change before Steam downloads work. DayZ on Linux is a separate case: as of 1.28 the Linux dedicated server is unstable, and Architect does not install its extra packages.
The Agent is what you install
On Linux, the Architect Agent is the service on the game server host. Run the installer as root. Pair Architect Manager to that Agent from the computer you administer from. Manager is the desktop console. The game servers run on the VPS where the Agent is installed.
Supported Linux systems
The Agent supports Debian 11, Debian 12, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. Minimum host resources for the Agent itself are 1 CPU core at 2.0 GHz, 500 MiB free RAM, and 1 GiB free disk. Each game server needs more CPU, RAM, and disk on top of that. Full administrative privileges and a persistent connection to the licensing server are required.
- Debian 11 and Debian 12
- Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
- Game server disk, CPU, and RAM are separate from the Agent minimum
Provider notes and DayZ on Linux
Some hosting providers need a DNS or firewall change before title and mod downloads from Steam succeed. Those cases are listed per provider. DayZ is the title with an explicit Linux caveat: as of 1.28 the Linux dedicated server remains unstable and error prone. On Debian you install lib32gcc-s1 yourself. Architect does not install that package. Prefer the DayZ title guide before you pick Linux for a public DayZ server.
- Check provider notes if Steam downloads fail
- DayZ Linux: extra packages are your step, not Architect's
- ARK: Survival Ascended dedicated servers are Windows only
Related
Quick answers
How do I install CFTools Architect on a Linux VPS?
Run the Architect Agent installer as root on the VPS. Then pair Architect Manager to that Agent. The install page has the Linux command and the evaluation license used during beta.
Which Linux distributions does Architect support?
Debian 11, Debian 12, Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
Do I need Docker, a database, or a separate web panel?
No. The Architect Agent is the service on the host. Architect Manager is the desktop console you pair to it. You do not set up a separate web server or database for the panel.
Can I host DayZ on a Linux VPS with Architect?
As of DayZ 1.28 the Linux dedicated server remains unstable and error prone. Architect does not install the extra Linux packages. On Debian those include lib32gcc-s1. Windows is the path where Architect installs DayZ requirements for you.
Why do Steam downloads fail on some VPS providers?
Some providers block or mis-resolve traffic to Steam. The hosting-provider notes list the DNS or firewall change those hosts need. If your provider is not listed, no special case is assumed.