Flameborn GPortal vs self-hosting: which Enshrouded server?
An honest comparison — and how to rent a server in three steps.
You can run an Enshrouded server yourself for free, or rent one. This page compares both honestly so you can pick what fits your group, then shows how renting works. New here? Start with the overview.
Side by side
Self-hosting wins on price; a host wins on convenience and uptime.
| Self-hosting | GPortal | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | A PC or VPS to provide | None — a subscription |
| Setup | SteamCMD + config (technical) | Online in ~3 min, web panel |
| Availability | Depends on your PC being on | 24/7 |
| Network | Port forwarding required | Handled — zero config |
| Mods | Manual install | Built-in mod loader |
| Backups | You manage them | Included |
| Support | On your own | Host support |
Why GPortal
- Official Enshrouded host — partnered with Keen Games.
- Up in minutes — no SteamCMD, a clear web control panel instead of editing JSON.
- Solid by default — NVMe hardware, automatic backups, DDoS protection, automatic game updates.
- Mods made easy — the mod loader is integrated in the panel.
Renting in three steps
- Pick your slots (up to 16) and duration.
- Pay — your server is provisioned in a few minutes.
- Set the name, password and mods in the panel, then share the address with your friends.
Honest limits
A host isn't always the cheapest option, and latency depends on the datacenter region (Europe-centric) — pick the region closest to your group. If you enjoy tinkering and your PC can stay on, self-hosting is a perfectly good free route.
GPortal FAQ
How many slots should I take?
One slot per simultaneous player. Enshrouded caps a server at 16 players, so size it to your group with a little headroom.
Can I change the duration later?
Hosts bill per period (a few days up to several months). Pick a short period to try it, then extend if your group sticks around.
Are mods supported?
Yes — GPortal integrates the community mod loader directly in the control panel.