GTA 6 Private Servers
Private servers are the easiest GTA server category. Small player counts, light scripting, minimal moderation. You just need a stable box your friends can connect to. Here is how to do it cheaply.
What makes a private server
- Limited player list (usually 5 to 20 friends).
- Password or IP whitelist rather than a public application process.
- Vanilla or lightly modded content.
- No need for a large staff team.
Hardware profile
For 16 slots of private play:
- 4 vCPU.
- 8 GB RAM.
- NVMe storage.
- Any reputable host with decent peering to your friend group.
Budget: $12 to $25 per month is enough. Anything more is overkill.
What you actually need
- A server with whitelist enabled.
- A small Discord for scheduling and voice.
- Backups, even for a private server.
- One admin who knows how to restart things.
What you do not need
- Premium DDoS. Nobody is attacking a 16-slot friend server.
- Dedicated hardware. Shared is fine.
- Complex framework. Vanilla or light scripting beats a full RP framework.
- Multiple regions. One good region is enough.
Related reading
For the cheapest viable setup, see our 2026 cost breakdown. For sibling types if you want to grow, check RP servers. For hosting, our host reviews cover low-tier options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private GTA 6 server cost?
$12 to $25 per month for a 16-slot box is enough. Anything more is overkill for a friends-only server.
Do I need DDoS protection on a private GTA 6 server?
Not really. Nobody is attacking a 16-slot friends server. Save that money for content or 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 reputable host at $12 to $20 per month handles 10 to 16 friends comfortably. Whitelist in, vanilla or lightly modded, no drama.
