GTA 6 Private Servers
Private servers are by far the simplest type of GTA server. Few players, limited scripting, little to no moderation. All you need is a box friends can connect to reliably. Here's how to do it on the cheap.
What makes a private server
- A small, friends-only player list (typically 5 to 20 players).
- Password or IP whitelist instead of a public application process.
- Vanilla content, or only light mods.
- No large staff team required.
Hardware profile
For a 16-slot private server:
- 4 vCPU.
- 8 GB RAM.
- NVMe storage.
- Any good host with reasonable peering to your friend group.
Cost: $12-$25/month will do. If you're spending more than that, it's overkill.
What you actually need
- A server with the whitelist turned on.
- A small Discord server for scheduling and voice chat.
- Backups - yes, even a private server needs them.
- Someone who knows how to reboot the server.
What you do not need
- Premium DDoS protection. No one DDoSes a 16-slot friends server.
- Dedicated hardware. Shared hosting does the job.
- Complex framework. Vanilla or lightly scripted servers are better than a full RP framework.
- Multiple regions. A single good one will do.
Related reading
Looking for the cheapest viable setup? See our 2026 cost breakdown. Want a sibling type to grow into? Check out RP servers. Looking for hosting? Our host reviews cover low-tier options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private GTA 6 server cost?
$12-$25/mo for a 16-slot box is sufficient. Anything higher is excessive for a friends-only server.
Do I need DDoS protection on a private GTA 6 server?
Not particularly. No one is attacking a 16-slot friends server. Put that money towards content or maybe a slightly better region.
Can I run a private GTA 6 server for 10 friends cheaply?
Yes. A 4-vCPU VPS with 8 GB RAM from any decent host costing $12-$20/month will handle 10-16 friends just fine. Whitelist in, vanilla or lightly modded, no drama.
